Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide advice on agronomic products.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, work health and safety legislation and codes, and sustainability practices.
This unit applies to rural products merchandisers whose job role includes providing advice on agronomic products including fertilisers.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and provide and communicate solutions to a range of predictable and sometimes unpredictable problems.
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. Identify customer needs | 1.1 Use interpersonal skills to identify customer needs 1.2 Handle customer enquiries courteously and promptly in accordance with enterprise and legislative requirements 1.3 Match available products to customer needs and against ecological considerations 1.4 Research and update knowledge and understanding of agronomic products and related products from authoritative sources 1.5 Research local enterprise and district requirements for agronomic products |
2. Provide product advice | 2.1 Provide advice that addresses customer needs in a timely and professional manner and is in line with enterprise and legislative requirements 2.2 Exhibit or demonstrate products to customer in line with enterprise procedures and legislative requirements 2.3 Organise product trials of products when required 2.4 Suggest alternative and additional products and services 2.5 Address customers concerns and questions in line with enterprise requirements 2.6 Provide relevant safety information to the customer for recommended products |
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:
research sources of agronomic information to retain technical currency in all aspects of agronomy relevant to local district requirements
engage with and give advice to customers
ensure that the advice and product type are applicable and suitable for the purpose and growing environment of the client
encourage add on sales
represent the enterprise in a professional manner when dealing with customers
follow enterprise of work health and safety polices
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
customer service techniques
systems and procedures for the safe handling of products
enterprises business values, structure, products and services
industry terminology for products
requirements of local or specific customers
relevant requirements of work health and safety, industry, fair trading, trade practices, sales of goods, environment and public liability legislation
agronomic products including fertilizers and crop seeds and their uses
relevant components of State/Territory Acts relating to fertilisers and certified seeds
Assessment Conditions
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
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
Merchandising and Sales (MER)