Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to install permaculture structures and features. These structures and features may include fences, trellises, animal housing, sheds, pergolas, appropriate technologies and other constructed features.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures. Manufacturer’s specifications are observed and operating instructions are followed when using tools and equipment.
This unit applies to individuals who take responsibility for their own work and for the quality of the work of others. They use discretion and judgement in the selection, allocation and use of available resources.
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. Plan and prepare for structural work | 1.1 Interpret plans and clarify specifications with the manager, client or owner 1.2 Check the quantity and quality of materials to ensure they conform to permaculture design drawings and specifications 1.3 Select and check tools and equipment 1.4 Identify work health and safety hazards, assess risks, implement controls and take appropriate action 1.5 Identify environmental implications of installing permaculture structures |
2. Set out the site for the structure | 2.1 Determine the location of services from site plans and from local knowledge 2.2 Mark out the position of the structure or feature using permaculture design drawings and specifications 2.3 Excavate and prepare any footings or post holes appropriate to the type of structure to be installed |
3. Prepare and cut materials | 3.1 Lay out materials ready for assembly 3.2 Mark out the length of materials and the positions of joins according to designated specifications in the permaculture design drawings 3.3 Select, use and maintain cutting and other tools 3.4 Cut and join materials in preparation for assembly |
4. Assemble and erect structure | 4.1 Assemble materials into position and fix into place 4.2 Finish structure to ensure all materials are secure and complete 4.3 Apply any required coatings |
5. Check quality of work and clean-up site | 5.1 Inspect quality of finished works and ensure the standard of the finished structure or feature is appropriate to the permaculture design drawings and specifications 5.2 Clean up debris from structure and site 5.3 Dispose of waste material 5.4 Store or recycle unused materials for future re-use 5.5 Clean and store tools and equipment |
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:
interpret permaculture design drawings and specifications
measure and mark lengths of materials accurately
join and cut materials using different techniques and methods
install and check permaculture structure
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles regarding structures and the built environment
Permaculture design drawings and specifications, such as:
Permaculture design including construction detail drawings
measured drawing of structure in accordance with permaculture principles
measuring principles and techniques
typical permaculture structures, such as:
garden structures and features
fences and trellising
animal housing and shelters
netting structures and protective devices for plants
paving and landscaping
composting and worm-farming structures
retaining walls, observing relevant regulatory conditions
sheds or small outbuildings, observing relevant regulatory conditions)
components of houses or other buildings, observing relevant regulatory conditions
the correct use of hand and power tools and other work health and safety requirements associated with installing structures and features
comparative environmental implications associated with excavation and construction activity
safe lifting and transporting techniques
appropriate use of personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE)
appropriate use and installation of safety signs and barriers
site access points
implication of alteration to water flow during and after construction
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also hold a nationally accredited Certificate III (or higher) in Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)