Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop, monitor and review behavioural management strategies for animals, which incorporate short-term and long-term objectives and require the involvement and cooperation of a range of staff within the facility or institution.
This unit applies to senior or more experienced keepers with extensive zoo keeping or related experience who supervise others and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to 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
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Analyse animal data profiles | 1.1 Analyse and collate animal behaviour data 1.2 Create individual animal profiles and compare against known normal behaviour patterns in captivity and in the wild |
2. Develop behavioural management strategies | 2.1 Conduct research and consult others to determine appropriate strategies for particular animals 2.2 Develop strategies incorporating animal welfare and WHS considerations 2.3 Finalise strategies and seek approval |
3. Monitor and review strategies | 3.1 Disseminate strategies to relevant staff, and implement action plans 3.2 Review short-term and long-term objectives on a regular basis according to workplace policies and procedures |
4. Communicate effectively with others on behavioural management strategies | 4.1 Contribute to animal behavioural management policy 4.2 Assist with training for keepers in animal behaviour strategies and enrichment programs 4.3 Maintain coordination of projects and communication with internal and external personnel 4.4 Prepare and present reports to supervisor according to workplace policies and procedures 4.5 Update animal husbandry manuals according to workplace policies and procedures |
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 |
Writing | Plan and develop reports using industry accepted terminology to describe health and behavioural signs and symptoms |
Oral communication | Use industry terminology to describe behavioural signs and symptoms, including desirable and undesirable features |
Sectors
Captive Animals (CAN)