Trade roles with QBuild

Interested in joining QBuild? Visit QBuild careers.

As a tradesperson with QBuild, you just don’t have a job – you have an opportunity to be part of a team that’s committed to helping people all over Queensland. QBuild tradespeople are among the first responders in supporting local communities in a disaster and cover a range of works from maintenance services to large-scale capital projects.

Work that matters

The work we do at QBuild is more than building and maintenance. It’s work that has a positive impact on the lives of Queenslanders. No day is the same. You will have the chance to work on a wide variety of interesting work and projects, no matter what role you’re in.

You will also have the chance to work in a variety of locations across the state. We have 20 offices and 34 depots located from the lush rainforests of far north Queensland to the rugged beauty of western Queensland, down to the shimmering beaches of the Gold Coast.

There are a variety of trades to choose from:

• carpenter
• electrician
• plumber
• refrigeration mechanic
• painter
• stonemason.

Stability and balance

Our steady pipeline of work allows QBuild to create a supportive work environment where work and life are equally valued. QBuild people have access to flexible work conditions to meet any stage of life – transitioning to retirement, starting a family or adding additional study or qualifications into the mix, we cater to our people’s needs.

Build your career while building Queensland

At QBuild we recognise and support our people’s aspirations to grow and develop within their trade career. Whether that’s an apprentice moving through the ranks to become a construction manager, a plumber who wants to get off the tools and into a leadership role, or a carpenter who wants to perfect their trade over the years, there’s a career path to take you where you want to go.

Role requirements

The mandatory requirements for these roles are:

• current trade qualification
• the appropriate Queensland licence (Licensed trades electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
• current Workplace Health and Safety General Safety Induction Card
• current, valid Queensland 'C' class driver’s licence or equivalent
• working knowledge and compliance with current work health, safety and environmental legislation, and codes of practice.

You will be assessed by how you:

• provide quality training and act as a mentor to apprentices at all year levels
• prioritise projects and tasks efficiently in line with team commitments
• demonstrate personal responsibility for the health, safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, including an understanding of compliance with handling asbestos
• actively seek feedback and modify your approach to enhance own effectiveness
• build effective working relationships with team members with a strong customer focus
• demonstrate proficiency in office and email applications, such as Microsoft Word or Outlook, and input data using the computer or hand-held electronic devices (e.g. iPad, smartphone)
• perform the full spectrum of tasks within the trade, including both construction and maintenance services.

Salary and allowances

We pay a competitive salary for tradespeople (depending on industry experience and qualifications), plus superannuation and allowances. On employment, you will be classified based on your level of skills. You will have further opportunities for higher classification as you develop more skills as required for your job.

The classification range is Level 4 to 10.

Your take-home pay each fortnight will be made up of your base salary plus your Single Fortnightly Payment (SFP) and claimable allowances you are entitled to.

Base salary range

The base salary is between $2278.20 to $2888.20 per fortnight.

This is based on a full-time, annual arrangement, which does not include employer superannuation contributions (up to 12.75%) and 17.5% annual leave loading.

Single fortnightly payment

In addition to your base salary, you will receive a trade-specific fortnightly allowance, called a Single Fortnightly Payment (SFP), which is approximately $160 to $350 per fortnight.

Other claimable allowances

You may also be eligible to claim the following allowances in certain circumstances:

• distant work (meal and incidental)
• site
• working in the rain
• on-call and call-out
• remote work
• unpleasant conditions
• overtime meals
• weekend work
• excess kilometres
• First Aid
• motor vehicle drawing trailers
• divisional and district parities
• leading hand.

More information can be found in section 3.6 Allowances and payments in the QBuild Field Staff Certified Agreement 2019.

Average Earnings per fortnight

The average tradesperson at QBuild when combining their base salary, SFP and allowances can expect to earn about $3155* per fortnight.

(*actual earnings will vary based on individual circumstances, data correct as at October 2022)

Other benefits

You will be provided with uniforms, personal protective equipment (PPE) and tools for work. You may also have access to a QBuild vehicle to perform your work.

Travel

You may be required to undertake duties within your trade at worksites throughout both your appointed region and the state. When undertaking distant work (work away from your usual base), there may also be a requirement for overnight stays of up to a 3-week period.

Leave entitlements

The Queensland Government website outlines leave entitlements.

Superannuation

QBuild will also contribute $25 per fortnight additional employer superannuation to your QSuper or nominated superannuation fund account.

Work hours

Your ordinary working hours as a full-time QBuild tradesperson are 8 hours and 26 minutes per day, worked over a 9-day fortnight, between 6:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday.

In working these hours, you will accrue and have access to 1 rostered day off (RDO) each 2-week period.

Testimonials

Trade persons

Lincoln – painter, Far North Queensland team

Everything from social housing homes to local schools and cyclone shelters, I’ve painted it. I love the variety at QBuild where no two days are the same, and each day provides new and interesting challenges. On any given day I can be found applying a new lick of paint to government-owned buildings in the region. If you’re thinking about becoming a painter - I say, 'Go for it! It’s a great trade to be a part of and you get to witness first-hand the difference your work makes to a job, and that’s rewarding.'

Supervisors

Cheri – carpenter, leading hand, Sunshine Coast

I joined QBuild as an apprentice 14 years ago. During that time no two days or projects have been the same. So far it has been a rewarding career where different projects introduce you to different skills. I enjoy the variety of work and being able to work outside and use my hands.

I have delivered everything from government employee housing condition assessments at Thursday Island, to the Townsville TAFE building fit out, as well as working on school upgrades and urgent maintenance and repairs to local social housing properties.

Don (aka Wusty) – foreperson, Far North Queensland

I started out as an apprentice carpenter back in 1975 with State Works Department (now QBuild).

After I finished my apprenticeship, I progressed to leading hand and foreperson roles and spent much of my time working in remote communities in Far North Queensland (FNQ). I am currently a foreperson in a maintenance team working on social homes and government employee homes in FNQ.

I have worked on everything from maintenance to major construction projects in Cape York and throughout the Torres Strait Islands.