Trainee Laboratory & Field Technicians

Construction Sciences; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 29,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Complete Cert IV training

Parental Leave

Company ute (site-based)

Leave loading 17.5%

Discounts on shopping/travel

Job summary

Construction Sciences is seeking Trainee Soil Technicians for our Brendale team. No degree or prior experience required—just reliability and a willingness to learn.

You will split time between outdoor construction sites and the laboratory, testing soil and concrete, and earning nationally recognised qualifications while you work. This hands-on role offers full-time employment with an 18-month traineeship, in-house Cert IV training, and milestones as you build practical skills.

Qualifications

• Reliability and a stable job history are essential.
• Good team attitude and strong communication skills are important.
• Willingness to learn and complete an 18-month traineeship is required.

Responsibilities

• Test soils and concrete in the lab and in the field.
• Support on construction sites with hands-on tasks.
• Learn from experienced technicians and supervisors.
• Prepare clear, accurate records and reports.
• Complete physical tasks in the laboratory and on-site.
• Provide great service to our construction clients.

Skills

Reliability

Team attitude

Willingness to learn

Job description

About The Role

Looking for a hands-on career where you can earn while you learn? We’re looking for Trainee Soil Technicians to join our Brendale team. You don’t need a degree or previous industry experience — just reliability, a good attitude and willingness to learn. This role could suit someone starting their career, changing career, or coming from a hands-on background such as farming, labouring, some trade experience, manufacturing, process work, production, commercial kitchens or similar practical roles. This is a practical, active role where you’ll work both outdoors on construction sites and in the laboratory. You’ll be testing soil and concrete, learning how major construction projects are built, and gaining nationally recognised qualifications while you work. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being on the move, working with their hands, and being part of a team — not sitting behind a desk all day.

Your Day-to-Day

• Testing soils and concrete in the lab and out in the field
• Getting hands-on at construction sites — manual work, plenty of action
• Learning from experienced technicians and supervisors
• Preparing clear, accurate records and reports
• Completing physical tasks in the laboratory and on-site
• Providing great service to our construction clients

What’s in It for You?

• Pay Rate: $20 - $28 ph (starting at $21 ph for trainees aged 18 years, with the pay rate increasing by age and trainee classification, in line with the Award). Junior trainees (under 21) are paid at the applicable Award junior rate, while adult trainees receive $28/hr.
• Full-time, permanent role with an 18-month traineeship and ongoing employment beyond completion
• Complete your Cert IV through our in-house training team, with milestone payments as you build practical skills on the job
• Receive additional funding for completing modules of your traineeship
• Potential company ute for site-based roles after 6 months, depending on eligibility
• Career growth — move up the ranks in our diverse and growing business
• Enjoy 17.5% extra pay when you take annual leave, plus discounts on shopping, travel and insurance, novated leasing and confidential EAP support.
• Paid Parental Leave — for both men and women
• Be part of a team that values its workers — many of our crew have built long, successful careers here
• Regular 7:00am-3:00pm hours, plus regular overtime

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Reliability and a stable job history
• A good team attitude, strong communication skills, and a solid work ethic
• Willingness to learn and complete an 18-month traineeship
• Ability to lift 10-20kg on a regular basis
• Basic language and maths skills
• A current driver’s licence and unrestricted Australian working rights
• This is strictly a hands-on technician role; it does not involve engineering tasks and does not offer an engineering career pathway

This is a great opportunity to start a real career, gain qualifications, and join a team that will back you while you learn the job. At Construction Sciences, we don't just build careers—we help to build Australia. We're the trusted name in construction materials testing, delivering critical results for projects that shape our nation: roads, bridges, dams, airports, mines, and railways. With a proud team of over 900 skilled workers across 50+ locations in Australia and New Zealand, we're part of the global Kiwa Group—a leader in testing, inspection, and certification across 40+ countries. At Construction Sciences we are dedicated to fostering a positive and equitable workplace environment for all. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion.