Dogman job description

Dogmen must hold a valid Dogging High Risk Work Licence (Class DG) issued by the relevant state or territory workplace health and safety regulator. This licence requires completion of approved training and assessment in directing crane operations and slinging loads. Additionally, all construction workers must hold a White Card (Construction Induction Card) to work on construction sites.

Obtaining a Dogging High Risk Work Licence typically takes 5-7 days. The training course runs for approximately 5 days and includes both theoretical and practical assessments. After successfully completing the course, the licence is processed by the state regulator, which may take 1-2 weeks. A White Card can be obtained in 1 day through approved training providers.

While not always mandatory for the dogman role specifically, First Aid certification is highly valued on construction sites. Many construction companies require or prefer workers who hold current First Aid and CPR certificates as they may be first responders to workplace incidents.

Additional certifications that enhance employability include: rigging licences (Basic, Intermediate or Advanced Rigging), forklift licence, elevated work platform licence, scaffolding tickets, and other high risk work licences. Experience with specific crane types or specialized lifting equipment is also valued.

This depends on your project timeline and staffing needs. Permanent staff provide consistency for long-term projects, while casuals offer flexibility for short-term contracts and variable workload. Many construction companies use a mix of both. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Penalty rates under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and overtime. Construction work often involves early starts, long days, and weekend work, so penalty rates are common. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, minimum engagement periods apply — typically 4 hours for casual employees. However, actual shift lengths vary depending on project requirements, with many construction shifts being 8-10 hours. Check the award for specific requirements.

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, project locations and sites, shift patterns and hours, PPE requirements, licence verification, and site-specific safety requirements. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, reasonable notice of roster changes should be provided. For project-based work, rosters typically align with project schedules and site requirements. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Yes, multi-site construction work is common in the industry. Ensure you clearly communicate site mobility expectations in the job description and consider travel time and distance between locations. Some dogmen may be assigned to specific long-term projects, while others work across multiple sites as required.

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, employees are entitled to rest breaks and meal breaks based on shift length. Specific break entitlements vary by classification and shift duration. Use break planning tools to manage breaks effectively and support compliance with site safety requirements.

Schedule dogmen based on project crane requirements, lift schedules, and site activities. Match experienced dogmen with complex or high-risk lifts, and ensure adequate numbers for concurrent crane operations. Consider weather conditions that may affect crane operations. Use rostering software to improve schedules and ensure coverage.