Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates 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 terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates. This may include aquariums, pet shops, zoos, animal technology facilities or similar workplaces. 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 terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates | 1.1 Define the profile of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates commonly held in facility, including habitat, nutrition, health and behavioural characteristics 1.2 Identify external features using industry terminology 1.3 Classify terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates 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 for freshwater species 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 2.3 Recognise signs of distressed terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates and report to supervisor 2.4 Identify industry standards and guidelines for housing design, environmental factors and appropriate stocking densities 2.5 Evaluate current animal housing design in relation to the welfare of animals kept and legislation requirements 2.6 Implement behavioural enrichment activities for specific species |
3. Catch, handle and restrain terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates | 3.1 Identify WHS associated with handling and restraining terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates, and implement methods to minimise risks 3.2 Approach, catch and restrain terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates in a way that minimises risks to animal and others using a range of approved animal welfare procedures |
4. Assist with health care needs | 4.1 Identify signs of good health in terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates 4.2 Report signs of disease or other conditions to supervisor 4.3 Identify general health maintenance and preventative treatment procedures and implement according to level of job responsibility 4.4 Identify options for health enrichment activities and implement as directed by supervisor |
5. Feed terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates | 5.1 Identify digestive system features and relate to species-specific feeding routines and diets 5.2 Identify preferred feed sources and assess samples for quality and suitability 5.3 Identify potential feeding hazards and implement risk control options 5.4 Prepare food in accordance with dietary needs 5.5 Distribute food according to schedule/feeding |
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 terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates Use problem-solving skills to prioritise daily tasks |
Sectors
Species specific (SPE)