Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to develop a conservation earthworks plan to control runoff to prevent soil erosion, safely store and distribute water, and rehabilitate eroded or disturbed areas.
This unit applies to individuals who take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. This includes analysing, designing and communicating solutions to sometimes complex 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. Establish client needs | 1.1 Consult with land holder regarding the proposed land use 1.2 Review and discuss the catchment characteristics with consideration of the proposed land use 1.3 Explain to the landholder how legislation and policies impact on the project 1.4 Determine budget constraints for the project 1.5 Discuss the possible strategies with the landholder 1.6 Confirm the proposed land use and agreed strategy with landholder in writing |
2. Develop the strategy to utilise earthworks | 2.1 Confirm property ownership and boundary by checking maps and titles 2.2 Determine profile of catchment from survey and aerial photographs 2.3 Develop earthworks concept that is consistent with industry principles and selection criteria 2.4 Establish final water disposal points in line with proposed strategy 2.5 Test proposed location of structures by survey and discuss with landholder 2.6 Document preferred strategy |
3. Prepare a detailed works plan | 3.1 Apply selection criteria for earthwork structures or measures that align with industry standards 3.2 Cost project and develop schedule for plan 3.3 Communicate design of relevant structures with specific details to qualified designer 3.4 Prepare and present plan and relevant documentation |
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:
produce a plan of conservation earthworks that meets client needs, conforms to industry standards and complies with legislation and policy requirements
establish client needs through consultation
carry out site investigations using surveys, aerial photographs and maps
negotiate agreed project outcomes
explain legislation and policies that may impact on the project to the landholder
develop a strategy to protect natural areas consistent with industry principles and that comply with regulatory requirements
develop the strategy to utilise earthworks consistent with industry principles and that comply with regulatory requirements
prepare detailed project costing that meets client’s budget
prepare a detailed works plan
communicate design requirements to designer to achieve desired outcomes
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
how relevant environmental, planning and groundwater legislation impacts on the development of conservation earthworks planning
environmental, planning and earthwork construction standards and Codes of Practice relevant to planning conservation earthworks projects
earthwork structures
erosion control and design principles
natural areas (particularly topsoil) protection and rehabilitation principles
soils and soil formation
levels and levelling survey plans and titles
earthmoving principles
total catchment issues
land use and land development strategies
environmental issues
how to manage peak water flows
subsurface and surface drainage principles and systems
limitations of design aids provided for industry
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
Soil and Water Conservation (SAW)