Senior Leading Hand Scaffolder – Casual, based in Forster, NSW

Thomas Scaffolding; Forster; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 98,000; Part time

Job summary

Thomas Scaffolding is seeking a Senior Leading Hand Scaffolder for casual work based in Forster, NSW. You will lead site teams, supervise Leading Hands, and ensure safe, efficient scaffold projects from erection through dismantling.

You’ll work on residential and commercial builds, with travel to support projects across branches. The role offers onboarding, training and a clear path to leadership, with potential move to full-time employment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ scaffolding experience, including Leading Hand experience.
• Advanced Scaffolding High Risk Work Licence.
• Current White Card.
• Current First Aid certificate.
• Valid Driver’s Licence.
• Ability to interpret architectural plans and scaffold drawings to site requirements.
• Experience leading crews on complex, multi-storey or large-scale projects.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing scaffolders or Leading Hands.
• Strong knowledge of Australian Standards and risk management processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate scaffold crews, ensuring labour, materials and resources are planned and allocated to meet project requirements.
• Oversee complex and multi-storey scaffold builds in line with project scope, designs and Australian Standards.
• Communicate effectively with clients, site supervisors and other trades to coordinate work and keep projects moving.
• Lead pre-starts and toolbox talks, conduct risk assessments and scaffold inspections, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Complete site inspections and measure-ups to support accurate quoting and scaffold designs.
• Ensure site documentation is accurate and completed on the same day as the work performed.
• Identify and resolve technical and operational challenges early to keep projects progressing safely, efficiently and within agreed timeframes.
• Coach and develop Leading Hands and scaffolders, building team capability, accountability and future site leaders.

Skills

Leadership

Risk management

Site coordination

Plan interpretation

Safety compliance

Job description

Senior Leading Hand Scaffolder – Casual, based in Forster, NSW

Thomas Scaffolding has been servicing the Mid North Coast and surrounding regions for over 20 years, delivering scaffolding solutions across commercial, industrial, civil and residential projects.

Our goal is simple: to become Australia’s most dependable trade company while building lasting futures for the people who make it possible.

What’s on Offer?

• Competitive casual rate – $60.24/hr (includes vehicle allowance)
• Opportunity to transition into full-time employment
• Structured onboarding and ongoing training
• Clear pathways for leadership development and career progression
• Regular 1:1s, feedback and company-wide communication
• Supportive team culture built on recognition, collaboration and shared success
• Opportunity to work on diverse projects across our three branch locations

We also offer attractive travel incentives for employees willing to support projects across our Forster, Coffs Harbour and Tamworth branches. This may involve working away from your usual base location for up to four nights during the working week (Monday–Friday).

The Role

Reporting to the Area Supervisor, you’ll play a key role in leading our site teams, supporting Leading Hands and ensuring scaffold projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to a high standard.

You’ll lead crews across a range of projects, from residential jobs through to complex, multi-storey commercial builds, while remaining hands‑on with scaffold erection, modification and dismantling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate scaffold crews, including Leading Hands, ensuring labour, materials and resources are effectively planned and allocated to meet project requirements
• Oversee complex and multi-storey scaffold builds in line with project scope, designs and Australian Standards
• Communicate effectively with clients, site supervisors and other trades to coordinate work and keep projects moving
• Lead pre‑starts and toolbox talks, conduct risk assessments and scaffold inspections, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards
• Complete site inspections and measure‑ups to support accurate quoting and scaffold designs
• Ensure site documentation is accurate and completed on the same day as the work performed
• Identify and resolve technical and operational challenges early to keep projects progressing safely, efficiently and within agreed timeframes
• Coach and develop Leading Hands and scaffolders, building team capability, accountability and future site leaders

What We’re Looking For

• Advanced Scaffolding High Risk Work Licence
• Current White Card
• Valid Driver’s Licence
• Current First Aid certificate
• Minimum 5 years’ scaffolding experience, including experience as a Leading Hand
• Demonstrated ability to lead crews on complex, multi-storey or large‑scale projects
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing scaffolders or Leading Hands
• Ability to interpret architectural plans and scaffold drawings and adapt builds to site requirements
• Strong working knowledge of Australian Standards, scaffolding safety requirements and risk management processes
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach with the ability to plan ahead, make sound decisions and take ownership of outcomes
• A dependable leader who sets high standards, develops others and leads by example