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Evidence Guide: MSS024003 - Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSS024003 - Apply an understanding of environmental principles to a site

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Prepare for site inspection

  1. Obtain and use maps, photos and related documentation to gain a preliminary understanding of site features.
  2. Collect site-specific or regional data on expected flora, fauna, soils and climate.
  3. Review site history and previous environmental or ecological studies, if available.
  4. Review all emergency plans, risk assessments, and safety and environmental management requirements associated with the field activities.
  5. Review legislative and planning instruments applicable to current and future site usage.
  6. Confirm site access requirements and identify potential site hazards.
Obtain and use maps, photos and related documentation to gain a preliminary understanding of site features.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect site-specific or regional data on expected flora, fauna, soils and climate.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review site history and previous environmental or ecological studies, if available.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review all emergency plans, risk assessments, and safety and environmental management requirements associated with the field activities.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review legislative and planning instruments applicable to current and future site usage.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm site access requirements and identify potential site hazards.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct initial site survey

  1. Sketch, map and/or photograph the site.
  2. Observe and record the surface geology and geomorphology of the site.
  3. Observe and record hydrology of the site.
  4. Observe and record the major flora of the site.
  5. Observe and record evidence of site fauna.
  6. Observe and record infrastructure and other modifications to the site.
  7. Consider the potential for presence of cultural and indigenous heritage items and record, as necessary.
  8. Check for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities.
Sketch, map and/or photograph the site.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observe and record the surface geology and geomorphology of the site.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observe and record hydrology of the site.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observe and record the major flora of the site.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observe and record evidence of site fauna.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observe and record infrastructure and other modifications to the site.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consider the potential for presence of cultural and indigenous heritage items and record, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make an initial assessment of site condition

  1. Use geomorphological and hydrological observations to describe surface condition and infer potential future impacts.
  2. Make inferences on apparent ecological health of the site to plan for an initial ecological study of the site.
  3. Determine the physical, chemical and biological parameters that would need to be measured and/or sampled during subsequent ecological appraisal of the site.
Use geomorphological and hydrological observations to describe surface condition and infer potential future impacts.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make inferences on apparent ecological health of the site to plan for an initial ecological study of the site.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Determine the physical, chemical and biological parameters that would need to be measured and/or sampled during subsequent ecological appraisal of the site.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare for field study

  1. Identify and describe the biological and chemical components of interest, sampling areas and field techniques to be used.
  2. Identify, obtain and check required equipment and materials required for field study.
  3. Securely stow all field equipment in vehicle to prevent damage in transit.
  4. Safely transport all field equipment to site and prepare it for use.
Identify and describe the biological and chemical components of interest, sampling areas and field techniques to be used.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify, obtain and check required equipment and materials required for field study.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Securely stow all field equipment in vehicle to prevent damage in transit.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safely transport all field equipment to site and prepare it for use.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform a basic ecological field study of the site

  1. Perform ecological sampling for abundance and diversity parameters using the general techniques of transects and quadrats.
  2. Record appropriate descriptions of the habitat structure.
  3. Perform sampling for simple population, demographic and age structure parameters.
  4. Perform simple sampling and measurements on abiotic components.
  5. Perform simple targeted species sampling.
  6. Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy, codes of practice and accepted workplace procedures.
Perform ecological sampling for abundance and diversity parameters using the general techniques of transects and quadrats.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record appropriate descriptions of the habitat structure.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform sampling for simple population, demographic and age structure parameters.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform simple sampling and measurements on abiotic components.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform simple targeted species sampling.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy, codes of practice and accepted workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finalise field study

  1. Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.
  2. Rehabilitate sampling sites to render them safe and minimise environmental impacts.
  3. Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.
  4. Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.
  5. Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis, as necessary.
  6. Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.
Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rehabilitate sampling sites to render them safe and minimise environmental impacts.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process and present field data

  1. Summarise field data using simple calculations, graphs, tables and/or maps.
  2. Provide reports that include simple conclusions and interpretations based on raw or summarised data.
Summarise field data using simple calculations, graphs, tables and/or maps.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provide reports that include simple conclusions and interpretations based on raw or summarised data.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.
  2. Minimise the generation of waste.
  3. Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.
Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise the generation of waste.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare for site inspection

1.1

Obtain and use maps, photos and related documentation to gain a preliminary understanding of site features.

1.2

Collect site-specific or regional data on expected flora, fauna, soils and climate.

1.3

Review site history and previous environmental or ecological studies, if available.

1.4

Review all emergency plans, risk assessments, and safety and environmental management requirements associated with the field activities.

1.5

Review legislative and planning instruments applicable to current and future site usage.

1.6

Confirm site access requirements and identify potential site hazards.

2

Conduct initial site survey

2.1

Sketch, map and/or photograph the site.

2.2

Observe and record the surface geology and geomorphology of the site.

2.3

Observe and record hydrology of the site.

2.4

Observe and record the major flora of the site.

2.5

Observe and record evidence of site fauna.

2.6

Observe and record infrastructure and other modifications to the site.

2.7

Consider the potential for presence of cultural and indigenous heritage items and record, as necessary.

2.8

Check for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities.

3

Make an initial assessment of site condition

3.1

Use geomorphological and hydrological observations to describe surface condition and infer potential future impacts.

3.2

Make inferences on apparent ecological health of the site to plan for an initial ecological study of the site.

3.3

Determine the physical, chemical and biological parameters that would need to be measured and/or sampled during subsequent ecological appraisal of the site.

4

Prepare for field study

4.1

Identify and describe the biological and chemical components of interest, sampling areas and field techniques to be used.

4.2

Identify, obtain and check required equipment and materials required for field study.

4.3

Securely stow all field equipment in vehicle to prevent damage in transit.

4.4

Safely transport all field equipment to site and prepare it for use.

5

Perform a basic ecological field study of the site

5.1

Perform ecological sampling for abundance and diversity parameters using the general techniques of transects and quadrats.

5.2

Record appropriate descriptions of the habitat structure.

5.3

Perform sampling for simple population, demographic and age structure parameters.

5.4

Perform simple sampling and measurements on abiotic components.

5.5

Perform simple targeted species sampling.

5.6

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy, codes of practice and accepted workplace procedures.

6

Finalise field study

6.1

Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.

6.2

Rehabilitate sampling sites to render them safe and minimise environmental impacts.

6.3

Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.

6.4

Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.

6.5

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis, as necessary.

6.6

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.

7

Process and present field data

7.1

Summarise field data using simple calculations, graphs, tables and/or maps.

7.2

Provide reports that include simple conclusions and interpretations based on raw or summarised data.

8

Maintain a safe work environment

8.1

Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.

8.2

Minimise the generation of waste.

8.3

Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Prepare for site inspection

1.1

Obtain and use maps, photos and related documentation to gain a preliminary understanding of site features.

1.2

Collect site-specific or regional data on expected flora, fauna, soils and climate.

1.3

Review site history and previous environmental or ecological studies, if available.

1.4

Review all emergency plans, risk assessments, and safety and environmental management requirements associated with the field activities.

1.5

Review legislative and planning instruments applicable to current and future site usage.

1.6

Confirm site access requirements and identify potential site hazards.

2

Conduct initial site survey

2.1

Sketch, map and/or photograph the site.

2.2

Observe and record the surface geology and geomorphology of the site.

2.3

Observe and record hydrology of the site.

2.4

Observe and record the major flora of the site.

2.5

Observe and record evidence of site fauna.

2.6

Observe and record infrastructure and other modifications to the site.

2.7

Consider the potential for presence of cultural and indigenous heritage items and record, as necessary.

2.8

Check for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities.

3

Make an initial assessment of site condition

3.1

Use geomorphological and hydrological observations to describe surface condition and infer potential future impacts.

3.2

Make inferences on apparent ecological health of the site to plan for an initial ecological study of the site.

3.3

Determine the physical, chemical and biological parameters that would need to be measured and/or sampled during subsequent ecological appraisal of the site.

4

Prepare for field study

4.1

Identify and describe the biological and chemical components of interest, sampling areas and field techniques to be used.

4.2

Identify, obtain and check required equipment and materials required for field study.

4.3

Securely stow all field equipment in vehicle to prevent damage in transit.

4.4

Safely transport all field equipment to site and prepare it for use.

5

Perform a basic ecological field study of the site

5.1

Perform ecological sampling for abundance and diversity parameters using the general techniques of transects and quadrats.

5.2

Record appropriate descriptions of the habitat structure.

5.3

Perform sampling for simple population, demographic and age structure parameters.

5.4

Perform simple sampling and measurements on abiotic components.

5.5

Perform simple targeted species sampling.

5.6

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policy, codes of practice and accepted workplace procedures.

6

Finalise field study

6.1

Ensure all samples and data are stored safely.

6.2

Rehabilitate sampling sites to render them safe and minimise environmental impacts.

6.3

Clean all equipment, containers, work area and vehicles according to workplace procedures.

6.4

Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.

6.5

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent analysis, as necessary.

6.6

Check serviceability of all equipment before storage.

7

Process and present field data

7.1

Summarise field data using simple calculations, graphs, tables and/or maps.

7.2

Provide reports that include simple conclusions and interpretations based on raw or summarised data.

8

Maintain a safe work environment

8.1

Use defined safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of others.

8.2

Minimise the generation of waste.

8.3

Ensure the safe collection of all hazardous wastes for appropriate disposal.

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

planning and conducting at least one (1) site appraisal that involves an initial survey and assessment of site condition and a basic ecological field study

applying relevant aspects of environmental legislative and planning framework to site appraisal

interpreting emergency, safety or environmental management plan requirements and procedures for conducting site inspections, surveys and ecological field studies

researching, reviewing and summarising site information, including its environmental history

accurately observing and recording the site’s significant features, including the ability to ‘step back’ and carefully consider observations and inferences

assessing site condition and determining relevant parameters to be measured/sampled during ecological field study

planning and conducting an ecological study to obtain relevant and reliable data

setting-up, calibrating and using instruments and equipment under laboratory and field conditions

applying specified methods and data quality procedures to accurately perform field sampling and measurements

applying a working knowledge of relevant terminology, concepts and principles in geology, geomorphology, hydrology and ecology to provide a scientific, systematic appraisal of site environmental condition

seeking advice when issues/problems are beyond scope of competence/responsibility

using clear and concise verbal communication to convey information and avoid or resolve work conflicts

preparing concise and accurate reports that contain simple conclusions and interpretations based on raw or summarised data

following procedures for working safely, transporting and storing equipment, minimising environmental impacts and responding to emergency incidents and accidents.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

scientific terminology for environmental and ecological systems relevant to job role

fundamental concepts and principles in chemistry, physics, geology and biology to support a scientific approach to basic field ecology, including:

structure of earth systems, including lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere (ecosphere)

geomorphology, climate and hydrology

energy and material flows and cycles, including biogeochemical cycles

fundamentals of ecology, including:

ecosphere, biome and major ecosystem types

trophic structure of ecosystems, and hierarchies

organism, population, community, ecosystem hierarchy; habitat and biodiversity

abiotic and biotic components and their interrelationships and dependencies

ecological systems and dynamics; stability, succession and disruption

specific legislation, policies and codes of practice related to ecological field activities

ecological, chemical and physical field monitoring procedures relevant to job role

procedures for maintaining, storing and transporting samples/specimens to ensure their wellbeing, viability and integrity

relevant hazards; health, safety and environment requirements, including field safety/survival principles.

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Legislation, regulations, standards, codes, workplace procedures and requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

federal legislation, such as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, Australian Heritage Council Act, Native Title Act and National Environmental Protection Measures

state/territory government legislation and local government by-laws, policies, regulations and plans dealing with land use; environmental protection; cultural/heritage sites; vegetation management; nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection; water and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites; fisheries, forestry and mining operations

legislation, standards and codes of practice for workplace health and safety (WHS); care and use of animals for scientific purposes; handling of dangerous goods

Australian and international standards covering environmental management, such as AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set, and AS 1726 Geotechnical site investigations;

registration/licensing and/or accreditation requirements

workplace environmental management plans and procedures for specific sites and/or activities (e.g. sampling, monitoring, construction and mining)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), work schedules, recording and reporting procedures, equipment manuals and warranties; safety data sheets (SDS) and safety procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures.

Ecological principles and concepts include one or more of:

ecosphere, biome and major ecosystem types

ecological niche and biogeography

trophic dynamics, autotrophs, heterotrophs and detrivores, and food webs

distribution and abundance of organisms, populations and communities, and biodiversity

abiotic and biotic components and their interrelationships and dependencies

energy and material flows and cycles, including biogeochemical cycles

population ecology:

distribution, abundance and dispersion

growth rates and age structures

migration and dispersal in space and time

behavioural ecology (communication and learning, aggression and territoriality, and social group dynamics)

community ecology (ecological interactions):

intra/interspecific competition

concepts of coexistence, adaptive and competitive, including mimicry, coevolution, parasitism, mutualism, commensalism and predator/prey systems

species diversity in time and space.

Earth science principles and concepts include one or more of:

geological concepts and principles, such as:

earth structure and plate tectonics

classification of rocks (e.g. igneous, sedimentary, volcanic and stratigraphy)

weathering

geomorphological concepts and principles, such as:

erosion and mass wasting

transportation and deposition, and sedimentation

fluvial, aeolian, hillslope and weathering processes

soil science concepts and principles, such as:

soil classification

soil formation and soil profiles

pedology

edapology.

Hydrological principles and concepts include one or more of:

aspects of the hydrologic cycle, such as:

run-off

infiltration

subsurface flow

water quality

ecohydrology

hydrogeology

water resources

aspects of hydrologic measurement such as:

surface flows (stream gauging)

groundwater (infiltration and flow)

precipitation and evaporation.

Workplace procedures for field activities include one or more of:

use of field notebooks or log books

SOPs covering fieldwork, sampling and testing

equipment operating manuals, calibration procedures, instrument fault-finding procedures and general maintenance and repair procedures

emergency, first aid and survival procedures

requirements related to protection of the environment

incident/accident/injury report forms.

Field monitoring activities include one or more of:

sample collection, preservation, labelling, storage and transportation according to workplace procedures

use and calibration of field instruments according to written instructions

performance of field tests for specific parameters using standard methods

recording of data

safe operation of motor vehicles and boats.

Hazards include one or more of:

solar radiation, dust and noise

personnel getting lost

accidents, emergencies and incidents, such as snake, insect or animal bites

exposure to severe weather conditions

manual handling of heavy objects

vehicle and boat handling in rough/remote conditions.

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

compliance with relevant federal/state/territory WHS legislation at all times

assuming that samples are potentially hazardous and applying standard precautions

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and state/territory Departments of Health, where relevant.