Trades Assistant

Overview

We’re proud to announce a major milestone for Downer. Downer has been awarded the Property and Asset Services (PAS) contract to deliver base and estate services across their two largest regions NSW/ACT and QLD. This is a significant milestone for our business and our enduring 80+ year relationship with the Australian Defence Force. We’re inviting applications to join our permanent workforce at HMAS Penguin as a Trades Assistant. We’re committed to building a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Commencing February 2026, we’re looking for people from all backgrounds – whether you bring Defence experience, industry knowledge, or transferable skills from other sectors. If you’re passionate about contributing to Defence capability and want to be part of a high-performing, inclusive team – express your interest today.

What You’ll Do

This role offers a broad scope, with key responsibilities including:

- Provide basic trade assistance, manual handling and general labour support to qualified tradespeople in maintenance and construction tasks
- Assist qualified tradespeople with maintenance and construction activities across PAS service lines
- Perform manual handling tasks in accordance with WHS guidelines
- Prepare, clean and maintain tools, equipment and work areas
- Transport materials and equipment under supervision

What You’ll Bring

- Certificate II in Construction Pathways or equivalent
- White Card (desirable)
- Experience in basic trade assistance or labouring role
- Demonstrated manual handling skills
- Current Open Driver’s Licence
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Defence Security Clearance (Australian citizenship is mandatory)

More than anything, you’ll bring a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a commitment to delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients.

Why Downer?

At Downer, we plan, create, and sustain essential public services across Australia and New Zealand. From hospitals to data centres and defence partnerships, we manage critical infrastructure that keeps communities thriving.

Downer is a sovereign-owned, ASX-listed Australian company and proud recipient of the Estate & Infrastructure Business of the Year (2025) and Prime Contractor of the Year for two consecutive years (2024, 2025). With over 80 years of support to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), our Base and Estate Management team delivers innovative solutions and integrated services to both the ADF and New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).

What It Means to Belong at Downer

We’re proud of our high-performance culture and commitment to diversity, offering:

- Training and development to support and diversify your career.
- With 30% of vacancies filled internally you’ll find real opportunities to advance your career.
- Perks@Downer: healthcare discounts, great savings on retail purchases, car purchases and much more.
- Employee Assistance Program: professional support for you and your family when you need it most.

You want your work to matter and so do we. With over 26,000 people across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, our team is made up of individuals with unique perspectives, backgrounds, and ideas. We know that diversity makes us stronger and we actively celebrate it through our commitment to inclusion and belonging. We’re committed to building a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve and we welcome people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultures, abilities, and lived experiences. We especially encourage applications from those whose voices have traditionally been underrepresented in our industry, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pacific peoples, veterans, people with disability, and neurodivergent individuals. Even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with this role, we’d still like to hear from you. If it feels like the right fit, apply - potential counts, and so do you.

As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, we support flexibility that works for your life, inclusive leadership that values your voice, and equitable access to opportunity so you can do your best work and bring your whole self to it.

If you need support or adjustments through the recruitment process, just let us know, we’re here to help you put your best foot forward.

What You'll Need to Apply

Please submit your application by following the link at the Apply Now button along with your CV and any applicable certificates and licenses.

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