Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to determine housing needs for particular animal species. It includes preparation, cleaning and routine tasks required to maintain the hygiene and appearance of an enclosure or exhibit.
This unit applies to wildlife animal keepers or carers who are required to take responsibility for their own work with limited responsibility for other workers and volunteers.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare housing appropriate to a particular species | 1.1 Identify behavioural and physical requirements of the species 1.2 Identify animal enclosures appropriate for specific species 1.3 Identify and assess enclosure furniture requirements for the species 1.4 Prepare animal housing for species-specific requirements |
2. Implement animal housing maintenance routines | 2.1 Identify enclosure maintenance activities and determine if they are daily, weekly or longer term tasks 2.2 Identify and follow procedures relating to the wellbeing of animals during maintenance activities 2.3 Follow enclosure and exhibit security and safety procedures 2.4 Maintain aesthetic qualities and furniture of enclosures and exhibits 2.5 Report areas requiring horticultural or maintenance attention 2.6 Establish responsibility levels for horticultural or maintenance tasks and work schedule timelines in consultation with supervisor |
3. Maintain enclosure hygiene and appearance | 3.1 Prepare, implement and review cleaning regime for a section 3.2 Clean enclosures, equipment and furniture with minimum disturbance to animals 3.3 Detect and report pests 3.4 Assist with environmentally safe and effective pest control 3.5 Maintain tools and equipment 3.6 Report and record enclosure and exhibit maintenance status |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Interpret information from everyday workplace documentation on captive animal housing and animal welfare |
Writing | Accurately complete reports and records on enclosure and exhibit maintenance status, and pests found in enclosures |
Oral communication | Use questioning and listening techniques to exchange and clarify information |
Numeracy | Collect and record numerical data in organisational information management systems Calculate correct quantities of routine workplace measures |
Get the work done | Problem-solve to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks |
Sectors
Captive Animals (CAN)