This unit applies to working under limited supervision from others with checking only related to overall progress.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for the crop regulation program

1.1. The site and operational requirements of the crop regulation program are identified according to the site plan and enterprise work procedures.

1.2. Crop regulation materials are selected according to enterprise work procedures.

1.3. Services are located using site plans and in consultation with the supervisor.

1.4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards are identified, risks assessed, controls implemented and reported to the supervisor.

1.5. Suitable safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) are selected, used and maintained.

2. Prepare crop regulation equipment

2.1. Tools, equipment and machinery are selected according to enterprise work procedures.

2.2. Pre-operational and safety checks are carried out on tools, equipment and machinery according to manufacturers specifications and enterprise work procedures.

2.3. Tools, equipment and machinery are calibrated and adjusted according to manufacturer's guidelines and enterprise work procedures.

3. Implement the crop regulation program

3.1. Enterprise work team and contractors are identified and work tasks are co-ordinated in a sequential, timely and effective manner in consultation with the supervisor.

3.2. Work pattern is planned to cover the site in an efficient, sequential and co-ordinated manner according to enterprise work procedures.

3.3. Crop regulation tasks are undertaken according to OHS requirements and with due consideration of the environmental implications.

3.4. Crop regulation tasks are monitored and remedial action is undertaken where necessary to achieve program objectives.

3.5. A clean and safe work area is maintained throughout and on completion of work.

4. Complete crop regulation activities

4.1. Waste material is removed from the site and disposed of in an environmentally aware and safe manner according to enterprise work procedures.

4.2. Tools, equipment and machinery are cleaned, maintained and stored according to enterprise work procedures.

4.3. Work outcomes are recorded or reported to the supervisor according to enterprise work procedures.

Required skills

communicate orally and in writing with work team members, supervisors and contractors

utilise proforma recording, reporting and work procedure documents

interpret site plans and crop regulation specifications

measure quantities, calculate material requirements, area, volume, ratios and application rates, and calibrate machinery

co-ordinate work group, contractors and own activities

monitor enterprise plants for quality

minimise noise, dust, high activity vehicle traffic and water run-off to prevent nuisance-level environmental disturbance

use chemicals to label and MSDS directions

carry out thinning and pruning techniques

use interpersonal skills to work with and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

principles of thinning and pruning and the methods used to achieve crop regulation goals

effects on plant growth, habit and production levels of thinning and pruning operations in relation to the market goals of the enterprise

enterprise quality procedures and characteristics of a crop relative to varying market requirements

types of crop regulation materials

safe work procedures for use of machinery and equipment

environmental impacts of crop regulation and disposal of waste.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

prepare for crop regulation activities

co-ordinate work groups

use a range of methods to achieve crop regulation goals

assess the effects on plant growth, habit and production levels of thinning and pruning operations

record or report activities

store and maintain equipment and materials.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Crop regulation methods may include:

chemical and manual thinning

selective harvesting

training

summer and winter pruning

hedging, skirting, topping and trimming.

Unit sector

Production horticulture

This unit contains employability skills.