Position Descriptions

    Free Position Description (Plasterer) Template

    Clearly define roles, responsibilities, and WHS duties for plasterers with our structured template. Aligned with Australian safety standards.

    September 16, 20263 min read11 viewsLast reviewed September 2026Licensing terms (PDF)

    Free Position Description (Plasterer) Template

    DOCX • 135 KB + PDF

    Updated Oct 2026

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    Free Position Description (Plasterer) Template — document preview

    Purpose of the Free Position Description (Plasterer) Template

    A well-drafted position description is a foundational tool for any construction or trade-based business. It sets clear expectations for performance, safety, and conduct from day one.

    Our Free Position Description (Plasterer) Template provides a structured starting point for defining the specific roles, responsibilities, and qualifications required for a plasterer in your organisation. Using this template helps ensure that key duties, including critical work health and safety (WHS) obligations, are clearly documented and communicated to workers, reducing ambiguity and promoting a safer work environment.

    This document is more than just a hiring tool; it's a vital component of your overall safety framework. It helps to formally outline the physical demands of the job, the qualifications needed to perform tasks safely, and the specific safety protocols a worker must follow.

    Integrating this PD into your operational processes supports the development of robust WHS management systems by clearly assigning safety responsibilities at the individual worker level.

    Key Areas Covered in the Template

    • Core duties and responsibilities (e.g., surface preparation, applying plaster, finishing).
    • Essential qualifications and licences (e.g., White Card, Certificate III in Plastering).
    • Key WHS obligations and safe work practices.
    • Performance metrics and standards.
    • Physical requirements and environmental conditions.

    How to use the Free Position Description (Plasterer) Template

    Our template is provided in both DOCX and PDF formats for your convenience. The DOCX version is fully editable, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your business needs.

    To effectively use this resource, download the document and systematically work through each section, adding or removing details to align with the specific context of your worksite and organisational structure.

    Note: This template is a guide, not a finished document. We strongly advise that you customise it to reflect the unique hazards, equipment, materials (e.g., specific plaster compounds, potential for silica exposure), and reporting lines of your workplace.

    Consultation is key; involve your experienced plasterers and supervisors in the drafting process to ensure the position description is practical, accurate, and comprehensive. For expert assistance in adapting this or other documents to your specific operational needs, consider engaging professional WHS consulting services.

    When to use it

    A detailed position description for a plasterer should be used throughout the employment lifecycle. Its initial and most obvious use is during recruitment and hiring to attract suitable candidates and provide them with a clear understanding of the role.

    Following this, it becomes an essential onboarding document, helping to induct new employees into their roles and responsibilities. It also serves as a benchmark for performance reviews, training needs analysis, and career development discussions.

    In the unfortunate event of a workplace incident or a dispute, a clear PD can provide objective evidence of the expected duties and safety standards for the role.

    Who should use it

    This template is designed for anyone responsible for managing staff and ensuring safety in the construction and building trades. This includes:

    • Business Owners and Directors: To establish clear and consistent roles within their company.
    • HR Managers: For use in recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes.
    • Construction Managers and Site Supervisors: To manage daily work activities and enforce safety standards on site.
    • WHS Advisors and Officers: To integrate role-specific safety duties into the broader WHS system and to support processes like WHS compliance auditing by providing a clear baseline of expected worker behaviour.

    By defining the plasterer's role with precision, you create a foundation for accountability, safety, and quality workmanship. This not only protects your workers but also strengthens your business's operational integrity.

    Explore our complete free WHS resources library for more templates and tools to support your safety management efforts.

    Common mistakes

    Common mistakes to avoid

    • Using a generic template without customising it to the specific tasks, tools, and materials used on your site.
    • Failing to clearly document critical WHS responsibilities, including hazard reporting and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
    • Forgetting to consult with experienced workers and supervisors when drafting the position description, leading to inaccuracies.
    • Treating the document as 'set and forget' and not reviewing or updating it regularly as roles, tasks, or equipment change.

    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

    Silica Dust Risk

    Many plastering compounds, fillers, and fibre cement sheets contain crystalline silica. Inhaling silica dust generated from cutting, grinding, or sanding these materials can lead to serious lung diseases like silicosis, making dust control a critical WHS focus for plasterers.

    Manual Handling Injuries

    According to Safe Work Australia, injuries resulting from muscular stress while lifting or handling objects are a leading cause of serious workers' compensation claims in the construction industry, a significant risk in the plastering trade.

    FAQ

    Frequently asked questions

    01What are the key WHS responsibilities for a plasterer?
    Key WHS responsibilities include identifying and controlling risks associated with manual handling, working with hazardous chemicals (including potential silica dust), working at heights, using tools and equipment safely, and following all site-specific safety procedures and reporting requirements.
    02Does a plasterer need specific licences or qualifications in Australia?
    Yes, at a minimum, a plasterer must hold a general construction induction card (White Card). While a full qualification like a Certificate III in Solid Plastering or Wall and Ceiling Lining is highly recommended, specific state licensing requirements can vary and should be checked.
    03Why is it important to detail physical requirements in a plasterer's position description?
    Plastering is a physically demanding job involving lifting, carrying, bending, and repetitive motions. Detailing these requirements helps manage risks of musculoskeletal injuries, ensures candidates are physically capable of performing the role safely, and supports pre-employment functional assessments.
    04How does a position description help with incident investigations?
    A clear position description provides a documented standard of expected behaviour, skills, and safety duties. During an investigation, it can help determine if the incident occurred due to a deviation from established procedures, a gap in training, or a failure to meet defined responsibilities.

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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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