BioBanking Assessor accreditation

The Arrangement for BioBanking Assessor Accreditation (08650AssessorAccreditation.pdf, 203 KB) provides information on the accreditation process and outlines the conditions required to apply for, and maintain, accreditation.

Accreditation is valid for three years and must be renewed after this period. The BioBanking Assessor accreditation process is overseen by a panel comprised of experts from government, academia and industry. OEH can provide general advice about an individual's qualifications and experience, however, only the BioBanking Assessor Accreditation Panel can determine the adequacy of the qualifications and experience for accreditation.

Applying for accreditation

Individuals seeking BioBanking Assessor accreditation are required to have:

1. Successfully completed a BioBanking Assessor course; and
2. Relevant tertiary qualifications in natural sciences or equivalent combined with a minimum of three years experience in flora and fauna survey or a miniumum of five years experience in flora and fauna if no tertiary qualification(s) in natural science (or equivalent) are held.

Applications for accreditation must include:

• Academic transcript/s
• A resume that demonstrates employment history, showing the employers name and period of employment
• Written references including contact details from two recent professional referees (within the last 3 years) in the field of natural sciences from two seperate organisations who can vouch for the applicant's skills, expericence and professional conduct. A professional referee can be an employer or a professional in the same industry
• List of projects completed by the applicant relevant to flora and fauna survey set out in the table format below

Applications for accreditation can be sent to biobanking@environment.nsw.gov.au. The Panel meets every 6 months and should be submitted by either 26 April or 26 October each year to allow for the completion of the accreditation process by 31 May or 30 November the same year.  

BioBanking Assessor course

The BioBanking Assessor course is delivered by a Registered Training Organisation. Courses are usually held in the Sydney CBD but may be held at other locations where demand exists.  

The BioBanking Assessors Course runs for four consecutive days and covers general BioBanking Scheme operations and detailed information about the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calculator. The course includes theory and practical exercises, and assessment tasks for those seeking accreditation.

Not all the knowledge and skills required of a BioBanking Assessor will be taught as part of the course. Participants are expected to already have skills in:

• native plant and weed species identification
• threatened species survey
• identification of fauna habitat, and
• use of GIS software.

Course participants are required to use PC computers, Microsoft Windows® operating system and Microsoft Office® software to complete assessment tasks set during the course.

Check dates and fees for future courses by contacting biobanking@environment.nsw.gov.au

BioBanking and Biocertification assessor training provider

OEH has issued a call for proposals for the delivery of the BioBanking Assessor course.

The three year licence to deliver the course expired in June 2012. OEH has made a number of changes to the structure and content of the course based on experience using the BioBanking Assessment Methodology and Credit Calcualtor over the past few years. The new course will need to reflect these changes.

A competitive tender process for a licence for the next three years is open now until Tuesday 25 September 2012. A project brief containing all the necessary information for potential training providers is available. To request a copy please email biobanking@environment.nsw.gov.au

Renewal of BioBanking Assessor Accreditation

Accreditation expires after three years, at which time BioBanking Assessors will need to apply for renewal. OEH will contact assessors three months before the expiry date of their current accreditation. Assessors will be required to submit an application form for re-accreditation and attend a short refresher course.