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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Confirm decision-making process with manager
  2. Identify information needs, sources and collection methods
  3. Engage interested parties to inform decision making
  4. Gather and analyse information needed for decision making
  5. Make decisions and/or provide recommendations
  6. Communicate information and decisions
  7. Review contribution to decision-making process

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

federal legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Australian Heritage Council Act, Native Title Act and National Environmental Protection Measures

state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use, acquisition, planning and protection; environmental protection; cultural/heritage protection; vegetation management; nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection; water and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites; fisheries, forestry and mining operations

legislation, standards and codes of practice for work health and safety (WHS), and handling of dangerous goods

Australian and international standards covering environmental management, such as AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set

registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements

site/project/program information, such as applicable legislative requirements and approval requirements, community engagement, management of stakeholder relations and communication protocols, site processes, work schedules, emergency preparedness and response procedures, job hazard analyses, safe work procedures and work method statements

workplace environmental management plans and monitoring/inspection procedures and management actions to prevent/control environmental impacts or risks for specific sites, projects and/or programs (e.g. sampling, monitoring, construction and mining)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); work schedules; recording and reporting procedures; equipment manuals and warranties; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures.

Environmental issues and problems include one or more of:

modifying/developing/negotiating land use and other site agreements

identifying and addressing cultural heritage issues

managing site amenity and access issues

designing/conducting environmental monitoring baseline studies and social risk/impact assessments

managing expectations and addressing community concerns about impacts, community development and local employment opportunities

responding to community or stakeholder complaints

responding to environmental exceedances (e.g. noise, dust and water quality) and adverse audit findings

investigating/responding to environmental incidents or adverse audit findings

informing interested parties about changes to site/project operations

involving interested parties in site/project closure planning

developing a site rehabilitation program.

Information includes one or more of:

legislation, regulations, guidelines, standards, codes of practice, licence conditions and approval processes

environmental management case studies, research findings and models of good practice

workplace environmental management policies and procedures

site/project initial advice statements, risk/impact assessments and environmental management plans

records of site consultations with interested parties

site/project environmental reports (e.g. weekly and monthly monitoring)

environmental data sets, such as:

satellite imagery and remote sensing data

geophysical, geochemical, geological, hydrological and meteorological data

ecological data, such as distribution of vegetation, fauna and pests

social science data, such as demographic and census information

land use data, zoning and property classifications

historical records and photographs

community surveys

maps (road and topographical) and aerial photos

site utilities/services (e.g. water, sewer, electricity and gas).

Sources of information include one or more of:

government departments and agencies (e.g. environment, climate change, agriculture, mining and land use/planning)

utility authorities/companies (e.g. water, gas and electricity)

Land Title Office and Valuer General

local government records

Geoscience Australia

Australian Social Science Data Archive

companies providing environmental services

internet, library/archive collections, annual reports and community newsletters.

Information collection methods include one or more of:

accessing external publications, workplace files and reports

conducting internet searches

conducting interviews with workplace personnel, government representatives and interested parties

consulting with external experts

holding discussion groups, learning circles, workshops, reference groups and community consultative committees

conducting community/stakeholder surveys.

External expert opinion includes one or more of:

government regulators

environmental consultants, contractors

solicitors

environmental scientists, engineers and planners

professional groups and organisations

community leaders, tribal elders and traditional owners.

Strategies and activities to encourage effective participation in decision making include one or more of:

one-on-one informal or impromptu discussions

formal interviews

regular briefings

public meetings, focus groups and workshops

a site/project visitor centre, open days and site visits

hotline or 24 hour contact numbers to record issues or complaints

websites

direct mail or newsletters

links with community liaison or advisory groups

translation of key information into local languages.

WHS requirements include:

compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant.


Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include demonstration of:

making decisions and/or providing recommendations about environmental issues (within scope of job role) on at least two (2) different occasions

accessing, interpreting and applying relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, standards, environmental management plans, workplace procedures relating to community engagement, communication protocols and decision making

identifying and obtaining sufficient information to make valid decisions and/or sound recommendations

clearly explaining complex environmental management concepts, principles and procedures and legislative/regulatory requirements

listening actively, asking questions and clarifying issues to encourage participation, collect feedback and resolve differences of opinion

adapting communication style, language and/or media to suit audience

consulting effectively with interested parties and keeping them informed about the decision-making process

analysing information rigorously to provide logical, evidence-based recommendations and/or decisions

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

providing reliable and timely reports/presentations/briefings to clients and confirming their understanding

reviewing information collection strategies, engagement activities and own contribution to decision-making process to identify opportunities for improvement.


Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

environmental protection/management terminology, concepts and principles relevant to job role

site/project/program characteristics, nature of activities conducted, environmental management values, environmental issues, risks and impacts

environmental legislative/regulatory requirements, approvals, permits, licences and responsibilities relevant to site/project/program

risk/impact assessments, workplace environmental management plans, procedures, control measures and management actions for site/project/program

workplace procedures for engaging interested parties, managing stakeholder relations, responding to complaints and requests for information, and record management and reporting

good practice models for community engagement and environmental decision making

techniques covering interpersonal communication, negotiating, lobbying, influencing, problem-solving and conflict resolution

relevant hazards, health, safety and workplace emergency response procedures.