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Minor Group

821 Construction and Mining Labourers

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

821 Construction and Mining Labourers

Perform a variety of routine tasks in house building, road, rail and general construction, and in drilling, mining and mineral ore treatment, usually under supervision.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this minor group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Unit Group

8211 Construction and Demolition Labourers

Perform a variety of routine tasks associated with preparing, erecting and repairing structures and facilities, excavating earth and clearing and levelling sites, demolishing and dismantling buildings and structures, and removing and disposing of asbestos.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

821131 Asbestos Removalist

Identifies, safely removes and disposes of asbestos found in buildings, building materials such as tiles, flooring panels and ceiling sheets, and other structures through the use of containment enclosures and specialised equipment such as airless sprayers and injection equipment.

Registration or licensing is required.

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Identifies the presence and type of asbestos in buildings and in building materials, pipes, boilers and other structures
  • Sets up containment enclosures and safety measures to prevent the spread of asbestos fibres during removal
  • Operates specialised equipment such as airless sprayers and injection equipment, to safely remove and seal asbestos in secure containers for safe disposal, ensuring no leakage of asbestos fibres
  • Cleans the site after asbestos removal using specialised vacuum cleaners and other cleaning tools to ensure that there are no residual asbestos fibres
  • Conducts air monitoring and clearance testing to ensure the area is safe for reoccupation after asbestos removal
Occupation

821132 Builder's Labourer

Performs routine tasks in preparing, erecting and repairing structures and facilities on building and construction sites, and in factories producing prefabricated building components.

Demolition Labourers and Pipe Layers are excluded from this occupation. Demolition Labourers are included in Occupation 821134 Demolition Labourer. Pipe Layers are included in Occupation 821632 Pipe Layer.

Alternative titles

  • Construction Labourer
  • Construction Worker

Specialisations

  • Bricklayer's Assistant
  • Carpenter's Assistant

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Assists with the preparation of building sites, including clearing debris and setting up barricades and scaffolding
  • Carries and lifts materials and tools to and from work areas and around building sites
  • Operates hand and power tools, such as drills, saws and hammers, to assist with the assembly and installation of prefabricated or structural building components
  • Cleans building and construction sites, and maintains tools and equipment
Occupation

821133 Concreter's Labourer

Assists with concrete mixing, pouring, finishing, screeding and reinforcement installation. Handles concreting materials, and undertakes preparation and cleaning of the worksite.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Assists with concrete mixing, pouring and finishing
  • Spreads and levels concrete surfaces
  • Installs reinforcement materials under supervision
  • Handles and transports concreting materials and tools
  • Prepares worksites by cleaning and organising materials
  • Assists with the setup and dismantling of formwork
  • Assists with the placement and alignment of concrete forms
  • Cleans and maintains concreting tools and equipment
Occupation

821134 Demolition Labourer

Assesses, demolishes, dismantles and removes building structures and materials, such as brick, timber, concrete and metal.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Asbestos Removalists are excluded from this occupation. Asbestos Removalists are included in Occupation 821131 Asbestos Removalist.

Alternative title

  • Demolition Worker

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Continually assesses building structures to ensure that the demolition process is safe and efficient
  • Dismantles and removes building materials such as brick, timber, concrete and metal
  • Operates machinery and other equipment to assist in the demolition process
Occupation

821135 Earthmoving Labourer

Performs routine tasks in excavating earth, clearing and levelling sites, and digging irrigation channels.

Specialisation

  • Grave Digger

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Performs routine tasks to manually excavate and move earth, rocks and other materials
  • Loads excavated materials onto conveyors, wheelbarrows and trucks for removal
  • Spreads and levels soil, gravel and sand on roads and driveways, trench bottoms and similar locations
Unit Group

8212 Construction Riggers and Doggers

Sling cranes and winches, assemble and install rigging gear, and direct the movement of loads while ensuring that they do not exceed lifting capacities.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
Occupation

821231 Construction Rigger

Assembles and installs rigging gear such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches, to lift, lower, move and position equipment, structural steel and other heavy objects.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisations

  • Advanced Rigger
  • Crane Rigger
  • Telecommunications Rigger

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Determines the necessary type and size of rigging gear, and inspects and prepares the appropriate rigging gear for the task
  • Attaches rigging gear to equipment, structural steel or other heavy objects
  • Builds and dismantles cranes and hoists
  • Uses mechanical load shifting equipment and associated tools, such as winches, hoists and other lifting equipment, to lift, lower, move, position and secure objects
  • Maintains and repairs rigging gear
Occupation

821232 Dogger

Slings cranes and winches, directs the movements of loads while ensuring that they do not exceed lifting capacities, and assists in rigging and dismantling cranes and winches.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Crane Riggers are excluded from this occupation. Crane Riggers are included in Occupation 821231 Construction Rigger.

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Inspects and prepares cranes and winches for operation
  • Attaches slings and hooks to loads, ensuring proper placement and secure attachment
  • Monitors and controls the movement of loads via communication with crane drivers, ensuring they do not exceed lifting capacities
  • Assists in rigging and dismantling cranes and winches
  • Performs routine maintenance and repairs on cranes and winches
  • Keeps records of crane operations, including load weights and movements
Unit Group

8213 Fencers

Erect and repair fences and gates.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
Occupation

821331 Fencer

Erects and repairs fences and gates.

Alternative title

  • Fence Erector

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Inspects and measures the area for fence or gate installation or repair
  • Cuts and shapes fence panels or gates
  • Digs holes and secures fence posts or gate supports
  • Attaches fence panels or gates to posts or supports
  • Repairs damaged fences and gates by fixing or replacing components
Unit Group

8214 Home Improvement and Insulation Installers

Install functional and decorative home improvements including garage doors, sheds, window furnishings and building insulation materials.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
Occupation

821431 Building Insulation Installer

Installs and applies insulating material such as foam, granules, foil, solar film, batts and blankets to walls, floors, windows and ceilings of buildings to insulate against heat, cold, air and sound.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Waterproofers are excluded from this occupation. Waterproofers are included in the Occupation 369933 Waterproofer.

Specialisation

  • Window Tinter (Building)

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Measures and cuts insulation material, including window tint, to fit specified areas of buildings
  • Installs insulation material in walls, floors, windows and ceilings of buildings using tools and equipment such as spray guns, blowers and staplers
  • Applies adhesive or fasteners to secure insulation material in place
  • Seals gaps and joints in insulation material to ensure airtightness
Occupation

821432 Garage Door Installer

Installs and removes garage doors, including hardware and parts such as tracks, springs and rollers, and installs motor units, drive systems and control mechanisms used to open and close garage doors.

Alternative title

  • Garage Door Technician

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Removes and disassembles existing garage doors, and installs and assembles new garage doors
  • Installs tracks, springs and rollers for proper functioning of garage doors
  • Installs motor units, drive systems and control mechanisms for automated opening and closing of garage doors
  • Repairs or replaces damaged or malfunctioning parts of garage doors
Occupation

821433 Shed Builder

Builds and installs shed foundations, framing, walls, roofing, doors and windows, and performs the appropriate internal and external finishing.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative title

  • Shed Erector

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Measures, marks out, excavates and levels the ground for shed foundations
  • Constructs shed foundations using concrete or other suitable materials
  • Constructs shed frames, including walls, roofing, doors and windows
  • Applies external finishing to sheds, such as paint or stains
  • Installs internal finishing such as insulation, plasterboard and flooring, to sheds
Occupation

821434 Window Furnishing Installer

Measures, cuts, mounts and secures window treatments, such as awnings, blinds, curtains and shutters, and removes existing window treatments where required.

Security shutter installers are excluded from this occupation. Security shutter installers are included in Occupation 821499 Home Improvement and Insulation Installers nec.

Specialisations

  • Awning Installer
  • Blind Installer
  • Curtain Installer
  • Shutter Installer

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Measures windows to determine the size and dimensions of window treatments needed, and cuts them to the appropriate size
  • Mounts brackets and threading rods onto windows, and installs blinds or curtains onto the brackets and threading rods
  • Ensures that awnings, blinds, curtains or shutters are properly aligned and level
  • Removes existing window treatments such as blinds or curtains
Occupation

821499 Home Improvement and Insulation Installers nec

This occupation group covers Home Improvement and Insulation Installers not elsewhere classified.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 4

Occupations in this group include:

  • Assistant Cabinet Maker
  • Balustrade Installer
  • House Restumper
  • Patio Installer
  • Rainwater Tank Installer
  • Security Door and Screen Installer
  • Shade Sail Installer
  • Shower Screen Installer
Unit Group

8215 Paving and Surfacing Labourers

Perform routine tasks associated with laying bituminous and other paving materials on roads, runways, parking areas and other surfaces to be paved.

Concreter's Labourers are excluded from this unit group. Concreter's Labourers are included in Occupation 821133 Concreter's Labourer.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

821531 Paving and Surfacing Labourer

Performs routine tasks associated with laying bituminous and other paving materials on roads, runways, parking areas and other surfaces to be paved.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Sweeps paving bases prior to laying asphalt and other surfaces
  • Sprinkles and brushes hot and cold-mix asphalt over surfaces to be paved and repaired to bond asphalt toppings to bases
  • Operates tank-truck distributors and hoses to spray tar and road oils and emulsions on graded surfaces prior to paving
  • Trips tailgate levers to discharge hot-mix asphalt into paving machines, and spreads stone chips, gravel and cold-mix asphalt onto road surfaces
  • Removes water and debris from potholes or damaged areas, and trims damaged surfaces before repair
  • Shovels asphalt mix into areas inaccessible to paving machines and compacts mix using rakes and hand tampers
  • Erects and dismantles barriers
  • Loads and unloads equipment and cleans work sites
  • May direct traffic
Unit Group

8216 Plumbing and Drainage Labourers

Perform routine tasks in laying, assembling and connecting pipe systems, fixtures, water meters and regulators, and in maintaining drainage, sewerage and stormwater systems.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

821631 Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer

Performs routine tasks in maintaining drainage, sewerage and stormwater systems.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Cleans and performs minor repairs to stormwater drains and canals
  • Checks for cracks and leaks in sewerage systems
  • Assists with the installation of on-site domestic wastewater treatment plants, disposal systems, stormwater systems, and below ground sanitary drainage systems
  • Installs prefabricated inspection openings and inspection chambers
Occupation

821632 Pipe Layer

Lays, assembles and connects pipe systems made of steel, iron, plastic, concrete or other materials for water mains, sewers and drains.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Inspects the ground to determine the suitability for pipe laying, and digs and backfills trenches for pipe installation
  • Measures and cuts pipes to required lengths, and assembles and connects pipes using appropriate fittings and tools
  • Seals pipe joints to ensure they are watertight, tests pipe systems for leaks, and makes necessary repairs
Occupation

821633 Plumber's Assistant

Performs routine tasks in fabricating, laying, installing and maintaining pipes, fixtures, water meters and regulators.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Assists Plumbers in fabricating, laying, installing and maintaining pipes, fixtures, water meters and regulators
  • Assists in measuring, cutting and fitting pipes and fixtures, and holds pipes in place while Plumbers weld or solder joints
  • Assists in installing and repairing plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks and taps
Unit Group

8217 Structural Steel Construction Workers

Erect and dismantle scaffolding and structural steel frames, and position steel in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
Occupation

821731 Scaffolder

Erects and dismantles scaffolding to provide work platforms on building and industrial sites, and for temporary structures such as staging and seating.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Fits and bolts tubes, support braces and components to form bases and build up scaffolding
  • Lifts and positions sections of scaffolding
  • Erects guard rails, guy wires, ropes and clamps, lays planks, and hangs safety nets
  • Dismantles and removes scaffolding from building sites
Occupation

821732 Steel Fixer

Positions and secures steel bars and steel mesh in concrete forms to reinforce concrete structures.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Determines size, shape, quantity and location of reinforcing metal according to drawings or verbal instructions
  • Measures, cuts and bends steel and welded wire mesh according to specifications
  • Fixes mesh and reinforced steel into position in formwork for concrete pours
Occupation

821733 Structural Steel Erector

Erects and dismantles structural steel frames of buildings and other structures.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Erects lifts and positions girders, plates, columns and other structural steel components
  • Aligns, levels and secures structural steel components
  • Lifts, positions and installs bracing, temporary supports, safety nets and scaffolding
  • Dismantles and removes steel structures and temporary structures at project completion
Unit Group

8219 Other Construction and Mining Labourers

This unit group covers Construction and Mining Labourers not elsewhere classified. It includes Driller's Offsiders, Laggers, Mining Support Workers, Rail Protection Officers, Railway Track Workers and Surveyor's Assistants.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 4: AQF Certificate II, AQF Certificate III, or at least one year of relevant experience
  • Skill Level 5: AQF Certificate I, or compulsory secondary education
Occupation

821931 Driller's Offsider

Performs routine tasks to assist Drillers, including setting up, operating and dismantling drilling sites for extracting oil, gas, mineral ore or water.

Alternative titles

  • Driller's Assistant
  • Roustabout (Oil and Gas)

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Assists in setting up drilling equipment and machinery at drilling sites, and the installation and maintenance of drill casings and pipes
  • Operates drilling equipment under the supervision of Drillers
  • Assists in the collection and analysis of drilling samples
  • Cleans and maintains drilling equipment and work areas
  • Assists in the dismantling and removal of drilling equipment and machinery
  • Assists in the transportation of drilling equipment and materials to and from drill sites
Occupation

821932 Lagger

Applies insulating materials such as felt, fibreglass, polyurethane and cork to pipes, steam generators, process vats and ducting, and secures insulation with wire, wire netting, staples, metal strapping and using welding torches.

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Determines insulation requirements for pipes, steam generators, process vats and ducting
  • Measures and cuts insulating materials to fit pipes, steam generators, process vats and ducting
  • Secures insulation using tools or machinery
  • Repairs or replaces damaged insulation
Occupation

821933 Mining Support Worker

Performs routine tasks in mining and mineral ore treating operations, such as assembling, operating and dismantling mining equipment, taking ore, rock and dust samples, and mixing ore treating chemicals and catalysts.

Specialisations

  • Mineral Sampler
  • Nipper (Mining)

Skill level: 5

Main tasks

  • Assembles and operates mining equipment according to instructions
  • Dismantles mining equipment and ensures proper storage and maintenance
  • Takes ore, rock and dust samples for analysis and testing
  • Mixes ore treating chemicals and catalysts according to specified ratios
  • Assists in the transportation of ore, rock and other materials within the mining site
  • Cleans and maintains work areas and equipment
Occupation

821934 Rail Protection Officer

Assesses rail worksites, including on railways, tramways, quarries and mines, and implements safety procedures to protect the worksite and workers.

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Conducts safety assessments for rail worksites
  • Ensures the safety of workers in the rail corridor by maintaining safe separation of workers and rail traffic
  • Determines safety measures required for occupancy of the track
  • Obtains track work authority from Railway Network Controllers to allow rail traffic to proceed through worksites
  • Advises Railway Network Controllers of any delays in returning the track to service
  • May conduct risk assessments and provide safety briefings to rail work crews
  • Applies emergency procedures and responds to conditions affecting the rail network
Occupation

821935 Railway Track Worker

Lays, aligns and repairs tracks for railways, tramways, quarries and mines.

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Removes and replaces damaged or worn-out tracks
  • Measures and marks out areas for track construction or repair
  • Operates small machinery and equipment to lay tracks
  • Aligns and levels tracks using specialised tools and equipment
  • Welds or bolts tracks together to ensure stability and safety
  • Conducts regular maintenance and repairs on tracks and equipment
Occupation

821936 Surveyor's Assistant

Transports, assembles, maintains and lays out surveying equipment in support of surveyors.

Geology Field Assistants are excluded from this occupation. Geology Field Assistants are included in Occupation 311532 Earth Science Technician.

Alternative title

  • Surveying Assistant

Skill level: 4

Main tasks

  • Transports surveying equipment to and from work sites, and assembles, operates and disassembles surveying equipment as required
  • Maintains and calibrates surveying equipment to ensure accuracy
  • Operates and maintains vehicles and equipment used in surveying activities
  • Assists in the marking and setting out of survey marks
  • Records and maintains accurate data and measurements for surveyors
  • Assists in the interpretation of surveying data and the preparation of surveying reports and maps