Job description template
A job description describes the duties and responsibilities of a job. It can help clarify what you need
from a role and can be used as the basis to develop a job advertisement. Having a job description in
place will also be helpful during a person’s employment, including when setting performance goals.
Who can use this template
Employers can use this template to write a job description.
Need help with hiring a new employee?
Visit our Hiring employees page at fairwork.gov.au/hiring
Complete our short course on hiring employees at fairwork.gov.au/learning
How to use this template
A job description lists the duties, conditions, and responsibilities of a job. Use the checklist and
template to quickly and easily prepare and create your job description.
Make sure you’re using the latest version of this template by downloading the most up-to-date
version from fairwork.gov.au/templates
Check out our other resources
Explore interactive template tools, and downloadable templates and letters available
at fairwork.gov.au/templates to help you manage a wide range of
workplace obligations.
Complete our free online courses available at fairwork.gov.au/learning to develop
skills and strategies to help you at work.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to providing you with advice that you can rely on.
The information contained in this template is general in nature. If you are unsure about how it applies to your situation you can
call our Infoline on 13 13 94 or speak with a union, industry association or a workplace relations professional.
Last updated January 2023
Checklist: Suggested steps for writing a job description
Step 1 – Define the job
The first step is to get a good understanding of the job, including:
tasks
responsibilities
skills and abilities that are needed
any specific qualifications or experience required.
A good place to start is to talk to the person the employee will be reporting to. You could also talk to
other employees who are working in the area.
Step 2 – Decide on the type of employment
Decide the type of employment that is needed for the job, based on:
the number of hours needed to do the job
how long the job will be for (indefinitely, or for a specified time or task)
whether the employee is a junior, apprentice or trainee.
You need to decide whether the job is:
full-time, part-time or casual, and
fixed term or ongoing.
This is important because it will determine the employee’s pay and conditions.
For more information on the types of employment available, visit fairwork.gov.au/starting-
employment/types-of-employees
Step 3 – Write the job description
Use this template to write the job description, based on the information from steps 1 and 2 about
the job and type of employment.
Step 4 – Use our other resources
You can use our other resources to help you create job ads, hire employees and onboard them.
Other relevant resources you could use include:
Our downloadable templates for employing staff at fairwork.gov.au/templates, including
templates for job ads, telephone screening, reference checking, performance agreements and
induction checklists.
Our short course on hiring employees at fairwork.gov.au/learning, which helps you understand
the steps in the hiring process, understand employee entitlements and your obligations, and
select the most suitable candidate and make them an offer of employment.
Our Small Business Showcase at fairwork.gov.au/smallbusiness, which has a range of resources
to help businesses manage their employees and meet their employer obligations.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to providing you with advice that you can rely on.
The information contained in this template is general in nature. If you are unsure about how it applies to your situation you can
call our Infoline on 13 13 94 or speak with a union, industry association or a workplace relations professional.
Last updated January 2023
TEMPLATE JOB DESCRIPTION
IMPORTANT
This template has been colour coded to assist you to complete it accurately. You simply need
to replace the red < > writing with what applies to your situation.
Example information is shown in purple writing to assist you and should be deleted once you
have finished the ad.
JOB TITLE: <Role name> For example, Receptionist; Sales Assistant
JOB TYPE: <Type of employment> For example, Full-time; Part-time; Casual
LOCATION: <Physical address the employee will work at. If the job requires travel, list the primary
location> For example, Smithton office
SUPERVISOR/MANAGER: <Who the employee will report to> For example, Office Manager; Shift
Supervisor
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: <What are the duties and responsibilities of the position?>
For example,
Coordinate and carry out all office administration including reception, mail, couriers,
greeting clients and filing
Maintain a clean and safe workspace, and abide by workplace health and safety policies and
procedures
Other tasks as directed
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Qualifications: <What qualifications, licenses or education level does the employee need?>
For example,
Diploma or Certificate IV in Business Administration or relevant experience
First aid certificate
Experience: <What type and how much experience is needed?>
For example, 3 years experience in a similar role or industry
Skills: <What skills are needed for the job, including any technical or interpersonal skills?>
For example,
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Excellent verbal and written communication
Organised and able to meet deadlines
PERFORMANCE GOALS: <What level of performance do you expect from the employee?>
For example,
Complete administration tasks on time
Ensure office is clean and presentable at all times
Deal with clients, suppliers and other employees professionally at all times
PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF THIS JOB DESCRIPTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
The Fair Work Ombudsman is committed to providing you with advice that you can rely on.
The information contained in this template is general in nature. If you are unsure about how it applies to your situation you can
call our Infoline on 13 13 94 or speak with a union, industry association or a workplace relations professional.
Last updated January 2023
