Position Descriptions

    Free Position Description (Administration Officer) Template

    Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and WHS duties for an Administration Officer. Our free template provides a structured starting point. Download now.

    September 16, 20263 min read13 viewsLast reviewed September 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Free Position Description (Administration Officer) Template

    DOCX • 136 KB + PDF

    Updated Oct 2026

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    Free Position Description (Administration Officer) Template — document preview

    Purpose of the Free Position Description (Administration Officer) Template

    A clear Position Description is essential for any role, and our Free Position Description (Administration Officer) Template provides a solid foundation. It helps articulate not just the daily tasks, but also the role's purpose, reporting lines, and key performance indicators.

    This clarity is fundamental to effective recruitment, onboarding, and performance management. A well-defined role is a cornerstone of strong WHS management systems, ensuring that safety responsibilities are understood from day one.

    How to use the Free Position Description (Administration Officer) Template

    This template is available as an editable DOCX file, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your organisation's needs. We also provide a PDF version for easy viewing and printing.

    Your download will contain both file types.

    Please note: this is a template and not a finished document. We have provided a comprehensive framework, but you must customise it for your specific workplace.

    You need to add details relevant to your business operations, state/territory legislation, and the specific hazards present in your work environment. If you need expert assistance in tailoring safety documentation, our WHS consulting services can provide targeted support.

    Key Sections to Customise

    Pay close attention to sections like 'Key Responsibilities', 'Selection Criteria', and 'WHS Duties'. Be specific.

    Instead of "Assist with office tasks," consider detailing responsibilities such as "Manage office supply inventory and reordering process" or "Coordinate meeting room bookings and catering." The more specific you are, the clearer the expectations will be for the candidate and the successful employee.

    When to use it

    This Position Description template should be used whenever you are creating or updating an Administration Officer role. This includes during recruitment for a new position, an internal promotion, or as part of a regular role review cycle.

    Keeping position descriptions current ensures they accurately reflect the job's demands and supports continuous improvement within your organisation, a core principle of international standards. Many businesses integrate this process as part of their broader framework for occupational health and safety, often guided by ISO 45001 consulting principles.

    Who should use it

    This resource is designed for a range of professionals, including Human Resources (HR) Managers, small business owners who manage their own recruitment, and departmental Team Leaders or Office Managers. WHS Managers will also find it useful for ensuring that safety obligations are properly integrated into all roles across the business.

    Regularly reviewing these documents is a common activity during a WHS compliance auditing process to verify that responsibilities are clearly assigned and understood.

    Integrating WHS Effectively

    An Administration Officer's role is critical to maintaining a safe office environment. Beyond generic statements, consider including specific duties that reflect their contribution to workplace safety.

    This demonstrates that safety is a shared responsibility throughout the organisation.

    • Acting as a Fire Warden or First Aid Officer (if trained and appointed).
    • Conducting regular workplace inspections of the office area for hazards like trip risks or blocked exits.
    • Assisting with the management of the contractor and visitor sign-in process.
    • Promoting correct ergonomic setup for workstations and providing information to staff.
    • Reporting hazards and incidents promptly through the correct channels.

    By formalising these duties, you embed a positive safety culture and demonstrate due diligence. For more templates and checklists to support your safety management, browse our complete free WHS resources library.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Using a generic template without customising it to the specific business and role.
    • Forgetting to include specific, measurable Work Health and Safety (WHS) responsibilities.
    • Making the list of duties too vague or, conversely, too long and inflexible.
    • Failing to review and update the position description regularly as the role evolves.

    Legal references

    Legal considerations

    The following legal requirements may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Work Health and Safety Act (Harmonised) — Provides the primary duties for protecting workers and other people from work health and safety risks.
    • Work Health and Safety Regulations (Harmonised) — Sets out requirements supporting the management of workplace hazards and risks.

    The following codes may be relevant to this type of work.

    • Managing WHS Risks Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on identifying hazards, assessing risks and applying effective controls.
    • Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on consulting workers and coordinating with other duty holders.
    • Managing the Work Environment and Facilities Code of Practice — Provides practical guidance on safe work environments, workplace facilities and related controls.

    Did you know

    Beyond Paperwork

    A well-written Position Description is a formal document that can be referenced in performance management, disciplinary actions, and even Fair Work Commission cases.

    Office Hazards

    Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, often from poor workstation setup, are a leading cause of serious workers' compensation claims in Australia, highlighting the importance of WHS for office roles.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01Why are WHS responsibilities important in an Administration Officer's position description?
    Even office-based roles have WHS duties, such as ergonomics, emergency procedures, and promoting mental wellbeing. Clearly stating these ensures everyone understands their obligations to help maintain a safe and healthy workplace.
    02Can I use this template for a senior administration role?
    Yes, this template is a flexible starting point. For a senior role, you would add responsibilities like team supervision, budget management, high-level reporting duties, and strategic input.
    03Does this position description template cover all legal requirements in Australia?
    No, this is a general template aligned with good practice. You must adapt it to comply with the Fair Work Act, your specific industry award, National Employment Standards, and state/territory WHS legislation.
    04What's the difference between the DOCX and PDF versions?
    The DOCX file is a fully editable Microsoft Word document, allowing for easy customisation. The PDF version is a non-editable copy, useful for quick printing or sharing as a static reference.

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    How To Use It

    1. 1Download and open in Word or PDF.
    2. 2Replace the placeholders with your business details.
    3. 3Get it reviewed by a WHS specialist before rollout.
    Get a document review

    Need it customised?

    Our WHS consultants can adapt this template to your site, run a gap analysis, or audit what you already have in place.

    Book a Free Consultation WHS consulting services

    or call 1300 156 382

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