Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers perform routine tasks in maintaining drainage, sewerage and stormwater systems.
Tasks
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Cleans and carries out minor repairs on stormwater drains and canals, and checks for cracks and leaks in sewerage systems.
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Digs holes and shovels excavated material onto conveyors, wheelbarrows and trucks for removal.
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Very Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Building and Plumbing Labourers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 92% of people employed as Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 26 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 43 hours per week in their main job. This is similar to the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
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Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers work in industries like:
- Electricity, gas, water and waste services
- Public administration and safety
- Construction
- Manufacturing.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 32.4 | 31.6 |
VIC | 20.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 23.3 | 20.0 |
SA | 8.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 11.6 | 10.8 |
TAS | 1.9 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.6 | 1.0 |
ACT | 1.5 | 1.9 |
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Around 64% of Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Queensland has a large share of employment relative to its population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers is 45 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 years.
Females make up 4% of the workforce. This is 44 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 6.2 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 19.9 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 21.2 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 25.8 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 13.1 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 8.3 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 3.7 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 45 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourer. Although some workers have a certificate I or II in drainage or water stability.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Construction, Plumbing and Services VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Drainage, Sewerage and Stormwater Labourers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 0.8 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 3.6 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 4.0 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 45.6 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 13.9 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 6.3 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 25.8 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Building and Plumbing Labourers who are reliable, have a strong work ethic and are physically fit.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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45%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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43%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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43%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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43%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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43%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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43%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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43%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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41%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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41%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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41%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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39%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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39%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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37%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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36%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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36%
InstallationInstalling equipment, machines, wiring, or programs.
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34%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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32%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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30%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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29%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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29%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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69%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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68%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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59%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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52%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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48%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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48%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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45%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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42%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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41%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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39%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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39%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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37%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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31%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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31%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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27%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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26%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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24%
BiologyPlant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, how they rely on and work with each other and the environment.
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22%
GeographyDescribing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
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18%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
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17%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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50%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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46%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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46%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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46%
Trunk strengthUse your abdominal and lower back muscles a number of times without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
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45%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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45%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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45%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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45%
Reaction timeQuickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.
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45%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
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43%
CategorisingCome up with different ways of grouping things.
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43%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
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43%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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43%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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43%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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43%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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43%
Selective attentionPay attention to something without being distracted.
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43%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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41%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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41%
Speech claritySpeak clearly so others can understand you.
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37%
Rate controlChange when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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88%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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85%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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70%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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61%
Building good relationshipsBuilding good working relationships and keeping them over time.
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60%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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60%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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58%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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55%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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55%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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55%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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52%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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50%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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47%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
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44%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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43%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
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41%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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40%
Coaching and developing othersWorking out the needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or helping them to improve.
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38%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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37%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
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35%
Helping and caring for othersProviding personal assistance, medical attention, or emotional support.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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33%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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33%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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19%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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19%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
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14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
Values
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71%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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57%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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48%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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40%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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33%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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33%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
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100%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
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100%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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99%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
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95%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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93%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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93%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
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92%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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91%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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90%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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89%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
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89%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
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87%
Whole body vibrationBe exposed to whole body vibration (e.g., operate a jackhammer).
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87%
Spend time standingSpend time standing at work.
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85%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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84%
Frequent decision makingFrequently make decisions that impact other people.
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82%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
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82%
Bending or twisting your bodySpend time bending or twisting your body.
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81%
Making repetitive motionsSpend time making repetitive motions.
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81%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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80%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 47-2151.00 - Pipelayers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.