Question 1

What does a site assistant do in construction?

Accepted Answer

A site assistant provides administrative and practical support for construction site operations. They manage site documentation and permits, coordinate deliveries and materials, maintain site records and logs, assist with contractor sign-in and inductions, support the site supervisor with admin tasks, monitor stock levels and order supplies, and perform basic site cleaning and organisation. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), site assistants are classified based on their duties and level of responsibility.

Question 2

What award covers site assistants in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Site assistants in construction are covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). This award sets minimum pay rates, penalty rates and conditions for employees working in building and construction. Always verify which award applies to your specific construction business.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a site assistant?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, site assistants typically start at the appropriate classification level based on their duties and experience. Classification depends on tasks performed, level of responsibility, and required skills. See our Building and Construction Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a site assistant job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates plus penalties' or 'Competitive rates based on experience.' Check the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 for current rates.

Question 5

What qualifications do site assistants need in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Site assistants must hold a valid White Card (Construction Induction Card) to work on construction sites in Australia. This is the minimum legal requirement. Additional qualifications such as office administration experience, first aid certification, and construction industry experience are highly valued. A driver's licence is often required as site assistants may need to travel between sites or collect supplies.

Question 6

How long does it take to get a White Card?

Accepted Answer

Obtaining a White Card typically takes 1 day to complete the Construction Induction training course. The course can be completed in-person or online (depending on state requirements). After successful completion, the White Card is issued and is valid across all Australian states and territories. The card does not expire but may need to be renewed if regulations change.

Question 7

Do site assistants need First Aid certification?

Accepted Answer

While not always mandatory, First Aid certification is highly valued and often preferred by construction companies. Site assistants may be among the first responders to workplace incidents, making First Aid and CPR training beneficial. Many employers prefer or require candidates with current First Aid certificates.

Question 8

What other skills are useful for site assistants?

Accepted Answer

Additional skills that enhance employability include: computer literacy (Microsoft Office, construction management software), experience with site safety systems, understanding of construction terminology, inventory management experience, excellent organisational skills, and strong communication abilities for coordinating with contractors and suppliers.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent site assistants?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to site assistants?

Accepted Answer

Penalty rates under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 apply for work performed on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and for overtime. Construction work may involve early starts and weekend work, so penalty rates should be factored into payroll. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for site assistants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, minimum engagement periods apply. Actual shift lengths vary depending on site requirements and project schedules. Many construction sites operate standard 7-8 hour days, with early starts common. Check the award for specific minimum engagement requirements.

Question 12

What should I include in a site assistant employment contract?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to site assistants?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, rosters must be provided with appropriate notice. For permanent employees, roster changes require notice and consultation. For casual employees, reasonable notice should be provided. Using rostering software helps ensure compliance and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts.

Question 14

Can I require site assistants to work at different sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes, multi-site work is common in the construction industry. Ensure you clearly communicate site rotation expectations in the job description and consider travel time and distance between locations. Some site assistants may be required to support multiple projects simultaneously, especially in smaller construction companies.

Question 15

What breaks are site assistants entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, employees are entitled to meal breaks and rest breaks based on their shift length. Construction sites typically observe standard break times that align with other site workers. Use break planning tools to manage breaks effectively.

Question 16

How do I schedule site assistants efficiently?

Accepted Answer

Schedule site assistants based on project requirements, site operating hours, delivery schedules, and contractor induction needs. Ensure adequate coverage during peak times when deliveries and contractor sign-ins are most frequent. Consider project milestones and compliance deadlines. Use rostering software to improve schedules and ensure coverage.

Site assistant job description