Jobs / roles in the civil industry

A bridge constructor gets to prepare for, construct and commission all the wooden, concrete and steel bridges that we drive on, walk on and ride trains over.

Salary range: $60k – $140k

The Role

You will be constructing and maintaining all different types of bridges that carry cars, trains, water or people (and a whole lot more).They can be made out of steel, concrete, timber or any combination. You could be involved in any part of the process – there is a large variety of work involved.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Bridges are everywhere! You could work in regional or city areas and work over land, water; railways …the opportunities, and your choices, are large.

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have lots of options to work for small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and Government agencies.You can work in road, rail, water or other utilities – all of them need to construct and maintain bridges.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Modern equipment is very, very safe. The civil construction industry is primarily funded by Government, and so is very safety focused.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

It’s challenging, but not overly complex.Your employer will train you on the job in each task and each piece of equipment and system you operate. As technology improves and your experience broadens, you will keep learning more.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

Some parts are physically demanding, but everyone is different and employers know that.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

Everyone starts doing bridge building knowing nothing about it! Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as a Certificate III in Bridge Construction and Maintenance.

CAN YOU GET A TRADE? 

Yes, in most States ‘Bridge Construction and Maintenance is a Trade.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks. People with good hand-eye coordination often learn quickly. You should be comfortable with heights.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You have to be at least 14 years of age.

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required. A reasonable understanding in maths will make more senior roles easier.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! You will have lots of options.You could become a specialist bridge builder; a manager, set up your own business, or even go on to university and become an engineer. Bridges differ depending on what they span and what they carry, but what is common is there are a lot of them.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

No. It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering-related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

There are a few options… Many work for a bit as a Site Hand on any civil construction site to learn the ropes. However, it’s also possible to start as an Apprentice.

The big boss. The civil industry has a higher percentage of female CEOs and business owners than Plant Operators!

Salary Range: $220k to Lots of $$$’s

A civil engineer is the designer, constructor and problems over of all things civil. They put the theory learned in a degree into practice to build and maintain civil infrastructure.

Salary Range: $75k – $250K

The Role

Using your degree in civil engineering, you will join the workforce as a civil engineer and start turning all that theory into real world practice. You will design, construct and maintain the roads, bridges, railways, tunnels, structures and utilities our world and society relies upon.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Everywhere! You could be designing and or working on roads, bridges, dams, pipelines, railway lines, tunnels, farms (including wind and solar), golf courses, houses and building sites… the options in civil go on!

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have a lot of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and government agencies all need civil engineers. You can choose to focus on the design or construction side… or do both!

HOW SAFE IS IT?

As an engineer you might be on site, but civil engineering is very safe.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

There is no denying it, civil engineering is a complex role.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

There is normally no ‘on-the tools’ work for a civil engineer, but you will be out and about looking at the project.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

To be a civil engineer, you will have to have a degree, but after that, there are special courses in Project management. There are a lot of short courses can be done through the Institute of Civil Infrastructure.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

You will have a degree, but can then do specialist qualifications, such as estimating, contracts or project management.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

Engineers are people who like solving problems. Engineering is actually quite creative…the real solutions are a mixture of theory and practicality.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You can start in the industry from the earliest legal minimum working age. Many people start working while still doing their degree.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

Entry to a university to study civil engineering will require solid maths and science scores. However, many pathways can be taken, such as working for a while and then doing mature age entry.

A degree in civil engineering or related field like structural engineering.

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! Engineering skills are highly sought after, and a great career pathway in the civil industry. Many senior people and business owners in the industry have been civil engineers.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. The world is your playground.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are specialist technical, business and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

You can start in the industry and cross over to do a uni degree in civil engineering.

How Do I Get Started?

To do the engineering work required of the role, you will need an engineering qualification.

Develops the quotes for projects, and ensures Project Managers don’t spend too much! Has a background in civil so they can manage those tough contract and price issues.

Salary Range: $120k to $200k

There is a lot of concrete in a bridge or tunnel! Civil Concreters are highly skilled at their craft to ensure the concrete is poured on time, correctly, and according to engineering requirements.

Salary Range: $70k to $140k

Keeps a very close eye on the contract paperwork, and ensures that everyone is following the requirements of the construction contract. Often are people who have come off machines and are working their way up.

Salary Range: $90k to $160k

Crane Operators ensure all the heavy materials used in construction are lifted and moved into place safely. We have a huge variety of cranes for different operations.

Salary Range: $70k to $140k

Whether building a concept for a tender, or turning a concept into practically constructible reality, designers and drafters use their considerable theoretical skills in a practical manner.

Salary Range: $75k to $230k

By either drafting a concept for a tender, acting for a contractor to turn a tender into a project, or solving a problem on a site, a Drafter turns engineering ideas into reality.

Salary Range: $65k to $160k

An Environment Officer works to protect the environment during civil construction or maintenance activity.

Salary range: $120k – $180k

The Role

The civil industry is all about constructing what our society needs to function. So, we care a great deal for the environment. Before and during construction or maintenance, Environment Officers get involved in planning the work, and then make sure laws are followed and work is undertaken on sites in a way which protects the environment.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Everywhere. Wherever there is civil work, the earth, water, air and animals need to be protected.

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

Most medium, and all large, civil construction businesses, local councils, and government agencies employ Environment Officers.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Very safe.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

This is a serious job. You have an important responsibility understanding how the civil work will be undertaken so you can ensure it’s done safely. Your employer will train you on the job in each task so you can succeed.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

No.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND DOES IT COST YOU?

Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get qualifications, generally they can be funded.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally recognised qualification such as a Certificate IV in Conservation and Land Management, or a degree such as Environmental Science.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who like working outdoors, care for the environment and like doing practical tasks.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You can start from the earliest legal minimum working age!

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! If you care about the environment and want to make difference every day, you can have an entire career in civil by moving on to bigger projects. If you want to, you could diverge into safety or quality management.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Some people start with a degree in environmental science, or they move into one after working and practical skills.

How Do I Get Started?

There are a few options… If you don’t have a degree in environmental science, you can apply for a job as a Environment Officer anyway. Many work for a bit as a Site Hand to learn the ropes on a civil site.

Using your experience and some science, you will build up the real price for a supplied scope of work.

Salary range: $70k to $200k

The foundations of any civil infrastructure must be strong and deep. This role focuses on getting down into the earth or rock and ensuring the security of the project being built.

Salary range: $80k – $160k

The Role

Civil infrastructure like bridges, roads, dams, buildings, and railway lines need to have deep, strong foundations to ensure they are safe. In this role you will prepare and build those foundations. This will have you excavating earth, drilling (sometimes with drill bits a metre wide!), setting up steel reinforcing and concreting. You will be outdoors and will NOT work in an office!.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Everywhere there is infrastructure being constructed and maintained, which means … EVERYWHERE!

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses,  all engage civil foundation constructors.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Foundation work is doing some interesting stuff in interesting places! However, the civil construction industry is very safety focused. Modern civil construction work is very safe and the machinery very advanced.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

Foundation work is challenging, because you never know what is under the surface, but not complex.  Your employer will train you on the job in each task and each piece of plant you operate.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

It depends on the particular job you choose to take, but you will need to be reasonably fit.  That said, everyone is different and employers know and allow for that.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

Yes, there is training involved. The good news is your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want to do it. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as a Certificate III in Civil Foundations.

CAN YOU GET A TRADE? 

Not directly, but you can do a Traineeship.  Many of the subjects in a Cert III in Civil Foundations are common to other civil contracting Apprenticeships.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

eople who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You have to be at least 14 years of age.

WHAT SUBJECTS AND GRADES FROM SCHOOL DO YOU NEED?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Absolutely. While civil infrastructure work is being undertaken, foundations will have to be constructed.The work does not limit you either – the skills are very useable in other areas of civil.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

It’s your call. Some employers have projects in different locations, and it’s your call when you pick an employer If you do move however your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to.There are Certificate IV’s, Diplomas and management courses you can do. Its your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering-related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

There are a few options… Many workers start their civil work being a Site Hand on general civil projects and then move into the more specialised foundations area. It is possible to do a traineeship.

The boss who manages the business on a day-to-day basis. State Managers often report to them.

Salary Range: $220k to Lots of $$$’s

Drives the big trucks that carry earth, steel, bridge sections, pipes, and all the rest of the stuff used in construction. This requires a special licence.

Salary Range: $60k to $100k

The first step in managing people, a Leading Hand will look after a small civil work team of up to 15 people.

Salary range: $85k – $140k

The Role

You will have been in the industry for a few years and will have practical skills. You will still be doing civil construction work, but you will now be looking after others on the ground as they do it.

You will make sure your team builds to the specification, keeps safe, and follows the work rules. As you become more senior, your teams will get larger… this is preparing you for Site Supervision or other managerial roles.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Everywhere and anywhere there is civil construction! You will still be on civil construction sites. You will be outdoors and will NOT work in an office!

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and Government agencies all employ Leading Hands.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Very safe. The civil construction industry is primarily funded by Government, and so is very safety focused.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

To get this role you will already have some experience and be competent. It will start to become more challenging as you begin to learn new skills around works planning and operations.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

As you will still be doing construction work, it is no different to what you were doing before the promotion.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but helpful. You can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as the Certificate IV in Civil Construction (you could do either Operations or Supervision) or do a Certificate IV in Frontline Management.

These Qualifications take you to the next level of skills needed to prepare you for a management career.

Requirements

DOES THIS MEAN MORE MONEY?

Yes. You will be taking on more responsibility, and so will be paid more.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You have to be at least 14 years of age.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER
Yes. You will be taking on more responsibility, and so will be paid more.

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Definitely! This is the starting point to learn how to manage people and most in the industry have been through the role.

You could go on to become a Site Supervisor, a Technical Specialist, a Project Manager, set up your own business, or even go on to university and become an Engineer. The list of options from here is endless.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

No. It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you want to take your learning!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical and people skills you learn will be very useful for engineering related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

You must already have a job in the industry doing a technical role like Plant Operator or Site Hand. This proves you know the work and are going to manage others safely.

Then, through working hard, you will be selected for promotion. You can tell your employer you are interested in this, but we recommend you don’t do that on day one!

A Pipe Layer places all different types of pipes on and under ground using a variety of hand tools, trenching machines, and earthmoving plant.

Salary range: $60k – $140k

The Role

You will work on different sites, on different jobs, and be laying and repairing all types of metal, concrete and plastic pipes along with electrical cables. These pipes can be laid above the ground or under. The work will include preparing the site and then ensuring the pipes are installed well. You will be working with all types of plant and equipment.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Pipes are everywhere! You could be working on constructing or maintaining them for roads, bridges, new housing estates, farms (including wind and solar), golf courses, and building sites… the options go on!

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses need pipe layers, along with local councils.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Modem equipment and methods are very, very safe. Safety in the civil construction industry is given very high importance.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

No. It’s challenging, but not complex. Your employer will train you on the job in each task and in the machines and tools you will use. There is some good technology used in pipe laying, but you will be taught how to use it.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

There is some physical effort required, but everyone is different and employers know that – you do not need to be especially strong.

 The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

Yes, and your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as a Certificate III in Civil Construction Pipe laying.

CAN YOU GET A TRADE? 

Yes, in most States ‘Pipe laying’ in civil construction is a Trade.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks. People who don’t mind getting a little dirty are well suited!

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You have to be at least 14 years of age.

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required. An understanding of fundamental maths is very useful. All you really need is a desire to work and learn.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! Pipe laying is quite specialised so you could become an expert pipe layer, or grow into a supervisor, manager, set up your own business, or even go on to university and become an engineer.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

No. It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering-related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

There are a few options… Many start out working for a bit as a Site Hand to learn the ropes. However, it’s also possible to start directly doing pipe laying – even as an Apprentice Pipe Layer.

Responsible for the fleet of equipment and machines the company has. Ensures they are well maintained and operating to maximum performance.

Salary Range: $120k to $170k

A Plant Mechanic gets to maintain and fix lots of different mobile and fixed machinery and equipment. Keeping all those big and small pieces of plant working on construction sites is busy job.

Salary range: $80k – 140k

The Role

The earthmoving and other plant (machines) in the industry uses includes electric, petrol, diesel and hybrid engines, hydraulics, electrical systems, computers, even SATNAV.

As a plant mechanic your job will involve working in a workshop where all this different machinery is brought to you, or you could be required to go out on site and maintain and repair it in the field.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Everywhere! Everywhere there is civil construction and maintenance work there is always a need for plant mechanics.

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and even some government agencies, all have plant that needs maintenance and repair.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Modern procedures and equipment are very, very safe and have many safety features which allows plant mechanics to work safely with machines.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

It’s challenging, but not overly complex. You will need to be trained in the equipment you work on, but when starting out your employer will train you on the job with each new piece of machinery. As technology improves, you will keep learning more.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

Fixing machinery may take some effort, but machines do the heavy lifting nowdays! Everyone is different and employers know that… what is more important is that you are careful, and stay safe.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND DOES IT COST YOU?

Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, quite a few depending on what you are interested in.

CAN YOU GET A TRADE? 

Yes. Diesel Mechanic, Electrician, and Plant Operator are all trades.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who like fixing things with their hands and like being outdoors.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You can start from the earliest legal minimum working age!

WHAT SUBJECTS AND GRADES FROM SCHOOL DO YOU NEED?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! This is a great starting point and you will have lots of options. You could become a plant manager, set up your own business or even become an engineer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IV’s, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

There are a few options… Many work for a bit as a Site Hand to learn the ropes. However, it’s also possible to start directly in a workshop or to even take an Apprentice. We suggest if you are more interested in fixing the machines than operating them… tell your prospective employer this!

A plant operator sits in and controls all the mobile heavy machines you see moving earth on constructions sites – we call machines ‘plant’.

Salary Range: $60k -$140K

The Role

You will work on different sites, on different jobs, and be building things using the machines you control.

You will be outdoors and will NOT work in an office! You can specialise in particular plant types, or cover a range.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Everywhere! You could be working on roads, bridges, dams, pipelines, railway lines, tunnels, farms (including wind and solar), golf courses, houses and building sites…the options go on!

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have lots of choice. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and Government agencies.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Modern equipment is very, very safe. The civil construction industry is primarily funded by Government so is very safety focused.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as a Certificate III in Plant Operations.

CAN YOU GET A TRADE? 

Yes, in most States ‘Plant Operations’ is a Trade.

Requirements

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! This is a great starting point and you will have lots of options. You could become a specialist plant operator, a manager, set up your own business, or even go on to university and become an engineer. Many senior people and business owners in the industry started out as plant operators.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

No. It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering-related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

There are a few options… Many work for a bit as a Site Hand to learn the ropes. However, it’s also possible to start directly as a Plant Operator.

Does the buying and sourcing of everything the business needs from fuel to cement to steel. Makes it interesting when the projects are always in different locations!

Salary Range: $80k to $150k

A project manager is the person who manages a job, or part of it, from start to finish. They are in charge of everyone and everything related to completing a package of work.

Salary range: $130k – $300k

The Role

The Project Manager is responsible for the quality of work, the safety and environmental controls, the time it’s taking to do the work, and the costs of the job. This means managing all the people, plant and equipment.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Everywhere! You could be working on roads, bridges, dams, pipelines, railway lines, tunnels, farms (including wind and solar), golf courses, houses and building sites… the options in civil go on!

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have a lot of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and government agencies all use Project Managers.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

In this senior role likely won’t be doing any hands-on work yourself.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

Yes, it’s a complex role, but Project Managers learn in stages and with practice. Your employer will train you on the job in each task, and extra courses will need to be undertaken to build your skills.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

There is normally no ‘on-the tools’ work for a Project Manager, but you will be out and about looking at the project.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

There is training going to be needed and your employer will train you and pay
for it. You can do civil-specific management qualification and also do special courses in Project management. Some short courses can be done through the Institute of Civil Infrastructure.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally recognised qualification such as a Certificate IV, right through to Degree in Project Management.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks, but who also enjoy solving problems.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You can start in the industry from the earliest legal minimum working age but will need 5 to 15 years of experience to get to be Project Manager, or you can do an engineering degree and move into project management.

WHAT SUBJECTS AND GRADES FROM SCHOOL DO YOU NEED?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required, but maths, reading, writing and technical drawing skills are important to success.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

You will need 5 to 15 years of experience in the civil industry working on civil projects. To keep others and the environment safe, you must first know the work yourself!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! Project management skills are highly sought after, and a great career pathway. Most senior people and business owners in the industry have been project managers at some point.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects
in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IV’s, Diplomas, degrees and specialist management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

You will need to get experience learning how a site works safely before stepping up to a Project Manager. To do this many work for a bit as a Site Hand to learn the ropes. However, it’s also possible to start in the industry as an Apprentice plant operator, surveyor, or with engineering degree.

Manages the firm’s quality management issues and systems on projects or for the company as a whole.

Salary Range: $120k to $180k

This licensed person ensures loads are tied on safely when cranes are operating.

Salary Range: $60k to $120k

From preparing the foundations, laying the base, to topping with concrete or asphalt, a Road Constructor builds the side streets and motorways we all drive on.

Salary range: $70k – $130k

The Role

In this role you will work on different sites learning how to build and maintain roads of all types.

You will use your hands and a variety of small and big machines to do it. The role is quite varied and, as the road gets built, you do different things in the construction process. What is common is that you will work outdoors in a very strong team environment.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Anywhere there are roads, and there are roads everywhere! You could be working on highways, motorways, building a new suburb, a fire trail, or maintaining an existing road in a tunnel.

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and Government agencies all employ people in this role.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Modern equipment is very, very safe. The civil construction industry is primarily funded by Government, and so is very safety focused.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

We aren’t using lego, but not really. It’s challenging, and you will learn a lot, but your employer will train you on the job in each task and each piece of plant you operate.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

It is physical work, but you do not need to be superwoman or superman. Everyone is different and can do different things and employers know that.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as a Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Construction and Maintenance).

CAN YOU GET A TRADE? 

Yes, in most States there are a variety of related qualifications that can be done as a Trade.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks. People with goodhand-eye coordination (do you like gaming?) often learn quickly.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You have to be at least 14 years of age ( *conditions apply)

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! This is a great starting point and you will have lots of options. You could become a specialist plant operator, a manager, set up your own business, or even go on to university and become an engineer. Many senior people and business owners in the industry started out as plant operators.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

No. It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering-related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

There are a few options… Most start work for as a Site Hand with an employer that works on road construction. Once you have learnt the ropes you will find yourself doing more technical pieces of road construction.

You will then likely seek out or be encouraged to do a qualification in Road Construction. It is possible to do the qualification by starting as an Apprentice, or to start the Apprenticeship later.

Ensuring lines are marked on roads, airports and ports is critical. This role controls the machines used to mark safety and direction lines.

Salary Range: $60k to $120k

Manages workplace health and safety protection issues and systems on projects or for the company as a whole

Salary Range: $80k to $150k

Scaffolders erect and pull down the spiderweb that goes around buildings and allows people to walk and work safely. Scaffolding is used for any structure that goes in the air… like a bridge.

Salary Range: $55k to $100k

A Site Hand is the core of the team and a great place to start your career in civil. They do all the jobs on a civil construction site that do not require specialists.

Salary range: $55k – $90K

The Role

This is the starting job for most in the industry. You will do different things on work sites, and learn to construct things using small machines and tools you control.

It’s a very team-focused environment, so you will be trained and supported. All while being in the great outdoors!

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK NOW?

Everywhere! You could be working on roads, bridges, dams, pipelines, railway lines, tunnels, farms (including wind and solar), golf courses, houses and building sites…the list goes on!

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have lots of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils,and Government agencies all employ Site Hands.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Modern equipment is very, very safe. The civil construction industry is primarily funded by Government so is very safety focused.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

Not at all. This is a start-out role so it’s expected you won’t know things. Your

employer will train you on the job in each task and each piece of plant you operate.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

You will be doing physical work, but everyone is different and employers know that.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it will be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as a Certificate II or III in Civil Construction.

CAN YOU GET A TRADE? 

Yes, in most States Civil Construction is a Trade. You can also do a Traineeship.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You have to be at least 14 years of age.

WHAT SUBJECTS AND GRADES FROM SCHOOL DO YOU NEED?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! This is the most common starting point for people in the industry and you will have lots of options for growth. You could become a plant operator, a leading hand, site supervisor or project manager. You could even set up your own business, or go on to university and become an engineer. Many senior people and business owners in the industry started out as site hands.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

No. It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate II, III, IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering-related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

The vast majority of people who enter our industry start out as a Site Hand. Each employer will have a slightly different need, so you should ask what type of work you will be doing.

Many join as a Site Hand to see what the industry is like, but you can be employed as a Site Hand and also be doing an Apprenticeship or Traineeship… talk to your prospective employer about the options.

These key people ensure that safety, efficiency and logistics of a particular worksite. They ensure what happens on site is planned, and that everyone who needs to know things does. Leading Hands report to them.

Salary range: $100k – $180k

The Role

You work for an Owner, Construction Manager or Projector Manager and will stay on a particular site, to ensure its day operations are running correctly. You will use your 5 to 15 years of experience as a civil contractor to ensure suppliers, subcontractors and your own staff know what they are doing, and where they have to go.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Everywhere! You could be working on roads, bridges, dams, pipelines, railway lines, tunnels, farms (including wind and solar), golf courses, houses and building sites… the options in civil go on!

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

You will have a lot of options. Small, medium and large businesses, local councils, and government agencies all use Site Supervisors to manage their sites.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Very, very safe. At this stage you may still be doing some hands-on work, but you are largely moving toward ensuring others are kept safe.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

You are starting to move up the chain, so the work is getting technically harder, with more things to think about and manage. Your employer will train you on the job in each task, and extra courses can be undertaken to build your skills.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD?

The work is getting less demanding now as you do more management tasks.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED, AND DOES IT COST YOU?

There is more, and your employer will train you and pay for it. You can do civil-specific management qualification also do short courses in civil that you are interested through the Institute of Civil Infrastructure.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes, if you want. It’s not essential, but you can receive a Nationally recognised qualification such as a Certificate IV in civil construction supervision of operations.

Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who like working outdoors and who enjoy practical tasks, but who also enjoy solving problems.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You can start in the industry from the earliest legal minimum working age but will need 5 to 15 years of experience to get to be Site Supervisor (depending on the size of the site you are looking after)!

WHAT SUBJECTS AND GRADES FROM SCHOOL DO YOU NEED?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required. Core math subjects are advantageous.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

You will need 5 to 15 years of experience in the civil industry working on sites. To keep others and the environment safe, you must first know the work yourself!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! The Site Supervisor is largely a management role. Site Supervisors can go on to senior roles such as Project Management; estimating; or contracts management. This is a great starting point to launch into another career path. Most senior people and business owners in the industry have been site supervisors at some point. .

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects
in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IV’s, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

You will need to get experience learning how a site works safely before stepping up to a Supervisor. To do this many work for a bit as a Site Hand to learn the ropes. However, it’s also possible to start in the industry as an Apprentice plant operator.

Often exists in medium to larger companies that operate in more than one State. The boss of the State.

Salary Range: $220k to $300k

A more senior version of a Site Supervisor (so they get a special name!) who is looking after multiple sites or a big site.

Salary Range: $150k to $180k

Measures the land. Involved in preparing all the plans and setting up of civil projects, but also very important in the build period to make sure it’s all going to plan.

Salary Range: $80k to $170k

Manages the specialist systems officers, or, if there are none in the business, manages all workplace policies and procedures.

Salary Range: $120k to $180k

As an experienced specialist in a particular technical area, a T&A will train other staff and ensure they are competent to do the work safely.

Salary Range: $80k to $150k

Ground preparator works, tunnel construction, and then maintenance after build: these are the key roles of this skilled and in demand role.

Salary range: $90k – $200k

The Role

You will control tunnelling machines to build tunnels used for everything big and small. The role is quite technical, very safe, and very exciting!

You will not work in an office, but you will spend a bit of time underground.

The Career

WHERE WILL YOU WORK?

Tunnels are used for a lot of purposes these days. Many Tunnel Constructors specialise in one area and travel following that work type.

WHO WILL EMPLOY YOU?

Large companies build tunnels, but often the team they employ are specialist contractors. You could work for large or small companies. In your later years you could move into design with either companies or Government.

HOW SAFE IS IT?

Modern tunnelling equipment and conditions are extremely safe.

IS THE WORK TECHNICALLY HARD?

It definitely becomes challenging. You will eventually use very special equipment, as tunnelling uses leading technology. Don’t worry though, as your employer will train you on the job in each task.

IS THE WORK PHYSICALLY HARD? 

Modern tunnelling requires you to be fit, but not overly.

The Training

IS THERE TRAINING PROVIDED AND WILL IT COST YOU?

Your employer will train you and pay for it. If you want to get a qualification it willusually be paid for by the employer and the Government.

IS THERE A QUALIFICATION?

Yes. It’s not essential, but very desirable. You can receive a Nationally Recognised Qualification such as a Certificate III in Civil Construction (Tunnel Construction), but you will need to be employed to gain work experience.

CAN YOU GET A TRADE? 

Yes, in most States ‘Civil Tunnel Construction’ is a Trade.

The Requirements

WHO IS SUITED TO THE JOB?

People who enjoy practical tasks and are focused on attention to detail. You have to be comfortable being underground!

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

You have to be at least 14 years of age.

HOW OLD DO YOU HAVE TO BE TO START?

There are NO minimum score results, or subjects, required.

ARE THERE ANY PREREQUISITES TO STARTING?

No. Your employer will even pay for your safety gear!

The Future

IS THERE A FUTURE CAREER?

Yes! This is a great starting point and you will have lots of options. You could become a specialist plant operator, a manager, set up your own business, or even go on to university and become an engineer. Many senior people and business owners in the industry started out as plant operators.

WILL YOU HAVE TO MOVE AROUND?

No. It’s your call when you choose between jobs as some employers have projects in different locations. If you do move, your expenses are often covered by the employer.

CAN YOU GET MORE SKILLS LATER?

Yes, if you want to. There are Certificate IVs, Diplomas and management courses you can do. It’s your call what you do and how far you go!

CAN YOU GO TO UNI ONE DAY?

Yes. The practical skills you learn will be very useful for engineering-related courses.

How Do I Get Started?

Many join the tunnelling world as a Site Hand on a tunnel project to learn the ropes and see whether they are ok with the type of work. They then commence on a tunnel team. It’s also possible to start as an Apprentice.