Elements and Performance Criteria
- Identify terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates
- Define the profile of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates commonly held in facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics
- Identify external features using industry terminology
- Classify terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates using industry terminology
- Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features
- Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs
- Monitor water quality for freshwater species and make adjustments as required to maintain optimum water quality appropriate for the species being housed, as directed by supervisor
- Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour
- Recognise signs of distressed terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates and report to supervisor
- Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities
- Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements
- Implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific species
- Catch, handle and restrain terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates
- Identify WHS associated with handling and restraining terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates, and implement methods to minimise risks
- Approach, catch and restrain terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates in a way that minimises risks to animal and others using a range of approved animal welfare procedures
- Assist with health care needs
- Identify signs of good health in terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates
- Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor
- Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement according to level of job responsibility
- Identify options for health enrichment activities and implement as directed by supervisor
- Feed terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates
- Identify digestive system features and relate to species-specific feeding routines and diets
- Identify preferred feed sources and assess samples for quality and suitability
- Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options
- Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs
- Distribute food according to schedule/feeding
- Maintain records