Course Title: Manage implementation of ecological restoration programs

National Element Code & Title:

AHCECR504 Manage implementation of ecological restoration programs

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Interpret ecological restoration project design or plan for purpose of implementation1.2 Confirm site conditions, level of degradation and restoration potential for site outlined in ecological restoration design or plan1.3 Assess threats to biotic and abiotic factors of area from ecological restoration works proposed in design or plan1.4 Assess range of operating conditions, hazards and environmental conditions that will impact on the implementation of restoration works outlined in design or plan

Performance Criteria:

2.1.    Consult with local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Communities and authorised individuals
2.2.    Conduct interviews under the direction of a relevant cultural reference group and according to organisational requirements
2.3.    Investigate and record the current and relevant past land tenure for the site
2.4.    Investigate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ interests with regard to regional and Community organisations
2.5.    Apply cultural protocols and conduct key consultations with regional and local Community organisations and individuals
2.6.    Comply with privacy requirements according to the directions of stakeholders and legislative and organisation requirements 

Performance Criteria:

3.1.    Determine objectives of the field research in conjunction with key stakeholders
3.2.    Use objectives to identify specific types of investigation, techniques to be used, and physical areas of investigation
3.3.    Assess the types of investigation to be utilised
3.4.    Review existing information and data records to determine the starting points for the fieldwork
3.5.    Ensure research methodology is consistent with the research objectives
3.6.    Identify and access required resources to establish and maintain the research program
3.7.    Select appropriate research personnel and identify stakeholders to be included in the consultation process
3.8.    Identify research techniques and safe operations within expected environmental and cultural conditions
3.9.    Estimate and submit costs of field research for approval
3.10.    Establish sampling and recording processes for research information according to best practice and scientific standards
3.11.    Ensure investigations comply with guidelines and other legislative requirements

Performance Criteria:

4.1.    Use information on stakeholders to determine interests held by organisations, groups and individuals, and cultural dimensions
4.2.    Define and document issues to be addressed with interest groups
4.3.    Develop consultation and decision-making process to address the issues with individuals, groups and organisations using appropriate cultural protocols
4.4.    Provide appropriate time for consultative processes within groups and between individuals to occur and to obtain feedback on issues
4.5.    Form a decision-making group, to assist in direct investigation, accessing information to address issues and/or review the significance of place or area

Performance Criteria:

5.1.    Adjust previously determined methodology considering progressive results and stakeholder feedback
5.2.    Coordinate observations, records and monitoring in accordance with scientific practice and to meet research objectives
5.3.    Determine ecological, biological and geological, microbiological and entomological diversity within specified area
5.4.    Source appropriate equipment and skills for the capture, management and sampling of animal species
5.5.    Identify and record evidence of culturally significant resources in area using appropriate recording equipment
5.6.    Identify and record impacts from areas external to natural and cultural resources in area under investigation
5.7.    Deploy equipment, techniques and people to carry out investigations
5.8.    Document and approve each field operation according to legislative and organisation requirements for work in the research environment

Week/Date

Theme

Assessments

Week One

10-16 February

Approaches to selecting and restoring 
natural areas

Workshop Session (1): Working on AT 1.1 (Hurdle): Your proposed restoration activities (on-site engagement) Work Experience

Introductory Case Study Engineering Approach

Week Three

24 February - 2 March

Approaches to selecting and restoring 
natural areas

Assessing site conditions: level of degradation; potential for natural area restoration, Buchanan (2009)

Workshop Session: 

Assessing Case Study: Organ Pipes N.P. Restoration

Geology, Soils and Vegetation

Fieldwork Session: Yarra Bend National Park 

Week Six

17-23 March

Workshop Session: Working on AT1, confirm checklist during work experience with teacher

Buchanan, R., (2009) Restoring natural areas in Australia

Chapters 1 to 5

Week Eight

31 March - 6 April

Workshop Session: Project planning and organization. Reflect on work experience opportunities and limitations for your project. AT 2

Tutorial – developing Budget for Ecological Restoration Plan

Mid-semester break

The Mid-semester break is a scheduled break in the semester. No teaching or assessment will occur during this time. Also, your Trainer/Assessor won't be available during this time. If you need to contact them, please email them via your student email account, and they will respond once they return from the break. 

Week Twelve

5-11 May

Workshop Session: analysing and presenting field data for project

Week Fourteen

19-25 May

Workshop Session: analysing and presenting field data for project

Week Sixteen

2-8 June

Workshop Session: presenting project AT1.1 Part C, minimum 5 mins 

AT 2 Part C Presentation (due in class this week)

Element

Performance criteria

1. Inspect and assess site subject to an ecological restoration program

1.1 Interpret ecological restoration project design or plan for purpose of implementation

Part A: 1.1, 1.2

Part A: 1.1-1.15

1.3 Assess threats to biotic and abiotic factors of area from ecological restoration works proposed in design or plan

Part A: 1.3

Part A: 1.2.5

2. Plan implementation of ecological restoration from project plan or design

2.1 Confirm ecological restoration approaches and techniques to achieve project design objectives

Part A: 1.1, 1.6, 1.8,1.9

2.3 Prepare an implementation program and schedule according to the ecological restoration design or plan aims and objectives

Part A: 1.5

Part A: 1.8,1.9

2.5 Conduct a site-specific risk analysis and develop controls and procedures

Part A: 1.3

Part A: 1.10

2.7 Identify permits, licenses and authorisations required to complete work

Part A: 1.2

Part A: 1.12.1,

1.12.2

2.9 Identify transport requirements for equipment and personnel for ecological restoration work

Part A: 1.14

3.2 Oversee implementation of restoration works according to program

Part B: 1.3

3.4 Manage workers to ensure program is carried out in accordance with workplace health and safety procedures

Part B:1.3

4.2 Check materials, machinery and equipment comply with ecological restoration design or plan and implementation program

Part B: 1.2

4.4 Monitor budget expenditure against the program budget

Part B: 1.3

4.6 Manage workers to ensure work is carried out in accordance with workplace health and safety procedures

Part B: 1.3

5.2 Report outputs and key performance indicators achieved during program implementation according to workplace procedures

Part B: 1.2, 1.3

5.4 Monitor site to identify recommendations and specifications for ongoing maintenance program

Part B: 1.4

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Assessment

Task 1:

Implement the restoration plan

Assessment

Task 2:

Ecological Restoration Plan

Assessment Task 3: Knowledge Ecological Restoration

Reading

Interpret and extract relevant information from ecological restoration designs and plans to formulate programs and monitor their implementation

Part A: 1.1 -1.15

Oral communication

Establish and maintain complex and effective communication for a broad range of stakeholders using appropriate strategies for different contexts

Part A: 1.1-1.3,1.5

Part B: 1.3

Performance Evidence 

There must be evidence that the individual has, on at least one occasion, inspected an ecological site and managed the implementation of an ecological restoration program for an ecological restoration design or plan.

Part A: 1.1 - 1.5

Part B: 2.1 - 2.5

Part A: 1.9

Part B: 1.1 , 1.2, 1.3

• conducted a site assessment for implementing ecological restoration works

Part A: 1.1 -1.5

• ensured program complies with relevant legislative and program requirements

Part A: 1.12.1,1.12.2

• recorded, monitored and reported on labour and other resource requirements

Part A: 1.11, 1.12.1,

1.13, 1.15

• reviewed ecological restoration implementation program against intended outcomes in management plan.

Part B: 1.1,1.2

Part C: 1.1, 1.2, 1.3

Knowledge Evidence 

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• biotic and abiotic factors affecting ecological sites, and restoration interventions that can be applied

Part A: 1.2

Part A: 1.2.7,  1.6, 1.9,

1,3,10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25,

• project management skills, including:
• work health and safety, environmental and quality hazards associated with restoration works, and controls necessary to remove or ameliorate associated risks

Part A: 1.2, 1.3

Part B: 1.1,1.2, 1.3,1.5

Part A: 1.8, 1.9, 1.10

16, 30, 31, 39,40

• • preparation of plans, budgets and works reporting

Part A: 1.1-1.15

Part B: 1.1 to 1.3

28,31, 35

• • use of project management software

Part A: 1.2, 1.9

Part B: 1.1

• ecological restoration and management principles, including:
• planning process, particularly interpreting goals and indicators of success

Part A: 1.1 -1.4

Part A: 1.2,1.9

Part B: 1.1, 1.2,1.3,

16,28,31,35

• • methods of analysing soils, waterways and their condition and threats

Part A: 1.2.2

41, 42

• • factors affecting the timing and method of plant establishment

36

• • use of available resources

Part A: 1.2,

Part B: 1.3

43

• environmental issues, including:
• water use and water catchments

Part A: 1.2.1, 1.3

4, 6, 33, 43

• • waste minimisation and sustainable disposal

Part A: 1.2.4

40

• • soil type and geology for revegetation and site access

Part A 1.2.1

10, 29,30, 32

• ecological principles related to management of ecological sites, including:
• maintaining ecosystem structures and habitat

15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,

• • interactions between flora and fauna and their roles in ecosystems

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

• • identification of plant and animal threats to treated areas, and appropriate control methods

Part A: 1.2

Part A: 1.6, 1.2.5

44

• importance of biodiversity in managing ecological sites, including:
• terrestrial plants and basic plant community structures

1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26

• • methods for conserving biodiversity

Part A: 1.2

Part B: 1.3

1,10,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25

• communication skills for various stakeholders, including special interest groups, government agencies, professional bodies and community.

Part A: 1.1 -1.5

Assessment conditions

Describe how assessments meet the assessment conditions

• resources, equipment and materials:
• equipment, machinery, plants and consumables specified in restoration plan

AT1: Part A: 1.2, Part B: 1.1,1.2

AT2AT

• • restoration scope and budgetary constraints

AT1: Part A: 1.1,1.2,1.3

 AT2: 1.15

AT2AT

• relationships:
• client

AT1: Part A: 1.1 -1.5

AT1: Part B: 1.1- 1.5

• • work team and/or contractors.

AT1: Part B: 1.3- 1.5