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Evidence Guide: MSS025013 - Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands

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!

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MSS025013 - Assist with assessing and monitoring wetlands

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

Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor

  1. Clarify the scope and objectives of assigned activities, constraints and wetland components involved and any conservation measures or management plans in place.
  2. Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.
  3. Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.
  4. Confirm assessment indices and data collection plan details for target wetland.
  5. Clarify the use of survey proformas, data collection forms and/or field identification guides, as necessary.
Clarify the scope and objectives of assigned activities, constraints and wetland components involved and any conservation measures or management plans in place.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm assessment indices and data collection plan details for target wetland.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clarify the use of survey proformas, data collection forms and/or field identification guides, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source and assess available wetland data

  1. Locate and obtain existing wetland data and review its relevance and accuracy.
  2. Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.
  3. Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.
  4. Use available data to identify known wetland boundaries, characteristics, condition and any environmental issues relevant to the study.
  5. Identify any significant information gaps.
Locate and obtain existing wetland data and review its relevance and accuracy.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use available data to identify known wetland boundaries, characteristics, condition and any environmental issues relevant to the study.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify any significant information gaps.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plan and organise assigned field activities

  1. Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.
  2. Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.
  3. Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.
  4. Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.
  5. Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.
  6. Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.
Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conduct wetland survey and monitoring activities

  1. Observe and record wetland characteristics and evidence of disturbance using survey proformas, field identification guides and digital photography, as appropriate.
  2. Collect reliable point positional data and attribute environmental data/samples for each location in accordance with data collection plan.
  3. Verify any existing geographic information system (GIS) mapping of wetland location/type.
  4. Collect representative water, soil and/or (micro)biological samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.
  5. Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.
  6. Ensure that monitoring data/samples are collected at the same locations and during similar seasonal/climatic conditions.
Observe and record wetland characteristics and evidence of disturbance using survey proformas, field identification guides and digital photography, as appropriate.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect reliable point positional data and attribute environmental data/samples for each location in accordance with data collection plan.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verify any existing geographic information system (GIS) mapping of wetland location/type.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect representative water, soil and/or (micro)biological samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure that monitoring data/samples are collected at the same locations and during similar seasonal/climatic conditions.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finalise field work

  1. Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.
  2. Ensure all samples and data are labelled and stored safely to ensure integrity and traceability.
  3. Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent laboratory analysis.
  4. Clean and test equipment before storage.
Pack and safely transport all samples, equipment and supplies back to home base.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure all samples and data are labelled and stored safely to ensure integrity and traceability.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent laboratory analysis.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean and test equipment before storage.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribute to assessment of wetland condition

  1. Review field observations, measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.
  2. Use given formulae and tables to assign scores, parameter values, index values and health index/rating, where appropriate.
  3. Analyse data relating to wetland characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.
  4. Identify environmental issues that may impact on current wetland management objectives/practices.
  5. Report findings using a format and style that suits their intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.
  6. Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.
Review field observations, measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use given formulae and tables to assign scores, parameter values, index values and health index/rating, where appropriate.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Analyse data relating to wetland characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify environmental issues that may impact on current wetland management objectives/practices.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report findings using a format and style that suits their intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.
  2. Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.
  3. Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.
Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.

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

Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor

1.1

Clarify the scope and objectives of assigned activities, constraints and wetland components involved and any conservation measures or management plans in place.

1.2

Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.

1.3

Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.

1.4

Confirm assessment indices and data collection plan details for target wetland.

1.5

Clarify the use of survey proformas, data collection forms and/or field identification guides, as necessary.

2

Source and assess available wetland data

2.1

Locate and obtain existing wetland data and review its relevance and accuracy.

2.2

Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.

2.3

Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.4

Use available data to identify known wetland boundaries, characteristics, condition and any environmental issues relevant to the study.

2.5

Identify any significant information gaps.

3

Plan and organise assigned field activities

3.1

Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.

3.2

Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.

3.3

Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.

3.4

Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.

3.5

Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.

3.6

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.

4

Conduct wetland survey and monitoring activities

4.1

Observe and record wetland characteristics and evidence of disturbance using survey proformas, field identification guides and digital photography, as appropriate.

4.2

Collect reliable point positional data and attribute environmental data/samples for each location in accordance with data collection plan.

4.3

Verify any existing geographic information system (GIS) mapping of wetland location/type.

4.4

Collect representative water, soil and/or (micro)biological samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.

4.5

Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.

4.6

Ensure that monitoring data/samples are collected at the same locations and during similar seasonal/climatic conditions.

5

Finalise field work

5.1

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

5.2

Ensure all samples and data are labelled and stored safely to ensure integrity and traceability.

5.3

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent laboratory analysis.

5.4

Clean and test equipment before storage.

6

Contribute to assessment of wetland condition

6.1

Review field observations, measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.

6.2

Use given formulae and tables to assign scores, parameter values, index values and health index/rating, where appropriate.

6.3

Analyse data relating to wetland characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.

6.4

Identify environmental issues that may impact on current wetland management objectives/practices.

6.5

Report findings using a format and style that suits their intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.

6.6

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

7

Maintain a safe work environment

7.1

Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.

7.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.

7.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1

Confirm details of assigned activities with supervisor

1.1

Clarify the scope and objectives of assigned activities, constraints and wetland components involved and any conservation measures or management plans in place.

1.2

Identify regulations, standards, guidelines and workplace procedures that apply to assigned activities.

1.3

Clarify the required outputs, timeframe, available resources and stakeholder involvement.

1.4

Confirm assessment indices and data collection plan details for target wetland.

1.5

Clarify the use of survey proformas, data collection forms and/or field identification guides, as necessary.

2

Source and assess available wetland data

2.1

Locate and obtain existing wetland data and review its relevance and accuracy.

2.2

Locate external sources of relevant data sets and assess their availability, price, value and limitations.

2.3

Obtain selected data sets in accordance with workplace procedures.

2.4

Use available data to identify known wetland boundaries, characteristics, condition and any environmental issues relevant to the study.

2.5

Identify any significant information gaps.

3

Plan and organise assigned field activities

3.1

Analyse field activities to identify related tasks and plan efficient sequences.

3.2

Identify risks, safety and environmental requirements associated with field activities.

3.3

Assemble required field equipment and materials and check that they are fit for purpose.

3.4

Liaise with relevant personnel to explain the scope and purpose of field activities, organise site access and obtain permits, as necessary.

3.5

Review work plan in response to new information, changed circumstances or instructions from appropriate personnel.

3.6

Update work plan and communicate changes to appropriate personnel, as necessary.

4

Conduct wetland survey and monitoring activities

4.1

Observe and record wetland characteristics and evidence of disturbance using survey proformas, field identification guides and digital photography, as appropriate.

4.2

Collect reliable point positional data and attribute environmental data/samples for each location in accordance with data collection plan.

4.3

Verify any existing geographic information system (GIS) mapping of wetland location/type.

4.4

Collect representative water, soil and/or (micro)biological samples using specified sampling methods and equipment.

4.5

Obtain valid and reliable in-situ measurements using specified test methods and equipment.

4.6

Ensure that monitoring data/samples are collected at the same locations and during similar seasonal/climatic conditions.

5

Finalise field work

5.1

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

5.2

Ensure all samples and data are labelled and stored safely to ensure integrity and traceability.

5.3

Ensure dispatch of collected samples for subsequent laboratory analysis.

5.4

Clean and test equipment before storage.

6

Contribute to assessment of wetland condition

6.1

Review field observations, measurements and/or results of laboratory analyses to identify significant trends and/or problems with data.

6.2

Use given formulae and tables to assign scores, parameter values, index values and health index/rating, where appropriate.

6.3

Analyse data relating to wetland characteristics, existing conditions and management values, as required.

6.4

Identify environmental issues that may impact on current wetland management objectives/practices.

6.5

Report findings using a format and style that suits their intended use and in accordance with workplace guidelines.

6.6

Communicate results within the specified time and in accordance with workplace confidentiality and security guidelines.

7

Maintain a safe work environment

7.1

Use safe work procedures and protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of others.

7.2

Minimise environmental impacts of testing/sampling and generation of waste.

7.3

Collect and/or dispose of all waste in accordance with environmental requirements and workplace procedures.

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) desktop activity to assess and report on aspects of wetland condition

planning and safely conducting survey/monitoring activities on at least one (1) occasion to assess and report on aspects of wetland condition

accurately interpreting relevant regulations, standards, guidelines, work instructions, workplace procedures, guidelines and manuals

locating and evaluating available environmental data sets and wetland information

using available data to identify known wetland boundaries, characteristics, condition and environmental issues relevant to desktop/field activities

setting up, checking and operating sampling/measuring equipment in accordance with manuals and/or workplace procedures

following specified sampling methods/procedures to ensure that samples are representative, viable and traceable

following specified test methods to obtain reliable in-situ measurements

making ‘objective’ observations based on clear criteria

estimating numbers of flora and fauna, % coverage, and measuring dimensions and areas

accurately recording and/or storing field data

assessing quality of field data, recognising anomalies, identifying and rectifying basic instrument faults

assigning assessment scores, index values, health index/rating, and calculating scientific quantities, uncertainties and unit conversion factors

providing detailed descriptions of wetland characteristics, existing conditions, management values and environmental issues that may impact on current wetland management objectives/practices

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

communicating effectively with others, such as workplace staff, members of the public, clients, landowners and consultants

providing documentation that meets user needs, is in the required format, and delivered within the agreed timeframe

transporting, cleaning, maintaining and storing field equipment in accordance with workplace procedures

following procedures for working safely and minimising environmental impacts and waste.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

basic terminology and principles of wetland assessment, monitoring and management relevant to job role

sources of wetland information (e.g. directories, indexes, data sets and assessment tools)

defining characteristics and functions of major wetland types

fundamental principles of ecology and assessment of site environmental indicators

environmental factors that impact on soils, water quality, population and diversity of flora and fauna

specific legislation, policies and guidelines relevant to desktop/field activities

procedures and equipment for collecting soil, water, (micro) biological samples and environmental measurements (e.g. water)

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

procedures and equipment for conducting basic spatial and environmental measurements

workplace procedures for the recording of field data and reporting of findings

protocols for the confidentiality and security of information and communicating with the community and media

relevant hazards, health, safety and environment requirements.

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

state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with land use, acquisition, planning and protection; protection of wetlands; vegetation management; nature conservation and wildlife/plant protection; water quality and water management; soil conservation; pollution and contaminated sites

Australian and international standards and guidelines, such as:

RAMSAR Convention

AS/NZS 5667 Water quality set

A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia, Environment Australia

ANZECC Wetland Classification System

National Water Commission Framework for the Assessment of River and Wetland Health (FARWH)

state/territory Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) indexes, guidelines and manuals, such as:

Index of Wetland Condition (VIC EPA)

Water Quality Sampling Manual (QLD EPA)

Regulatory monitoring and testing: Water and wastewater sampling (EPA SA)

Wetland Assessment Techniques Manual for Australian Wetlands (Wetlandcare Australia).

Wetlands include one or more of:

marine and coastal zone wetlands, inland wetlands, human made wetlands (ANZECC classification system)

riverine, palustrine (river, run-off/rainfall, groundwater fed), lacustrine, artificial, marine, spring or groundwater fed (state/territory classification systems).

Desktop and field activities include one or more of:

accessing relevant data sets and using GIS techniques to map wetland areas, high conservation areas and/or high degradation areas; and determining priority areas for field assessments

validating GIS mapping of wetland location and type

conducting rapid wetland assessments

assessing condition of specific wetland components, including flora and fauna (type, % cover, dominant species and condition buffers)

collecting information for use in wetland vegetation inventory

assessing disturbance and relating this to wetland condition

trialling a wetland monitoring program

establishing sites for future wetland monitoring.

Wetland management plans include:

existing and future values of wetland

wetland management objectives to protect these values

problems and issues that may compromise these objectives

agreed wetland management practices to mitigate existing impacts and minimise future impacts.

Wetland data sources and data include one or more of:

national databases, such as:

Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia

EPBC Online Protected Matters Search Tool

state/territory databases, such as:

Regional Ecosystem (RE) maps, Wildlife Online, Wildnet, Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program (EHMP) surveys (EPA QLD)

Index of Wetland Condition (EPA VIC)

geographic information system GIS datasets, such as:

climate

biological and physical parameters of the land and ocean

management boundaries and tenure

biodiversity

natural resources, agriculture and fisheries

land use information, such as topographical maps, aerial photos, satellite imagery and land use/zoning maps

terrain models

drainage intensity, flood and drainage studies

water and sediment quality studies

contaminated site reports

acid sulphate soil studies

aquatic ecology studies (e.g. threatened/scheduled species, migratory birds, key habitats and habitat corridors/connectivity)

riparian vegetation studies

reports of consultations with the scientific community, local environmental groups and industry associations, catchment management committees and councils.

Survey proformas, data collection forms and field identification guides include one or more of:

observer identification details (ID)

site ID, (sub) catchment and/or regional ID

ownership, access, location (e.g. global positioning system (GPS)), site photo ID and transect ID

verification of wetland classification (GIS mapped, field) using identification guides and codes:

proximity of other wetlands, ecosystems, roads and current/adjacent land use

site disturbance indicators, such as soil disturbance, vegetation structure modification, water quality, hydrologic disturbance, dumping, land use, feral/domestic animals, and weed causal factors

acid sulphate soil indicators, such as iron stain, scald and hydraulic conductivity

general wetland characteristics, such as:

water body dimensions, current/max water level, depth, water sources, modifications and banks

water quality (e.g. visible slime, temperature, turbidity and electrical conductivity)

habitat potential

vegetation buffer/cover/types/health/dominant species/recovery potential

fauna observations

field identification guides with descriptors, photos and/or coding for wetland types and specific disturbance indicators.

Field equipment and materials include one or more of:

topographic maps and aerial photos

compass, survey point markers and drivers, GPS, tape measure, flagging tape, 1m2 quadrats and sub-quadrats

data recording sheets, laptop, data logger, digital camera and binoculars

sampling equipment, such as bottles, bags, biological specimen containers, secateurs, scoop nets, esky and ice, sample preservatives, water pumps and tubing, and shovels

automatic water samplers

portable water quality probe that measures (e.g. dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity, pH, conductivity and field test reagents)

flow meters

personal protective equipment, insect repellent, appropriate clothing and footwear, phone, emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and first aid kit.

Laboratory analyses include one or more of:

suspended solids

phosphates

nitrates and ammonium

peroxide oxidation (combined acidity and sulphate for soils).

Environmental issues and possible causes include one or more of:

fragmentation or loss of connectivity of wetlands and/or vegetation

adjacent land use pressure causing excessive nutrients, sediment and noise pollution

human disturbance due to vehicles, boats, fire, rubbish, excessive nutrients and sediments, and impacts of feral/stock/domestic animals

exposure of acid sulphate soils

low diversity of vegetation, invasion by weeds

poor habitat potential due to invasion by pest species and land clearing

structures affecting wetland hydrology

poor condition of banks and fringing vegetation due to access of stock

poor condition of mangrove, salt marsh, seagrass due to impaired natural flow/tidal flush, excessive human disturbance, and impaired vegetative filter strips.

Work health and safety (WHS) 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.