The occupation of a Skilled Construction Worker specialising in Road Construction and Maintenance in Queensland’s civil construction sector is pivotal for developing and sustaining the state’s transportation infrastructure. This role involves a wide array of tasks related to the construction, repair, and upkeep of roads.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Construction Tasks: Involved in all phases of road construction from site preparation, including excavation and grading, to the laying of materials such as asphalt and concrete.
  • Maintenance and Repair: Conduct routine maintenance and emergency repairs on roads to address issues like potholes, cracks, and erosion, ensuring safe and smooth travel.
  • Machinery Operation: Operate a variety of heavy machinery such as pavers, rollers, excavators, and graders.
  • Safety Compliance: Adhere to strict safety regulations to ensure personal safety and the safety of the public during construction activities.
  • Quality Control: Monitor the materials and processes used in road construction to ensure they meet government and industry standards for quality and durability.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Technical Skills: Ability to read and interpret construction drawings and plans. Understanding of materials and methods used in road construction.
  • Physical Fitness: The role is physically demanding, often requiring long hours of manual labor in various weather conditions.
  • Safety Training: Extensive knowledge of safety protocols is essential, often necessitating formal safety certifications such as a White Card.
  • Problem-Solving Abilities: Capable of quickly addressing and troubleshooting issues that may arise during construction or maintenance activities.
  • Certifications: In addition to safety training, certifications for operating specific machinery can enhance employability and effectiveness in the role.

Working Conditions:

Road construction and maintenance workers typically work full-time, but hours can be irregular, with night shifts and weekend work common to avoid major traffic disruptions. The work is predominantly outdoors and can be physically strenuous.

Career Path:

Starting in general labor roles, individuals can advance to specialised positions such as machine operators, crew leaders, or supervisors. With further training and experience, opportunities in project management or engineering support roles may become available.

Overall, a career as a Skilled Construction Worker in Road Construction and Maintenance in Queensland offers a challenging but rewarding pathway with significant opportunities for advancement and specialisation within the industry.

Salary:

The salary range for a Skilled Construction Worker specialising in Road Construction and Maintenance in Queensland’s civil construction industry can vary depending on factors such as experience, specific skills, and the complexity of the projects undertaken. Generally, entry-level workers in this area start with an hourly wage of around AUD $35 to $40.

With experience and as workers gain specialised skills, such as proficiency in operating advanced machinery or managing parts of the construction process, the hourly rate can increase. For those in supervisory or more senior roles, hourly rates can be higher, potentially exceeding AUD $45.

On an annual basis, full-time Skilled Construction Workers in Road Construction and Maintenance typically earn between $75,000 and $120,000. Workers with extensive experience and additional responsibilities, such as team leadership or project oversight, may find themselves at the higher end of this range.

These salary figures are indicative and can fluctuate based on the current market demand, economic conditions, and the geographic location of the projects. Many workers in this field are employed on a contractual basis, which can affect their overall earnings due to variability in work hours and the seasonal nature of construction work.