This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect and analyse arboricultural information from a site and make determinations and recommendations for inclusion in arborist reports, using word processing software to meet the standard expected of arboricultural professionals.

The unit applies to individuals who work in arboriculture and analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate deep knowledge in a specific technical area. They have accountability for the work of others and analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.

Legislation, regulations and by-laws relating to the treatment and removal of trees apply in some states and territories.

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has prepared at least one arborist report, including:

reviewed client brief and determined report outcomes

determined evidentiary data records

determined statutory requirements for report

established scope and assumptions for report

determined arboricultural content and textual and visual content for report

confirmed report parameters with client

researched content and information for report

assessed primary and secondary sources, and evaluated the validity and reliability of researched material

inspected site and recorded details and observations, which must include:

location of site and trees under consideration

matters relevant to scope of report

recorded visual evidence using image capture equipment

obtained and recorded information from test results

collated observations, test results, research material and inspection data into a body of evidentiary data

stored and backed up data according to data management procedures

prepared report format and layout according to workplace style guide and industry standards, which must include:

used a word processor and its tools and functions to produce the report

used custom templates and logos

obtained permission for copyrighted materials intended for the report

created and populated tables and charts

used images and graphics to enhance report presentation and content

inserted document elements for titles, page numbers, table of content, glossary of terms, headers and footers, watermarks for drafts, endnotes or footnotes and acknowledged references

incorporated information and evidentiary data into formatted report.

There must also be evidence that the individual has:

assessed body of evidentiary data and determined value of conflicting evidence

developed an informed decision from considered viewpoints

formulated a conclusive determination and informed client

developed recommendations based on determination

prepared a draft document based on brief, method, observation, conclusion and recommendations

sought feedback on report from at least two professional colleagues and edited report based on feedback

drafted final sections of report

reviewed and developed summary of report content

reviewed and edited final report ready for distribution

delivered final report to client and stakeholders according to client brief.

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

consulting with clients and purpose of a client brief

arborist reports and their development and context, including:

evidentiary data

statutory reporting

limits and assumptions of arborist reports

arboricultural content in reports

investigation and researching valid data and information, including:

research design and methodology

valid and reliable data collection

sources of research material, including primary and secondary sources

methods of analysing data collected and compiling into logical data sets

balancing conflicting viewpoints

site inspections and gathering primary data

image capture equipment appropriate to arboricultural reports and visual evidence, including:

still photographic images

imaging equipment, including light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology

video recording

collation of observations, test results, research material and inspection data into a body of evidentiary data, including:

managing, storing and interrogating data

data collection procedures

storage, backup and retrieval systems for data

report for statutory, client and organisation purposes, including:

formats and presentation

requirements for specific document content

layout and arboriculture industry conventions

copyright, intellectual property and referencing when preparing reports and using material as inclusions in reports

developing draft report structure

use of active and passive voice in reports and presentations

summarising the report

computer software for preparing and organising data sets

word processors and computer software used for creating and editing documents

corporate style guides and their purpose for formal reports, including:

custom document templates

purpose and use of corporate logos

creating and formatting tables

generating charts and graphics

elements of reports, including, title, page numbers, table of contents, footers and headers and watermarks

quality document outcomes, including:

correct use of language

logical organisation and development of content

spelling, grammar and punctuation

arborist terminology and jargon

industry expectations and standards

decision-making processes, including:

consideration of different viewpoints in making informed decisions

formulating conclusions and determinations.

Assessment of the skills in this unit of competency must take place under the following conditions:

physical conditions:

access to an arboriculture work site with trees, or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

computer with word processing software

internet connection

digital image capture device

specifications:

client and/or project brief and instructions for report outcome

codes of practice relevant to tree works and use of arboriculture equipment

preferred industry practices (as outlined in the Companion Volume) related to project brief

legislation and regulations relevant to arboriculture and project brief

relationships:

clients and stakeholders.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards. In particular, assessors must have:

arboriculture vocational competencies at least to the level being assessed

current arboriculture industry skills directly relevant to the unit of competency being assessed.

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.

Arboriculture (ARB)