MSS024013
Work and communicate effectively as an environmental technician


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively within Australia’s framework for environmental management and the culture of the organisation; safely perform environmental technical services and interact effectively with a diverse range of people in many industry and community settings.

This unit applies to the induction of environmental technicians into an organisation working in a range of industry sectors, including environmental services; environmental compliance, auditing and inspection; groundwater and clean water; water treatment, storm and wastewater management; solid and hazardous waste management, and site remediation; management of contaminated sites; geotechnical services and civil engineering; and natural resource management.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Work in accordance with organisation’s agreements and legislative requirements

1.1

Identify organisation’s business goals, ethics, products and environmental services relevant to role

1.2

Follow environmental management requirements, including sustainable energy principles and work practices relevant to role

1.3

Read and follow organisation’s policy and procedures relating to employment, security, confidentiality and reporting lines

1.4

Read and follow work health and safety (WHS) and regulatory requirements, codes of practice, standards, hazards and risks, and control measures relevant to environmental technical services provided

2

Provide environmental technical services

2.1

Identify workplace roles and responsibilities of personnel working within the environmental function

2.2

Identify typical tasks and calendar of events in work area

2.3

Recognise and locate the equipment and resources required for everyday work

2.4

Read and follow work instructions to perform environmental technical tasks correctly, safely and efficiently

2.5

Seek clarification on work instructions

2.6

Maintain own work area, equipment and materials in a safe and organised manner according to workplace procedures

3

Organise daily work efficiently

3.1

Assess and prioritise workload according to level of responsibility

3.2

Advise supervisor if additional resources or support are required to improve performance

3.3

Undertake duties in a positive manner to enhance workplace cooperation and efficiency

4

Communicate and liaise effectively with customers, contractors and stakeholders

4.1

Listen actively and use appropriate language when communicating with other people

4.2

Respond appropriately to verbal and written messages

4.3

Record and convey information so that it is clearly understood

4.4

Respect the values, concerns and diverse views of people involved in, or impacted by, organisation’s activities

4.5

Resolve conflict through meaningful negotiation and compromise

4.6

Redirect inquiries or disputes beyond own area of responsibility to relevant personnel for action

4.7

Adhere to site agreements and protocols to maintain credibility and trust

5

Accept responsibility for quality of own work

5.1

Monitor and adjust work practices to ensure that the quality of outputs is maintained

5.2

Identify and report opportunities for improvements in procedures, processes and equipment in work area

6

Identify own learning needs

6.1

Identify career options and training opportunities in the organisation

6.2

Consult appropriate personnel to identify own learning needs for future work requirements and career options

Foundation Skills

This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Sectors

Environmental


Competency Field

Induction