This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to review diagnostic testing models, analyse their performance, contextualise the test for a range of tree domains and execute a diagnostic test project.

The unit applies to individuals with highly specialised advanced theoretical and technical knowledge for professional work and research in arboriculture. They exercise advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills and demonstrate complete autonomy, judgement and adaptability in research and analysis for complex problems.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements are to this unit at the time of publication.

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

There must be evidence that the individual has contextualised diagnostic test results for each of the following five primary domains for trees:

anatomy

physiology

pathology

dynamics

edaphic environment.

There must also be evidence that the individual has:

conducted a literature review of peer-reviewed research and relevant case studies

operated diagnostic testing equipment

interpreted underpinning scientific principles of test processes

determined the diagnostic assumptions and limitations of the testing process for the selected diagnostic tool

analysed quantification, variance and tolerance requirements

investigated and verified calibration baselines for diagnostic equipment

verified calibration processes have been performed on test equipment

selected testing processes for each of five primary tree domains

selected diagnostic tools and contextualised the testing process for each domain

defined research method to be used

conduct a literature review for current research and science of each primary domain

established efficacy of the test for each primary domain

conducted a diagnostic test project

analysed test results for performance metrics of selected diagnostic tools

interpreted results against benchmark and anticipated ranges

confirmed predictive responses in terms of post-treatment to pre-treatment results

articulated meaning of results within context of primary domain

provided an informed prognosis

researched management options and lag time

formulated a report documenting management plans.

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:

conducting literature reviews for peer-reviewed documentation, scientific research and case studies

diagnostic testing processes and test equipment, and their purpose and functional operation, used for tree domains, including:

limitations of the testing process

assumptions and limitations of tools used in diagnostics

standardising test equipment and determining baselines and calibration

verifying efficacy of testing methodologies

primary tree domains and testing regimes and diagnostics used for each, including:

tree anatomy

tree physiology

tree pathology

tree dynamics

the edaphic environment of trees

developing scientific research projects and selecting a research method, including:

setting goals and outcomes for research

hypothesis testing

observational research

measurement of functional relationships

establishing performance metrics and normal anticipated ranges of test result

test results; their documentation and interpretation, including:

diagnostic test projects and processes

contextual understanding of results

statistical analysis of results

prognostics

use of diagnostic outcomes in the development of management plans.

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

physical conditions:

trees and forests or an environment that accurately represents workplace conditions

resources, equipment and materials:

computer with word processing and statistical analysis software

diagnostic tools for selected testing

access to diagnostic test equipment and operating instructions

specifications:

standard procedures and quality standards of performing diagnostics tests and analysis

reference materials, reports and scientific literature for reviews.

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)