Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify amphibians and their behavioural and physical needs and provide daily care requirements.
This unit applies to individuals working in the animal care industry where it may be necessary to care for commonly kept amphibians. This may include work in animal shelters or rehabilitation organisations, pet shops, zoos or similar workplaces. In some cases, animals may have been rescued from the wild, and successful rehabilitation is required to restore animal health and wellbeing before releasing back to their natural environment.
The unit applies to individuals who work under broad supervision and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable problems.
Regulatory requirements apply to this unit but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.
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. Identify amphibians | 1.1 Define the profile of amphibians commonly held in the facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics 1.2 Identify external features using industry terminology 1.3 Classify amphibians using industry terminology 1.4 Define, interpret and document colours, markings and other identifying features |
2. Identify and evaluate behavioural and housing needs | 2.1 Monitor water quality and make adjustments as required to maintain optimum water quality appropriate for the species being housed, as directed by supervisor 2.2 Identify indicators of animal comfort and normal behaviour, and recognise signs of distressed amphibians and report to supervisor 2.3 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities 2.4 Evaluate current animal housing design to ensure animal welfare needs are met 2.5 Implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific species of amphibian |
3. Approach and handle amphibians | 3.1 Identify WHS hazards associated with handling and restraining amphibians, and implement treatments to minimise risks 3.2 Select and use appropriate equipment to catch and handle amphibian 3.3 Approach amphibian safely 3.4 Handle amphibians using approved animal welfare procedures |
4. Assist with health care needs | 4.1 Identify signs of health in amphibian 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor 4.3 Implement general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures according to level of job responsibility 4.4 Identify options for health enrichment activities and implement as directed by supervisor |
5. Feed amphibians | 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to amphibian-specific feeding routines and diets 5.2 Identify preferred food source and assess samples for quality and suitability 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options 5.4 Prepare food and food supplements according to dietary needs 5.5 Distribute food and water according to schedule/feeding plan or animal requirements |
6. Maintain records | 6.1 Complete feed and treatment records noting food consumption, health and care activities 6.2 Report abnormalities to supervisor 6.3 Complete documentation relevant to licences and transport, where required |
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 product labels accurately |
Get the work done | Comply with relevant legislation requirements relating to amphibians Use problem-solving skills to prioritise daily tasks |
Sectors
Species Specific (SPE)