Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to monitor biodiversity in a given area, and record and analyse findings.
This unit applies to natural area managers and those seeking information on natural systems or areas. These individuals take limited responsibility in known or changing contexts within established guidelines.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
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. Select monitoring techniques | 1.1 Select monitoring operations to obtain required data described in monitoring plan 1.2 Assess range of likely operating conditions, hazards and difficult or sensitive environments for impact on monitoring 1.3 Consider alternative land, sea and air operations to collect data 1.4 Trial operations to test monitoring scheme for reliability, timeline and safety |
2. Prepare equipment and resources | 2.1 Obtain appropriate certificates, licenses and authorisations 2.2 Source equipment required for monitoring 2.3 Transport equipment and personnel to monitoring sites 2.4 Install and protect equipment from weather conditions 2.5 Test equipment and monitoring procedures in field conditions 2.6 Ensure equipment does not have lasting detrimental impacts on the environment 2.7 Develop systems to capture, maintain and analyse data |
3. Monitor biodiversity | 3.1 Make observations according to monitoring plan 3.2 Record data to monitoring plan and database requirements 3.3 Record location and times of observations |
4. Analyse data | 4.1 Determine presence of ecosystems and flora, fauna and microorganism populations within specified area 4.2 Identify threats to specified area 4.3 Examine records of monitored data for consistency and accuracy within requirements of the monitoring plan 4.4 Determine whether the observations and measurements are addressing factors and issues consistent with the monitoring plan 4.5 Adjust monitoring techniques to overcome any deficiency or report need for adjustment to monitoring plan |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
use monitoring techniques suitable for the environment and species
install and use monitoring equipment
develop systems to capture, maintain and analyse data
make observations and record data on species diversity and abundance
analyse data
ensure the monitoring process is correctly targeted and implemented
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
ecosystems
plant and animal classification
monitoring systems for flora, fauna and microorganism populations
accepted scientific processes for monitoring biodiversity
set up and use of monitoring equipment
data recording and analysis techniques
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Lands, Parks and Wildlife (LPW)