Question 1

What does a site supervisor do in Australia?

Accepted Answer

A site supervisor manages daily construction site operations, supervising workers, coordinating activities, ensuring safety compliance and maintaining quality standards. They act as the on-site leader, managing subcontractors, conducting safety briefings, and reporting progress to project managers. Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020), site supervisors are typically classified at Level 5 or higher depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Question 2

What award covers site supervisors in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Site supervisors are typically covered by the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020 (MA000020). This award sets minimum pay rates, allowances 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 supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, site supervisors are typically classified at Level 5 (leading hand or supervisor managing a small team) or Level 6 (supervisor managing multiple teams or larger projects). Classification depends on the scope of responsibility, number of workers supervised, and project complexity. See our Building and Construction Award rates guide for current classifications.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a site supervisor 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 allowances' 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 supervisors need in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Site supervisors typically need a White Card (Construction Induction Card), significant construction experience, and strong leadership skills. Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) is highly preferred and becoming increasingly required. First Aid certification is essential. Many employers also require completed trade qualifications and demonstrated experience progressing from trades to supervision.

Question 6

Is a White Card mandatory for site supervisors?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a White Card (General Construction Induction Card) is mandatory for anyone working on a construction site in Australia, including supervisors. The White Card demonstrates completion of the general construction induction training covering basic safety and can be obtained through an approved RTO.

Question 7

Do site supervisors need First Aid certification?

Accepted Answer

First Aid certification is essential for site supervisors as they are often the first point of contact for workplace injuries. Having current First Aid and CPR certificates is typically a requirement, not just a preference, given the supervisory nature of the role and responsibility for worker safety.

Question 8

What other qualifications are useful for site supervisors?

Accepted Answer

Additional qualifications that enhance effectiveness include: WHS training and certifications, Cert IV in Work Health and Safety, trade qualifications relevant to the project type (carpentry, electrical, plumbing), Elevated Work Platform (EWP) tickets, scaffolding tickets, and project management training.

Question 9

Should I hire permanent or contract site supervisors?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your project pipeline and business model. Permanent supervisors provide consistency and company culture alignment for ongoing projects, while contract supervisors offer flexibility for specific projects. Many construction companies use a mix of both. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What allowances apply to site supervisors?

Accepted Answer

Under the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2020, various allowances may apply including: leading hand allowances (for supervising others), travel allowances (when required to use own vehicle), height work allowances, confined space allowances, and tool allowances. Use award interpretation software to calculate allowances accurately.

Question 11

What are the standard working hours for site supervisors?

Accepted Answer

Site supervisors typically work standard construction hours, often starting early (6:00-7:00 AM) to prepare sites before trades arrive. Ordinary hours are usually 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Overtime rates apply for work beyond ordinary hours. Site supervisors often need to arrive early and leave late to manage team setup and close-down procedures.

Question 12

What should I include in a site supervisor employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (permanent/contract), salary or hourly rate, applicable award, reporting structure, scope of supervisory responsibility, project locations, expected working hours, vehicle requirements, mobile phone provision, safety responsibilities, and required certifications. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

What are the key responsibilities of a site supervisor?

Accepted Answer

Site supervisors are responsible for: planning and coordinating daily work activities, supervising and directing site workers and subcontractors, conducting toolbox talks and safety briefings, ensuring WHS compliance, managing site documentation and records, coordinating material deliveries and equipment, maintaining quality standards, solving on-site problems, and reporting progress to project managers. Use rostering software to manage site workforce scheduling effectively.

Question 14

How many workers can a site supervisor manage?

Accepted Answer

This varies based on project complexity, worker experience, and site layout. Typically, one supervisor can effectively manage 10-20 workers on a standard residential or commercial project. Larger or more complex projects may require multiple supervisors or leading hands to maintain adequate oversight and safety management.

Question 15

What safety responsibilities do site supervisors have?

Accepted Answer

Site supervisors have significant safety obligations including: conducting daily safety inspections, running toolbox talks, ensuring workers use appropriate PPE, implementing and enforcing site safety procedures, identifying and addressing hazards, managing emergency situations, maintaining safety documentation, and ensuring subcontractors comply with WHS requirements. Use compliance management tools to track safety requirements.

Question 16

How should site supervisors handle subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

Site supervisors coordinate subcontractor activities, ensure they comply with site rules and safety procedures, check their certifications and insurances are current, integrate their work into the project schedule, address quality issues, and resolve any conflicts between trades. Clear communication and documentation are essential for effective subcontractor management.

Site supervisor job description