List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor | 1.1 | Clarify the scope and objectives of the assessment, constraints, stormwater components involved and stormwater management techniques already in use. |
| 1.2 | Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities. |
| 1.3 | Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement. |
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2 | Source and assess available stormwater system data | 2.1 | Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy. |
| 2.2 | Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations. |
| 2.3 | Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures. |
| 2.4 | Use available data to identify (sub)catchment boundaries and modifications, ‘hydrologic range’, major land use categories, areas of potential pollution and environmental issues relevant to the study. |
| 2.5 | Locate and obtain existing stormwater system information and review its relevance and accuracy. Identify any significant information gaps. |
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3 | Plan and organise assigned field activities | 3.1 | Confirm data collection points and data quality requirements. |
| 3.2 | Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences. |
| 3.3 | Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities. |
| 3.4 | Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose. |
| 3.5 | Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary. |
| 3.6 | Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel. |
| 3.7 | Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary. |
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4 | Safely collect global positioning system (GPS) and environmental data | 4.1 | Set up/optimise GPS equipment with correct datum and projection settings. |
| 4.2 | Set up measuring instruments on site and perform pre-use/calibration checks. |
| 4.3 | Operate GPS equipment/measuring instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications and workplace procedures. |
| 4.4 | Collect point positional data and attribute environmental data for each location in accordance with data collection plan. |
| 4.5 | Verify GPS/environmental data, identify atypical results and review procedures/troubleshoot equipment, as necessary. |
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5 | Perform field work | 5.1 | Visually inspect stormwater systems to determine the degree of erosion/sediment transport along drainage channels. |
| 5.2 | Assess the apparent effectiveness of current stormwater control devices. |
| 5.3 | Assess the state of riparian vegetation associated with earth formed channels, ponds and basins. |
| 5.4 | Assess the diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate fauna in stormwater channels and receiving bodies. |
| 5.5 | Collect representative water, soil and/or sediment samples using specified sampling methods and equipment. |
| 5.6 | Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment. |
| 5.7 | Identify litter generation areas and visually inspect the effectiveness of gross pollutant traps. |
| 5.8 | Identify and promptly report any illegal discharge to the stormwater system. |
| 5.9 | Inspect the condition of flood mitigating structures along drainages. |
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6 | Finalise field work | 6.1 | Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base. |
| 6.2 | Ensure all samples and data are stored safely. |
| 6.3 | Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis. |
| 6.4 | Clean and test equipment before storage. |
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7 | Report current stormwater system conditions | 7.1 | Review field measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data. |
| 7.2 | Analyse data relating to catchment characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required. |
| 7.3 | Identify environmental issues that may impact on current stormwater management objectives/practices. |
| 7.4 | Report findings using a format and style that suits the intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines. |
| 7.5 | Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines. |
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8 | Maintain a safe work environment | 8.1 | Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others. |
| 8.2 | Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste. |
| 8.3 | Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures. |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
planning and safely conducting surveys/inspections/audits of at least two (2) stormwater systems and reporting current system conditions
accurately interpreting relevant regulations, standards, guidelines, work instructions, workplace procedures, guidelines and manuals
locating and evaluating stormwater system information and available environmental data sets
planning and organising resources for efficient stormwater inspection, sampling and/or in-situ measurements
communicating effectively with others, such as staff, members of the public, clients, council members and consultants
making objective observations of stormwater systems based on clear criteria
setting up, checking and operating sampling/measuring equipment in accordance with manuals and/or workplace procedures
following specified sampling methods/procedures to ensure that samples are representative, viable and traceable
following specified test methods to obtain reliable in-situ measurements
accurately recording and/or storing field data
assessing quality of field data, recognising anomalies, identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults
seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility
providing detailed descriptions of catchment characteristics, existing conditions, management values, environmental issues and possible causes
completing all required documentation for surveys/inspections in the required format and timeframe
transporting, cleaning, maintaining and storing field equipment in accordance with workplace procedures
following procedures for working safely and minimising environmental impacts and waste.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
terminology and principles of stormwater management
basic design of stormwater transport systems, constructed wetlands and flood mitigation structures
sources of stormwater system information
specific legislation, policies and guidelines relevant to stormwater survey, inspection and audit activities
fundamental principles of ecology and assessment of site environmental indicators
environmental factors that impact on soils, water quality, population and diversity of flora and fauna
specified procedures/methods and equipment for collecting soil, water and (micro) biological samples
procedures and equipment for maintaining, storing and transporting samples/specimens to ensure their wellbeing, viability and integrity
procedures and equipment for basic water flow and quality measurements
calculation of simple flow rates, scientific quantities, estimated uncertainties and unit conversion factors
workplace procedures for recording field data and reporting requirements
protocols for the confidentiality and security of information and communicating with the community and media
relevant hazards, health, safety and environment requirements.
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace, or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of the accuracy and completeness of field data and records prepared by the candidate
review of stormwater survey/inspection reports, including details of: catchment characteristics, existing conditions, management values, environmental issues and possible causes
feedback from supervisors that the candidate can plan and safely conduct stormwater surveys/inspections to assess current system conditions using available resources within the agreed timeframe
oral and/or written questions to assess the candidate’s understanding of stormwater management, design of stormwater transport systems, constructed wetlands and flood mitigation structures, and stormwater assessment techniques.
Access is required to all instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures, and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
access to natural and constructed drainage systems and combinations of these
relevant sampling equipment, field instruments and materials
documentation, including stormwater system information, environmental data sets, user manuals, workplace safety procedures and test/survey methods.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with an organisation providing environmental monitoring, management or technology related services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.