Are you someone who enjoys working outdoors or getting your hands dirty?
Various roles are available in the building and construction industry, including:
Building Surveyor
Building surveyors are responsible for ensuring buildings are safe, structurally sound and compliant with building codes and regulations.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting regular inspections throughout the construction process and upon completion
- Assessing building permit applications for compliance
- Ensuring building works are carried out within required laws and regulations
- Providing advice on property design, alterations, design and extensions
To become a building surveyor in Australia, you typically need a degree in building surveying, construction management, or civil engineering.
Some may qualify with an accredited diploma. Practical experience and registration with the relevant state authority are also required. Check course accreditation and entry requirements for your state.
Construction Project Manager
Construction project managers are responsible for managing the overall delivery of construction projects from planning through to completion. They often work closely with clients and stakeholders to ensure the project meets timelines, budgets, and objectives.
Key responsibilities:
- Developing project plans, schedules, and timelines
- Managing budgets and allocating resources
- Leading the project team and liaising with contractors
- Providing regular progress updates to clients and stakeholders
To become a construction project manager, a degree or diploma in construction management, civil engineering, or a related field is commonly required. Practical experience and certifications like PMP can further boost credentials.
Construction Manager
Construction managers are more directly involved in the day-to-day site operations. They focus on organising labour, materials, and activities to ensure work progresses smoothly on site.
Key responsibilities:
- Hiring and supervising on-site workers and subcontractors
- Coordinating daily construction schedules
- Estimating labour and material costs
- Ensuring on-site safety and quality standards
- Reporting on progress to the project manager or client
Becoming a construction manager usually requires a diploma or degree in building and construction, with strong on-site experience.
Building and Construction Inspector
Building and construction inspectors are qualified to inspect both domestic and commercial structures. They ensure everything is completed safely and complies with safety standards and regulations, as well as original building plans. They ensure that health and safety are taken seriously across construction sites.
Building inspectors may look into:
- Structural issues
- Scaffolds and electrical concerns
- Wear and tear
- Potential hazards
Becoming a building inspector typically requires both experience and education. You might start your career as a qualified carpenter or electrician, or seek out an apprenticeship with a licensed building inspector.
Building Estimator
A building estimator prepares the budget for building and construction projects. Working with electricians, builders and engineers, estimators help ensure project profitability.
Unlike most construction roles, it’s office-based and suits people who enjoy working with numbers.
Key responsibilities:
- Calculating the cost of materials, labour and equipment
- Considering potential risk factors and integrating these into cost assessments
- Creating project budgets based on project scope and client needs
- Determining type and quantity of materials required for construction projects
To become a building estimator, you generally need construction and cost estimation training. This could include a certificate, diploma or university degree in a relevant field. Higher qualifications may open the door to more senior roles.
How can we Help You?
Applying for a job in construction? Whether you’re aiming for a role as an estimator or in project management, your application needs to be clear, tailored, and professional. The team at Melbourne Resume Writers offers expert support to help you stand out.
Cover Letter
A strong cover letter introduces your skills and enthusiasm to potential employers. Our experienced writers craft tailored letters that reflect your construction experience, qualifications and suitability for the role.
Resume Writing
Your resume should highlight your qualifications, licences, technical skills and hands-on experience. We create professional resumes that align with the specific construction role you’re targeting and help employers see your value at a glance.
Selection Criteria Writing
Many builder and construction positions require detailed responses to selection criteria.
You must demonstrate how your experience and capabilities align with the role and contribute to the organisation.
Inadequate responses can result in your application being overlooked—don’t leave it to chance.
Our writers specialise in developing targeted, evidence-based responses that meet diverse selection criteria.
