A temporary dispensation has been applied to the assessment plan version ST0767/AP01 for this apprenticeship.
The dispensation will last until the revised EPA plan is published or the dispensation is no longer necessary. End-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) delivering EPAs for the apprenticeship will implement the dispensation as required, supported and monitored by the relevant EQA provider.
The key changes are:
Assessment Method 2 – Observation with questions and answers
Mandatory qualification clarification
Apprentices can enter gateway where they can show that they either:
Neither the level 2 nor level 3 certificates/ qualifications referenced are required to be Ofqual regulated.
This apprenticeship standard is in the process of being revised. In the meantime, the version below remains approved for delivery. Further details of this and other occupational standards in revision are available in the revisions status report.
Maintaining, repairing and carrying out minor works on a variety of water environment assets.
This standard has options. Display duties and KSBs for:
This occupation is found in organisations where there is a responsibility to manage the impact of water environments, natural or manmade, on the land and surrounding businesses and homes. The water environment includes rivers, coasts (the sea), lakes, wetlands, canals and reservoirs. Water can cause erosion to our coasts and riverbanks, damage assets and infrastructure, e.g. canal walls, and create the risk of flooding on both a small and major scale. Flooding can come from multiple sources, including from rivers, the coast, surface water and groundwater, and organisations who work in this area are often involved in preparation, response and recovery following flooding from all sources. There is also a responsibility to protect water quality and to monitor its impact on habitats for wildlife. The prevention of environmental pollution in our waters and wetlands and meeting the objectives outlined in the Water Framework Directive is essential for creating and maintaining natural habitats.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to create a safe environment where the public can enjoy our water environments and the surrounding land and buildings, whilst protecting the environment, and creating habitats for species to thrive. This includes minimising flood and environmental incidents by utilising assets to manage water levels and using techniques to mitigate the impact of pollution, particularly in natural habitats.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with members of the public as they are carrying out their duties in the field. Members of the public can include paying customers as well as the general public making use of towpaths, other public pathways and the water environment. In addition, employees will work with contractors, paid to deliver projects (usually of a construction nature, but may include maintenance), volunteers, who offer time and services to invest in their local environment, and other teams from their organisations.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for delivering their scheduled work activities to time and on budget. Where required, they will be responsible for any plant and equipment supplied to carry out their duties. Whilst part of a team, they may be working alone in the field, and will be required to carry out duties in a safe manner in accordance with their organisation’s health, safety and wellbeing procedures. When not working alone they will be expected to be aware of the safety of others working alongside them, for them, or visiting the area, e.g. contractors, as well as members of the public. As a frontline representative of their organisation they are expected to display their organisation’s values and behaviours and respond to customer queries in a positive manner. They may be responsible for maintaining water levels to mitigate against the effect of flooding.
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Duty 1 Maintain, repair and carry out minor works on a variety of water environment assets, such as pumping stations, locks, river/ canal banks and coastal flood and erosion defences, using appropriate mobile plant and machinery and minor works to maintain water level, flow and navigation. Identify the location and types of assets and structures within their normal operational area, and explain how local systems/ catchments work |
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Duty 2 Respond to events that impact upon the environment, homes, businesses, assets or natural habitats (major and minor), e.g. responding to flood events or environmental incidents, including removal of obstructions. Maintain and operate the assets to respond to local flooding or environmental incidents |
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Duty 3 Work alongside other parties and where necessary co-ordinate their activity, e.g. contractors, partners, volunteers and members of the public. For example, when working together on water environment habitat projects or dealing with incidents |
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Duty 4 Create, maintain and improve habitats to ensure a natural healthy environment |
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Duty 5 Deliver project work as specified by their organisation, within remit, on budget and to timescales. For example, creating spawning grounds in rivers and eel passes, and creating access for recreational public use to enjoy the water environment, such as fishing platforms and canoe trails |
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Duty 6 Plan, prepare and operate in confined spaces e.g. working in culverts and under bridges |
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Duty 7 Agree and develop their personal performance, objectives and development |
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Duty 8 Manage water levels and flow effectively to achieve the required conditions, dependent on land use and environmental sensitivities, by mechanically controlling vegetation or materials from the bank, e.g. weed removal, tree trimming, beach management and shingle replenishment |
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Duty 9 Plan, prepare and construct boundaries and public access routes, including disabled access to encourage safe use of water-related environments, e.g. steps and ramps, footpaths, towpaths and fencing |
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Duty 10 Construct and maintain drainage systems |
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Duty 11 Prepare and operate vehicles or waterborne plant, e.g. 4WD vehicles, trailers, winches, weed boats, other powered and non-powered craft and pontoons. Has an understanding of both vehicles and vessels deployed |
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Duty 12 Respond effectively to major incidents outside of the normal operational area, as part of a national response |
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Duty 13 Work on asset management, improvement and maintenance programmes with a variety of teams across the organisation, such as planning, strategy, environmental impact experts and biodiversity teams |
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Duty 14 Be involved in the volunteer cycle, from attraction and recruitment, to induction and beyond, this includes induction, on-site supervision and training |
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Duty 15 Work effectively alongside volunteers for shared operational outcomes, for example running and motivating a small team of volunteers carrying out practical waterways work or activities |
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Duty 16 Lead on corporate volunteering events and flexible volunteering events (drop-in volunteering, family volunteering, one-off or regular) |
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Duty 17 Carry out repairs with due regard for appropriate legislation, guidance & best practice for management of heritage structures. Recognise historical setting & context |
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Duty 18 Use heritage materials appropriately for the repair and upkeep of heritage assets |
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Duty 19 Manage water levels effectively to achieve the required conditions, dependent on land use and environmental sensitivities |
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Duty 20 Use Hydro-informatics (Gauge Board readings and online telemetry records, etc.) to monitor catchment conditions and water levels and determine when action is required to achieve acceptable conditions |
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Duty 21 Work effectively in rural settings without placing themself at risk from wildlife, livestock and other rural activities |
K1: Health safety and wellbeing legislation and organisational responsibilities, standards and risk management, how it applies to their work and how to ensure the safety of others such as contractors, members of the public and volunteers. Safe and environmentally sound operational and maintenance practices, processes and procedures covering a wide range of operational assets, tools, plant and equipment
Back to Duty
K2: Additional personal safe working practices, risks and control measures required during unexpected events such as confined space working, working in/near water, hazardous substances
Back to Duty
K3: The nature of water environments, tidal variations, locks, culverts & the potential physical hazards of water currents & debris, the impact of weather, and how this affects the assets and how they operate
Back to Duty
K4: How their team’s work links to corporate objectives; corporate values, behaviours and ways of working including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Safeguarding principles
Back to Duty
K5: Asset management whole life cycle and how it relates to business activities, how local systems work, the location and types of assets and structures
Back to Duty
K6: The right building materials to use (sensitive to local heritage) and the impact of wear and tear to schedule maintenance activities
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K7: Importance of business relationships with partners, contractors, stakeholders and communities so that work is completed efficiently and effectively and the importance this has on the reputation of the organisation at a local and national level
Back to Duty
K8: Planning for, selecting and operating vehicles/plant suitable for the activity, the site and the ground, watercourse and weather conditions
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K9: Different ways work can be funded, and planned, to deliver maximum value for money
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K10: Environmental standards, regulations and a range of practices and control measures to minimise risk from biosecurity, waste disposal, cross contamination, and spread of Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) to preserve our natural environment. Impacts of non-native invasive weeds on the watercourses and the impacts on those coming into contact with them
Back to Duty
K11: Resources and materials available which support a sustainable approach which minimises environmental impact, for example for habitat creation, soft engineering of water courses. Soft engineering methods for control of water flow/retention, such as in-stream structures, creation of wetland or storage ponds, tree planting and agricultural practices
Back to Duty
K12: Who we work with and why; relevant responsibilities of all parties, and the importance of wider team work so that work is completed efficiently, safely and effectively
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K13: Specific risks of certain activities and their control measures. Knows timing of work for a range of activities to benefit nature. Key habitats and species likely to be encountered
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K14: Working practices that reduce impact to the environment, such as natural or man-made pollution or sediment containment
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K15: Ecosystems, key habitats and species likely to be encountered. Recognise habitat characteristics of relevant sites and their management for the benefit of nature. Methods of environmental assessment for different habitats and sites
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K16: The broad framework of relevant legislation such as that relating to bird nesting, protected species and permissions for flood risk and land drainage works
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K17: The legal requirements around rights of way and public access routes, best practice in design of public access routes. Ability to read and interpret maps and plans, and how to do scale drawings
Back to Duty
K18: How to convey organisational messages to influence others, to promote health and safety awareness with the public and stakeholders, and to enhance the business reputation through those conversations
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K19: Tools and technology available to use to communicate with a range of people such as social media, e-mail, apps which support your work
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K20: Good customer service principles. Understands how to escalate questions appropriately and takes ownership of resolving the enquiry with the customer
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K21: Project management principles, including finance, commercial, planning and risk management
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K22: Best practice in design of public access routes, such as: path width, surface usability, awareness of overhead and underground services, and ease of maintenance of final asset
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K23: Organisation's requirements regarding performance management, including understanding their role and how to write their objectives
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K24: How their role fits in within the organisation, how to identify personal areas for development, and how to take action to meet those needs
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K25: How to deliver feedback to others to support their development
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K26: Understand the Health, Safety and Wellbeing risks in an unfamiliar and emergency working environment. For example different types of river catchment behaviours, the river or tidal factors which cause increased flow and flooding, how manage risks to individuals who are operating assets, and dealing with flooding
Back to Duty
K27: Understand personal safe working practices which ensure safety and wellbeing of employees and partners whilst undertaking emergency duties in an unfamiliar location, such as: fatigue management, accommodation issues, dealing with stressful situations
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K28: Understand how Water Environment Workers work with other Category 1 responders and our various responsibilities under the CCA (Civil Contingencies Act)
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K29: Understand how the asset management programme fits in with national and the organisation’s responsibilities to protect communities from flood risk
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K30: Understand how the maintenance schedule is developed, for example be able to explain why some assets are maintained and not others
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K31: Understand the range of assets in use and how they contribute to protecting communities, for example from small flap valves to large barriers, sea and river defences and pumping stations
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K32: Attraction and recruitment of volunteers, training: including legislative considerations, fair recruitment processes, equality and diversity and inclusion training, how to induct a volunteer effectively
Back to Duty
K33: Knowledge of induction and training techniques, following the organisation’s volunteer training plan, to include: Welcome & Induction, Safety Management, Ongoing Training & Support, Safety Management
Back to Duty
K34: Has a good understanding of operational outcomes needed, and understands the relative outputs of volunteer groups to aid in resource and time planning
Back to Duty
K35: Understand the information volunteers require in order to complete the tasks identified. Know how to brief and supervise volunteers effectively using the correct working methods
Back to Duty
K36: Knowledge of how to engage with medium/large groups. Understands group motivations and dynamics to effectively manage the group
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K37: Understand the principles & legislation behind management of valued heritage / historic structures, e.g. listings, conservation sites, historic context. Know who to contact for advice
Back to Duty
K38: With reference to specialist skills, understand who we work with and why, and relevant responsibilities of all parties
Back to Duty
K39: Know how to communicate with members of the public and other stakeholders, and in particular can explain conservation principles and details of the work and why it is being carried out. Through this also manages any difficult conversations and enhances the business reputation through those conversations (uses plain language, listens to customer needs)
Back to Duty
K40: Maintenance practices, processes and procedures covering a wide range of heritage operational assets. This can include lock gates, bridges, lifts, tunnels, navigations, aquaducts, heritage buildings, dry docks. This includes safe working practices in construction, construction technology, project methodology, working on conservation and restoration projects and preparation and mixing of lime mortars
Back to Duty
K41: Know how to select the right plant, tools and materials to carry out their work appropriate for the heritage asset, e.g. stone masonry tools & chisels, lime mortar, traditional building materials etc. Seeks additional advice if unsure of the correct method
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K42: Understand relevant and current best practice in watercourse management and maintenance practices in relation to the use of heritage materials, such as lime mortar for building works, and including soft engineering for natural flood management
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K43: Understand capabilities and requirements of the asset and the catchment (including land use and designation)
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K44: Understand impacts of (defined) seasonal water level and vegetation management
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K45: Knowledge of Land Drainage Act 1991 and other relevant legislation and regulation and IDB (Internal Drainage Boards) byelaws
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K46: Understand relevant and current best practice and which sources of information should be used to identify issues
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K47: Know how to access relevant information to inform operational decisions, e.g. On-line telemetry, Water levels, flow and rainfall gauges, national and local weather forecasts
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K48: Understand how livestock and wildlife respond to human presence in different circumstances and settings, and the impact of own behaviour according to type of livestock/ wildlife in a variety of settings
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K49: Understand the risks, and control measures to mitigate risk associated with lone working. Systems/ procedures to communicate accurate and regular information to lone working resources
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K50: Competent to operate 4x4 vehicle and knows limits of vehicle and self. Identifies when ground conditions necessitate use of 4x4 vehicle, and how to arrange recovery of vehicle if required
Back to Duty
S1: Work safely and effectively, identify hazards, assess risk and comply with internal and external control measures. Dynamically assess risk and challenge unsafe activities when carrying out their duties, for their protection and that of others (e.g. contractors, members of the public), and take the necessary actions to minimise potential risks
Back to Duty
S2: Take proactive steps to manage their personal wellbeing, especially when working in high risk environments such lone working, confined spaces, in or near water. Implement lone working device in accordance with own organisation’s procedure.
Back to Duty
S3: Communicate HSW controls and safe working systems that are to be followed by you and others when working outdoors, e.g. pre-briefing before work commences
Back to Duty
S4: Select and use a range of maintenance tools, plant, equipment and resources so that asset maintenance plans can be delivered in safe manner whilst also protecting the environment, e.g. start-up checks, correct use of plant, etc. taking into account the working conditions and water environment status
Back to Duty
S5: Report relevant asset information which contributes to ensuring assets are well maintained in a timely manner
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S6: Apply soft engineering principles and practices to reduce erosion and manage stabilisation and safety of shorelines and the area surrounding watercourses, while enhancing habitat, improving aesthetics and saving money
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S7: Design, plan and build boundaries and apply sound principles and best environmental practices to preserve the natural environment within the context of the legal framework
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S8: Communicate clearly and effectively with the public, land owners, contractors and colleagues to deliver business outcomes, e.g. explaining their work to a landowner, provide feedback to contractors and colleagues to improve ways of working and responding to queries from members of the public. Vary their communication style to fit differing situations e.g. handling a complaint, describing their work
Back to Duty
S9: Use technology solutions available to communicate with others internally, e.g. email, social media etc.
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S10: Comply with environmental practices and procedures e.g. prevent cross contamination of invasive species, follow sustainability and waste management practices, plan work to adhere to legislation
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S11: Operate in a way which reduces pollution of our waterways and land nearby
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S12: Manage habitats using a range of specialist techniques such as coppicing, hedge laying, river/ stream bank stabilisation and establishing native plants, using appropriate tools and equipment. This could also include new and developing sustainable practices such as using natural materials to manage excessive rainfall (in constructing leaky dams and bale dams) and subsequently manage erosion and flood damage
Back to Duty
S13: Manage vegetation in a range of different situations, for example strimming pathways, using pesticides, managing trees and hedgerows, eradicating invasive species in order to conserve native flora and fauna
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S14: Enhance the organisation’s reputation by the way in which they work with contractors and other partners to deliver their work. Promote the work of the organisation in a positive light, referring to others when necessary
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S15: Plan and deliver projects using best practice project management techniques, including management of risks and resources, time management and value for money and the natural environment, e.g. work on a river bank could also create a habitat for wildlife
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S16: Demonstrate appropriate tool and material selection to carry out their duties safely, taking into account the ground/ working conditions
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S17: Adapt working practices to take account of new, improved ways of working, especially with regard to safe working practices, such as new materials available, lessons learned from health and safety incident reviews, and new environmental practices
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S18: Work with their line manager to develop their performance objectives and supporting activities. Demonstrate evidence towards achieving their objectives, using their organisation's systems and processes
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S19: Actively seek opportunities to develop themselves, seeking feedback from peers, attending training and putting into practice, with evidence-gathering, etc.
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S20: Handle media requests for information in accordance with policy and procedures
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S21: Work collaboratively, ensuring everyone involved follows safe working practices at all times, such as using safe winching techniques to remove obstructions, and driving four wheel drive vehicles safely off the public highway on agricultural land
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S22: Work effectively, safely and sustainably on the local priorities defined by the asset maintenance schedule
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S23: Work with other teams to help develop condition assessments and a work programme allied to maintenance standards
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S24: Review the impact of the ‘recovery phase’ of incident response and identify when an asset reaches the correct status
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S25: Identify work which could improve habitats at the same time as improving assets
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S26: Plan for volunteer involvement on-site
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S27: Effectively contribute to a successful volunteer recruitment campaign
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S28: Manage day to day requirements for volunteers involved on site
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S29: Contribute to the delivery of sustainable volunteering offer, based on volunteer’s skills and interest areas
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S30: Able to effectively communicate with volunteers
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S31: Able to assess the task and identify the required Volunteering resource to deliver the task effectively
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S32: Plan work activities for a wide range of volunteer groups and different tasks
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S33: Carry out risk assessments for a wide range of tasks carried out by volunteers, including working close to water
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S34: Sensitive to the needs of the group including recognising the volunteers as customers. Takes personal responsibility to ensure that they have a great experience
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S35: Able to plan tasks as volunteering "events" for corporate groups by applying knowledge of resource requirements for each task
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S36: Assess heritage value. Plan & execute work appropriately to context. Take advice from appropriate colleagues & stakeholders
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S37: Follow technical advice and guidance in Environmental/ Heritage Assessments
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S38: Improve the organisation's reputation, with particular reference to their conservation standards and credentials, by the way in which they work with contractors and other partners to deliver their work
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S39: Promote the conservation work of the organisation in a positive light, referring to others when necessary
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S40: Apply best practice to the safe use of a range of maintenance tools, plant and equipment specific to heritage conservation and appropriate for heritage materials (including Stone Masonry Tools & Chisels)
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S41: Select and carry out minor repair work using the correct equipment and materials appropriate to heritage conservation (for example materials used to protect completed work)
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S42: Demonstrate decision making that includes heritage value
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S43: Identify and implement safe systems of work to deploy interventions in a timely manner
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S44: Collate or report accurate data which ensures assets are well maintained in a timely manner
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S45: Explain the purpose of managing water levels and watercourses in the context of organisational objectives, powers and responsibilities
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S46: Operate individually or as part of a team to manage welfare of self and others in all weather conditions and times of day
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S47: Take readings and interpret information from relevant technology such as gauge board, on-line telemetry, internet weather forecasts
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S48: Take optical level survey to establish fixed datum for installation of water level monitoring equipment e.g. gauge board or telemetry site
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S49: Record and present information to inform operational decisions e.g. water level diary or spreadsheet
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S50: Appreciate risk of different types of livestock in rural settings and adapt working practices to accommodate those risks
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B1: Acts as an ambassador of the organisation’s values and behaviours
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B2: Seeks out opportunities to create effective change and continuous improvement, such as suggesting ideas for improvements or changes to systems or processes that affect the way you do your job. Reviews ways of working including seeking and providing feedback
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B3: Takes personal responsibility for forming effective relationships both internally and externally, with people from a range of diverse backgrounds, to enable delivery of business outcomes. Works with others and contributes to the work of immediate and wider teams. Identifies and addresses the needs of customers, delivers what has been promised and ensures that all outcomes are delivered in a polite, professional manner. Respects the needs, responses and opinions of others
Back to Duty
B4: Has sound judgement. Uses evidence and knowledge to support accurate expert decisions and advice. Carefully considers alternative options, implications and risks of decisions
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B5: Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Takes responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive
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B6: Focuses on continuous improvement for self, others and the organisation
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B7: Perceives and mitigates risks to themselves and others at all times
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B8: Challenges and accepts challenge with regards to safe working practices
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B9: Communicates effectively in a range of situations, and with a variety of methods
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B10: Continually seeks to develop their professional skills and embed new ways of working for themselves and others
Back to Duty
Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.
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This standard will be reviewed after three years.
Contact us about this apprenticeship
| Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date | Latest end date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | Approved for delivery | 30/09/2019 | Not set | Not set |
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