The occupation of a Skilled Construction Worker specialising in Bituminous Surfacing in Queensland’s civil construction industry involves tasks related to the application and maintenance of bituminous (asphalt) materials used primarily in road surfacing. This role is critical for building and maintaining the road infrastructure necessary for efficient transportation and economic activity.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Material Preparation and Application: Prepare and apply bituminous materials, such as asphalt, to road surfaces. This includes mixing, spreading, and compacting materials to ensure a smooth, durable roadway.
  • Machinery Operation: Operate specialised machinery such as asphalt pavers, rollers, and tippers. Skilled workers need to handle these machines with precision to ensure the even distribution and proper compaction of asphalt.
  • Surface Treatment and Repair: Perform tasks related to surface dressing, sealing, and re-surfacing of roads. This also includes repairing potholes, cracks, and other surface imperfections.
  • Quality Control: Monitor the temperature and composition of asphalt to ensure it meets the required specifications for durability and longevity. Quality control checks are crucial for maintaining high standards.
  • Safety Protocols: Adhere to strict safety standards to minimise risks associated with working with hot materials and heavy equipment.

Skills and Qualifications:

  • Technical Skills: Proficiency in understanding the properties of bituminous materials and the technical aspects of laying asphalt.
  • Physical Fitness: The job is physically demanding and often requires long periods of standing, bending, and walking on hot surfaces.
  • Attention to Detail: Precision is vital for ensuring that the surfacing is smooth and meets specifications for thickness and level.
  • Safety Training: Comprehensive knowledge of safety practices is essential, especially given the high temperatures and potentially hazardous materials involved.
  • Certifications: Holding a White Card is mandatory for working on construction sites in Queensland. Certifications for specific machinery operation are also highly beneficial.

Working Conditions:

Bituminous surfacing workers typically work in outdoor environments, which can be challenging due to weather conditions and the inherent dangers of working with hot materials and heavy machinery. The job may require irregular hours, including night shifts and weekends, to avoid disrupting traffic during peak times.

Career Path:

Starting as a general laborer or a trainee in bituminous surfacing can lead to specialised roles such as machine operator or crew leader. With further experience and training, opportunities for advancement include supervisory roles or positions in project management, where overseeing larger sections of roadwork projects becomes possible.

Overall, a career as a Skilled Construction Worker in Bituminous Surfacing offers significant opportunities for specialisation and advancement within Queensland’s civil construction sector, with a focus on maintaining and improving the state’s extensive road network.

Salary:

The salary range for a Skilled Construction Worker specialising in Bituminous Surfacing in Queensland’s civil construction industry can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, the complexity of the projects, and the level of responsibility assumed. Entry-level workers typically start with an hourly wage of around AUD $35 to $45.

On an annual basis, salaries for full-time Skilled Construction Workers in Bituminous Surfacing typically range from AUD $75,000 to $120,000 or more, especially for those in higher-level or supervisory positions.

These figures are estimates and can fluctuate based on the current market demand, economic conditions, and regional variations in employment. The nature of the work, often contractual and project-based, can also affect overall earnings due to variability in hours and the seasonal nature of construction projects.