Application
This unit describes the skills required to develop and review the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems, including system performance analysis, customer liaison and planning.
This unit applies to those working as managers in water organisations with responsibility for the management of the irrigation system.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work autonomously, with supervision responsibility, performing sophisticated tasks in a range of contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Plan and prepare for management of the irrigation system | 1.1 Determine and interpret water quantity and quality requirements including release and flow rates. 1.2 Access and interpret historic system capacity information. 1.3 Identify and access legislative, organisational and environmental requirements and system constraints that impact on the delivery of irrigation water. |
2. Develop an irrigation system management plan | 2.1 Identify and interpret irrigation system management requirements. 2.2 Identify and validate customer requirements for irrigated culture. 2.3 Consult stakeholders, or their representatives, and obtain input for the management plan. 2.4 Develop and record an irrigation system management plan. |
3. Review and refine the irrigation system management plan | 3.1 Monitor outcomes of the operations and maintenance evaluations and incorporate into the system management review. 3.2 Review objectives of the management and implementation plans. 3.3 Make recommendations for changes to plan objectives and operational and maintenance procedures. 3.4 Provide advice and guidance to stakeholders. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
interpreting and applying legislation and policies
coordinating measuring and testing activities
conducting investigations
assessing environmental impacts
developing and reviewing the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems
gathering, interpreting and synthesising information including historical system capacity data, current legislation and standards, stakeholder views and monitoring results to underpin the sound development of the irrigation system management plan
consulting widely and effectively
developing effective irrigation system management plans that address the water organisation’s objectives and requirements
using data from monitoring arrangements to track the performance of the irrigation system management plan and inform the review of the plan
preparing reports and recommendations for changes to the objectives of the management plan and its implementation
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
relevant legislation, policies and procedures
measuring and testing procedures
investigation procedures
customer expectations and requirements
Assessment Conditions
Competency should be assessed in an actual workplace or in a simulated environment, with access to equipment and infrastructure appropriate to the outcome. Competency should be demonstrated over time to ensure the candidate is assessed across a variety of situations.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website
Competency Field
Irrigation