100% free construction job description templates
Complete job description templates for Australian construction businesses. Covering labourers, trades, high-risk workers and supervisors. Aligned with the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020. 100% free, fully editable and ready to download.
Browse templatesConstruction job descriptions for australian businesses
The construction industry is one of Australia's largest employers, with over one million workers across residential, commercial, civil and infrastructure projects. From labourers to site supervisors, the industry requires clear role definitions to ensure safety, compliance and productivity.
Most on-site construction workers are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), which sets minimum pay rates, allowances, and conditions based on classification levels. Many roles also require specific licences including White Cards and High Risk Work Licences.
These templates provide compliant, industry-standard job descriptions that you can customise for your construction business. Each template includes duties, required skills, licensing requirements, and award classification guidance.
Browse construction job description templates
Click any role to view the full template and download as PDF
Construction Labourer
Entry-level role assisting tradespeople with manual tasks, material handling, site cleaning and general labour duties.
Site Assistant
Administrative and operational support role managing documentation, deliveries, contractor coordination and site records.
Traffic Controller
Safety-critical role directing traffic around construction zones, implementing traffic management plans and ensuring safe access.
Scaffolder
High-risk work role erecting and dismantling scaffolding systems, conducting inspections and ensuring safe access platforms.
Rigger
Specialist role setting up rigging equipment, calculating loads, selecting lifting gear and coordinating crane operations.
Dogman
Licensed role directing crane operations using signals, slinging loads, and ensuring safe lifting procedures.
Formworker
Skilled trade role constructing timber and steel formwork for concrete structures, reading plans and working with concrete teams.
Concreter
Trade role placing, finishing and curing concrete including surface preparation, vibrating, screeding and trowelling.
Site Supervisor
Leadership role managing daily site operations, coordinating teams, ensuring safety compliance and quality standards.
Tool Store Attendant
Support role managing tool inventory, issuing equipment, coordinating maintenance and maintaining accurate records.
Award coverage and licensing
Understanding compliance requirements for construction workers
Building and construction award 2020
MA000020 is the primary award covering employees performing on-site building and construction work. This includes labourers, trades assistants, operators, tradespeople and supervisors working on residential, commercial and civil construction projects.
The award sets minimum pay rates, site allowances, travel allowances, tool allowances and conditions for construction employees across CW1-CW8 classification levels.
Licensing requirements
All construction workers require a White Card (General Construction Induction). Specific roles require High Risk Work Licences for scaffolding (SB/SI/SA), rigging (RB/RI/RA), dogging (DG), crane operation (various classes), and forklift operation (LF).
Employers must verify licence validity before workers commence and maintain records of all certifications and training.
Classification levels under the building and construction award
The Building and Construction Award classifies employees into CW levels based on skills, qualifications and responsibilities:
- CW1: New entrant with no construction experience or qualifications
- CW2: Labourer with some experience or basic plant operation
- CW3: Experienced labourer or tradesperson's assistant with additional skills
- CW4: Operator of specific plant, holder of trade certificate
- CW5-8: Qualified tradespeople, leading hands and supervisors
Ensure you correctly classify employees to meet award compliance. Use award interpretation software to calculate accurate pay rates including allowances.
Who should use these templates?
These job descriptions are designed for Australian construction businesses
Common construction industry hiring challenges
Clear job descriptions help address these issues
Licence verification
Ensuring workers hold valid White Cards and HRW licences
Variable work patterns
Early starts, overtime and weather-dependent schedules
Safety requirements
WHS compliance, PPE requirements and site rules
Complex allowances
Site, travel, tool and other award allowances
Physical demands unclear
Heavy lifting, heights work and outdoor conditions
Multi-site deployment
Workers moving between different project sites
Well-written job descriptions attract qualified workers who understand the role requirements.
What's included in these templates?
Every construction job description template includes
All templates are fully editable and designed for Australian construction industry compliance.
Why clear job descriptions matter
Without clear job descriptions
- Unlicensed workers applying for licensed roles
- Candidates unprepared for physical demands
- Confusion about site hours and conditions
- Safety compliance risks on site
With clear job descriptions
- Licensed, qualified workers apply
- Clear expectations about work conditions
- Better safety culture from day one
- Reduced turnover and training costs
Legal disclaimer
These templates are designed to reflect Australian workplace standards and construction industry practices at the time of publication. They are provided as a general guide only and do not constitute legal advice.
You should review and tailor each template to suit your business, project type, licensing requirements, modern award, enterprise agreement and specific requirements. Always verify licence requirements with your state regulator. For complex situations, seek independent legal or HR advice.
Why construction job descriptions matter
Construction is a high-risk industry with strict licensing, safety and compliance requirements. Clear job descriptions ensure candidates understand the licences needed, physical demands, safety obligations and working conditions before they apply. This reduces hiring mismatches and improves site safety.
The industry also has complex award arrangements with multiple allowances (site, travel, tool) and variable work patterns. Well-structured templates help set clear expectations about remuneration and working arrangements, reducing disputes and improving worker satisfaction.
Whether you're hiring labourers for a residential project or scaffolders for a commercial high-rise, these templates provide a professional, compliant foundation that saves time and helps you find the right workers for your sites.
Construction job description FAQ
- We provide 10 free construction job description templates covering labourers, site assistants, traffic controllers, scaffolders, riggers, dogmen, formworkers, concreters, site supervisors and tool store attendants. All templates include duties, skills, qualifications, and award classifications aligned with Australian construction industry standards.
- Yes, construction roles vary significantly in duties, licensing requirements and skills needed. A scaffolder requires different high-risk work licences than a rigger or dogman. Our templates are tailored for each specific role while maintaining consistency with the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020.
- Yes, all templates are fully editable. You should adjust duties to match your specific projects (residential, commercial, civil), add site-specific requirements, and tailor qualifications to your needs. The templates provide a compliant foundation to build from.
- Most on-site construction workers are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). This award covers employees performing on-site building and construction work. Some specialised roles may fall under other awards depending on the specific work performed.
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