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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Organise resources for installation work
   • Identify the construction site and construction method for the permaculture water system according to the permaculture plan
   • Select materials, tools, equipment and machinery, water storage, movement and filtering systems according to the permaculture design requirements
   • Check parts and equipment delivered to the site according to system drawings and specifications on the permaculture plan
   • Check water supply to ensure that it is compatible with system specifications
   • Carry out pre-operational and safety checks on tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturer’s specifications
   • Select, use and maintain suitable safety and personal protective equipment
2. Set out and prepare site
   • Measure and mark out permaculture water system lines or lay out in accordance with the permaculture plan
   • Dig trenches, where required, at the specified depth without damage to services, facilities, features and established plants
   • Ensure that equipment operation and work practices conform with OHS requirements
   • Observe any regulations and legislative requirements relevant to the situation
   • Consider the needs of other stakeholders while setting out and preparing the site for permaculture water systems
3. Install permaculture water systems
   • Interpret the permaculture plan and, where applicable, supervise and monitor work by contractor
   • Assemble and connect parts of irrigation systems, where used, according to manufacturer’s specifications and the permaculture plan
   • Install and adjust pump fittings and valves, where used according to manufacturer’s specifications and the permaculture plan
   • Maintain a clean and safe work area while installation work is carried out
   • Check that works can be carried out without a licensed plumber and direct work to licensed individuals where required.
4. Complete installation work
   • Finish off earthworks to permaculture plan specifications
   • Check the system configuration and capacity matches the installation plan
   • Remove or dispose of waste material from the site, and restore site to original state in an environmentally aware and safe manner
   • Clean, maintain and store tools, equipment and machinery
5. Commission permaculture water systems
   • Prime, start up and flush irrigation and pump systems, where installed, in accordance with the operation manual
   • Identify and correct any operating faults according to operations manual
   • Test, calibrate and monitor equipment, where used, according to manufacturer’s specifications
   • Record or report work outcomes, where appropriate
6. Monitor and maintain permaculture water systems
   • Regularly check permaculture water systems and monitor for optimum performance
   • Carry out routine maintenance procedures on permaculture water systems
   • Carry out repairs on permaculture water systems as required
   • Install erosion and sediment control measures, if required, in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation and the permaculture plan

Range Statement

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Performance Evidence

The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.

The candidate must provide evidence that they can:

organise resources for installation work

set out and prepare site

install permaculture water systems materials and components, excluding works requiring a licensed plumber.

commission a permaculture water system

monitor and maintain permaculture water systems

communicate with work team members, supervisors, contractors and consultants

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:

permaculture practices regarding water including natural flows, rainwater and wastewater, storage, movement and retention of water in the system

permaculture water systems, such as:

swales

contour banks

terraces

mulch-pit paths

diversion channels and other passive installations

mains pressure systems

low pressure or gravity systems

below-ground systems

above-ground systems

spray, dripper and capillary irrigation systems

water tanks

guttering and first-flush diversion system

water supply components, such as:

mains

dam

bore

windmill

tank

channel

understanding of contours

installation methods and techniques for permaculture water systems

components of permaculture water systems

characteristics and operation of joints, valves and sprinkler components

operation of pumps and water flow rates

behaviour of water on varying terrain and soil types

soil water retention testing techniques

water quality and water filtration techniques

calculations for installing permaculture water systems

soil characteristics

regulations and legislative requirements, such as:

permits for pruning or removal of large trees

connecting to water systems

licences for operating specialised machinery, such as chainsaws, skid steer loaders and forklifts

setting up traffic and pedestrian barriers

digging near services (phone, gas, power, water, sewerage and drains)

installing dams or diverting water in catchments

installing tanks

planning acts and codes

earth movement and digging guidelines and legislation

environmental legislation

land restoration codes

water conservation guidelines and legislation

soil movement regulations

habitat and wildlife protection legislation

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