Tradesman Job Description [With Template]

Ready to expand your construction business by hiring qualified tradesmen?

Finding the right professionals starts with crafting a compelling job description that attracts only the best-skilled workers. 

That’s what you’ll learn in this guide. More specifically, you’ll discover: 

• What to include in the job description.

• General skills and qualifications of an ideal tradesman. 

• A free template to help you get started. 

But first, let’s explore why creating a job description must be your first step.

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Why Are Job Descriptions Important for a Tradesman Job?

Job descriptions provide prospects with a detailed overview of the company’s expectations. They answer the question: “What would I do in this role?” This way, the employer and tradesman are aligned on responsibilities and deliverables. 

Here are other reasons why job descriptions are important:

• Attracts the right candidate—A job description that clearly outlines duties, skills, and qualifications helps ensure you attract qualified candidates for the role. Employees who don’t meet the requirements are less likely to apply, giving you more time to vet qualified applicants. In a nutshell, it screens out unqualified candidates. 

• Guides employee training—With a thorough description, you can identify gaps in new employees’ skills, qualifications, and knowledge. This enables you to organize personalized training to help employees fit into their roles more quickly. 

• Helps with performance reviews—All the duties, responsibilities, and expectations outlined in the job description help you measure the employee’s performance. They can serve as an expectation guideline to track high performance as well as identify shortcomings and areas of improvement. 

What Is a Tradesman Job Overview?

A tradesman is a skilled worker who specializes in manual tasks for specific trades, such as tiling, electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, or similar trades. 

These skilled tradesmen possess the knowledge and technical know-how required to bring construction projects to life. Their competencies cover different phases of construction—from laying foundations to finishing touches, as well as repairing and maintaining structures. 

They’re also committed to ensuring projects meet safety regulations and high-quality standards. 

However, it’s important to note the demand for tradesmen is rising. According to McKinsey & Company, there’s a growing demand for them in the U.S. Meanwhile, a Reddit thread revealed a reduced supply of tradesmen in North America—a trend expected to continue. 

That’s why you need a captivating job description to attract qualified candidates. Before we go into that, let’s discuss different types of tradesmen and what they do. 

What Are the Main Different Types of Tradesmen?

There are different components to a construction project, each requiring specific tradesmen to ensure the job is completed professionally and with precision. 

Let’s go over them below:

Construction tradesmen

These are skilled traders focused on the framework and building part of construction. They include:

• Bricklayers/masons: Experts in building walls, pathways, and other structures using bricks, stones, and concrete. 

• Carpenters: Work with wood to construct frameworks, cabinetry, and furniture.

• Roofers: Specializing in using roof tiles and metals to install, repair, and maintain roofs.

• Welders: Leverage welding techniques to build steel structures and frameworks. 

• Concrete workers: Focus on pouring, shaping, and finishing concrete for foundations, floors, and other surfaces. 

• Tilers: Experts in laying tiles for floors, surfaces, or walls in kitchens and bathrooms.

Mechanical tradesmen

These tradespeople are skilled in using power tools and equipment for construction and maintenance.

• HVAC technicians: People with this job title handle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They’re experts in installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems. 

• Plumbers: Plumbing specialists are focused on handling water systems—from piping to heating systems and gas lines. 

• Electricians: Handles installation systems, repair, and maintenance.

• Elevator installers and repairers: Experts in installing and maintaining building elevator systems.

• Sheet metal workers: Skilled in installing the metal systems used for ductwork and other mechanical structures on construction sites.

Specialized tradesmen

These professionals have niche job duties and skills that aren’t readily available. They include:

• Locksmiths: Specialize in making, installing, and repairing door locks, security systems, and automotive locks. 

• Garage door technicians: Their primary duty is to use different machinery to repair, install, and troubleshoot garage doors and openers.

• Glaziers: Skilled in installing and maintaining glass for windows, doors, or other facades. 

• Insulation specialists: Experts at sound insulation and fireproofing buildings. 

What Are General Tradesman Duties and Responsibilities?

Tradesmen are experts at turning building blueprints into functional structures. As a result, there are general trade job duties they share. 

They include:

• Reading blueprints and technical drawings: Tradesmen interpret blueprints to facilitate the installation and maintenance of systems or structures. 

• Adherence to safety and compliance regulations: They’re dedicated to applying safety measures when working on projects. 

• Collaboration with team members: One of the day-to-day tasks is regular communication with other professionals, construction managers, and contractors.

• Providing excellent customer service: These professionals are also expected to communicate with clients, be true to their word, exceed expectations, and keep stakeholders in the loop of the project's progress.

• Inventory management: Another responsibility of a tradesman is to track supplies or materials needed for the project.

• Installation, repairs, and maintenance: Skilled service technicians are typically required to install and maintain different systems or structures. Depending on their industry, this can be dry walls, cooling systems, and wooden frameworks.

What Are the Main Skills and Qualifications for a Tradesman Job?

A tradesman should at least have a high school diploma, an associate degree, a certificate from a vocational school, and a license for a specific trade area. Additionally, a qualified tradesman should have experience handling construction projects.  

They also need essential skills such as:

• Communication skills to interact with team members, contractors, other skilled trades, and clients. 

• Extensive knowledge of a specialized trade area, such as electrical or plumbing, to show they can handle similar projects. 

• Problem-solving skills that show their ability to think on their feet in high-pressure situations.

• Strong physicality, allowing them to perform manual tasks for a long time. 

• Soft skills like attention to detail, an ability to work on complex projects with precision, and more.

• Strong tech skills and experience with modern devices when using field management software like ServiceTitan.

What to Include in a Tradesman Job Posting?

Now that you’re all caught up, let’s get you started on what to include in a tradesman job posting.

• About us—A description of the company and the services it provides.

• Job title—Next, define what you need. Do you need an electrician, plumber, or tiler? The job title has to reflect that, e.g., ‘certified HVAC technician.’ This gives candidates an understanding of what’s required at first glance.

• Job summary or description—Begin with an overview of the job’s purpose. Then, proceed to outline the role’s expectations and responsibilities. You also want to include the required certifications, experience level, and role demands.

• Skills and requirements—Are there specific soft or technical skills the job requires? List them here. This can include additional qualifications, attention to detail, or experience in particular project areas.

• Location—Remember to include the job's location so candidates have all the information they need before applying. 

• Compensation and benefits—Add the salary range, benefits, insurance package, and other perks that come with the job. 

• Application process—Wrap up the job description with how candidates can apply. Would they need a resume or cover letter? Is there a deadline? Ensure it’s all clearly stated in the job description.

Tradesman Job Description Template

As a contractor, you’re probably always on the move and barely have time to create a job description. To help you with that, we crafted this customizable template you can edit to fit a specific role and company’s needs.

Click here to download our free customizable template or find a specific tradesman job description template here.

How a Field Service App Empowers Tradesmen

After hiring a qualified tradesman for the job, your next step is to provide them with the tools and resources needed to streamline their workflow and increase productivity. 

A good example of such tools is ServiceTitan’s Field Service App. It’s a mobile app that provides tradesmen with all the information they need before arriving on-site. It shows them the client’s contact information, address, directions, and previous history. 

More specifically, here’s what this app can help tradesmen do:

• Schedule appointments without getting to the office. 

• Provide real-time updates to stakeholders on the go, with photos that tradesmen can capture easily.

• Automatically pull up site maps with estimated time on arrival.  

• Show site or property data so they can provide personalized services and upsell other opportunities. 

• Notify clients that they’re on the way.

• Submit digital invoices and allow them to collect different forms of payment—cash, credit cards, checks, etc.

• Build estimates and provide clients with updated service or material pricing. 

In addition, ServiceTitan’s Field Service App is also great for stakeholders and employers. It allows them to track projects and the team’s performance. This way, they know what’s going on and can provide personalized services to customers.

Over to You

That’s all it takes to create an attractive tradesman job description. 

In addition, ensure the posting reflects the brand’s core values and communicates offers (besides benefits) that can attract the right candidate. 

Lastly, plan to equip your new and existing staff with tools like ServiceTitan to help boost their efficiency and productivity. It simplifies repetitive tasks like scheduling or uploading forms at different stages of the project cycle and complex processes like business data reporting and potential return on investment (ROI).

Book a free demo with ServiceTitan and see what it can offer in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the common mistakes to avoid in a tradesman job posting?

Here are mistakes to steer clear of in your job description:

• Using complex language that makes it difficult for applicants to understand the position requirements. 

• Leaving out important details about the role, benefits, or pay. 

• Using discriminatory or racist language about the candidate’s potential or qualifications.

• Not proofreading the posting for typos and errors. 

What are the most common trades in demand?

According to a Reddit community on skilled trades, here are some in-demand trades:

• HVAC technicians 

• Pipefitters 

• Glaziers

• Plumbers

• Electricians

• Carpenters

• Industrial mechanics (Millwright)

Should you include a salary range in your job posting?

It’s always good to include a salary range in the job description. It shows transparency, attracts the right candidates, and lets them know you value their time. 

How do you make your job posting stand out?

Here are a few options to help attract potential candidates:

• Vividly describe the company’s culture and mission. What’s it like working there?

• Highlight the core skills and qualifications anyone needs to apply. 

• Showcase the perks associated with the role, e.g., travel allowance, relocation allowance, or even flexible schedule.