Core Competencies—Introduction

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has developed training courses and informational material to assist contractors and other agricultural stakeholders in the design, installation and maintenance of soil erosion control structures that are relevant to and commonly applied in agricultural settings. Individuals and businesses involved in the design, construction and maintenance of soil erosion control structures are expected to use this material to keep their information and qualifications current. This document lists the minimum knowledge and skill that OMAFRA expects from individuals and businesses involved in these activities.

These competencies complement the document entitled "Performance Guidelines for Designers and Contractors of Soil Erosion Control Systems". The performance guidelines go beyond the skills and knowledge outlined in the Core Competencies document and are intended to provide a consistent set of value-added principles for soil erosion control contractors that reflect "best management practices" for the industry.

The competencies are organized into five main categories as follows:

1. General Information
2. Problem Analysis
3. Material Use in Soil Erosion Control Projects
4. Soil Erosion Control Structures
5. Innovative Approaches to Soil Erosion Control Problems