Scaffolder Job Description
Recruit a qualified Scaffolder to build, alter and dismantle temporary access systems on construction sites. This template sets out practical responsibilities, standard safety requirements and the common certifications employers expect for on-site scaffold work in the UK.
What does a Scaffolder professional do?
A trades role responsible for erecting, modifying and dismantling scaffolding safely on-site; typically requires CISRS or equivalent training, a recognised site access card and experience working at height.
Scaffolder job description template
Use this employer-ready example as a starting point, then replace the placeholders and adjust the content so it accurately reflects your vacancy.
Scaffolder
About the role
We are recruiting a Scaffolder to join [Company Name] working on projects across [Location/Region]. You will erect, alter and dismantle access scaffolds and mobile towers, carry out basic inspections, handover completed work to site teams and keep equipment maintained to safety standards. This role requires practical on-site experience, a recognised scaffolding qualification or equivalent experience and the ability to work safely at height.
Key responsibilities
- Erect, modify and dismantle tube-and-fitting and system scaffolds, mobile towers and edge protection to drawings and site instructions
- Select, move and secure scaffolding components, working with a team to maintain safe access
- Perform routine visual checks and report defects; record completed handovers to site supervisors
- Follow method statements, RAMS (risk assessments and method statements) and site-specific safety procedures
- Load, unload and store equipment safely; keep work areas tidy and secure materials
- Communicate effectively with site supervisors, other trades and clients to coordinate scaffold works
- Use basic scaffold drawings and take site dimensions; flag up any design or access issues promptly
Essential skills and experience
- Recognised scaffolding qualification (CISRS Scaffolder Part 2 or equivalent) or demonstrable proven experience in scaffolding work
- Valid CSCS card or recognised site access card where required by clients
- Proven experience working at height and familiar with fall protection measures
- Awareness of current health and safety requirements for scaffolding and ability to follow RAMS
- Physical fitness and ability to handle lifting, climbing and manual tasks throughout a shift
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable
- PASMA (mobile access towers) certificate
- CISRS Advanced/Inspection training or supervisory qualification
- Full UK driving licence for site-to-site travel
- Experience on commercial or specialist scaffold projects (industrial, heritage, confined spaces)
- Previous site-based supervisory or team-lead experience
What we offer
- Competitive pay with overtime opportunities (employer to specify)
- Pension contribution (as per company policy)
- Paid training and support to gain additional certifications
- Provision of PPE and tools or allowance where applicable
- Permanent contract and clear routes for progression to supervisory roles
How to apply
Apply with your CV and any additional information requested. Make the interview process, closing date and any assessment stages clear where known.
Use this as a starting point rather than a final advert. The strongest version will reflect the real role, salary, location, systems, responsibilities, benefits and working arrangements.
What is a Scaffolder role?
Scaffolders build, alter and dismantle temporary access systems that allow other trades to work safely at height. They interpret basic drawings and site instructions, install components to industry standards, carry out visual inspections and maintain equipment. Scaffolders must follow site safety procedures, work effectively in teams and adapt to different project types such as domestic, commercial and industrial sites.
On-site work
Role is predominantly on construction sites and may include varied locations and outdoor conditions.
Typical hours
Often full-time with potential for early starts, overtime and weekend work depending on project schedules.
Training & progression
Clear routes from operative to supervisor or inspector through CISRS and other industry qualifications.
Typical Scaffolder responsibilities
Responsibilities should reflect the real scope of the vacancy rather than every task someone in this profession might ever complete.
Erect
Erect, modify and dismantle tube-and-fitting and system scaffolds, mobile towers and edge protection to drawings and site instructions
Select
Select, move and secure scaffolding components, working with a team to maintain safe access
Perform routine visual checks
Perform routine visual checks and report defects; record completed handovers to site supervisors
Follow method statements
Follow method statements, RAMS (risk assessments and method statements) and site-specific safety procedures
Load, unload
Load, unload and store equipment safely; keep work areas tidy and secure materials
Communicate effectively with site supervisors
Communicate effectively with site supervisors, other trades and clients to coordinate scaffold works
Use basic scaffold drawings
Use basic scaffold drawings and take site dimensions; flag up any design or access issues promptly
Scaffolder skills and experience to look for
Keep the essential list focused on what the person really needs to perform the role. Move useful-but-trainable experience into desirable criteria.
Usually worth prioritising
- Recognised scaffolding qualification (CISRS Scaffolder Part 2 or equivalent) or demonstrable proven experience in scaffolding work
- Valid CSCS card or recognised site access card where required by clients
- Proven experience working at height and familiar with fall protection measures
- Awareness of current health and safety requirements for scaffolding and ability to follow RAMS
- Physical fitness and ability to handle lifting, climbing and manual tasks throughout a shift
- Right to work in the UK
Useful where relevant
- PASMA (mobile access towers) certificate
- CISRS Advanced/Inspection training or supervisory qualification
- Full UK driving licence for site-to-site travel
- Experience on commercial or specialist scaffold projects (industrial, heritage, confined spaces)
- Previous site-based supervisory or team-lead experience
See our guide to what to include in a job advert before publishing.
How to write a Scaffolder job advert
Small role-specific details can make the advert much easier for suitable candidates to assess.
State essential certifications clearly
List required qualifications or site access cards (for example CISRS, CSCS) so candidates self-select and you reduce unsuitable applications.
Describe typical worksites and travel
Tell candidates whether work is local, regional or national and whether you provide mileage or travel time pay.
Be specific about shift patterns and overtime
Specify start times, whether weekend or night work is common, and how overtime is paid to set accurate expectations.
Highlight training and progression
Mention support for additional certifications (PASMA, inspection courses) to attract candidates looking to develop.
Scaffolder salary considerations
Scaffolder pay varies by region, experience and the type of work. Employers should consider multiple factors that influence rates rather than quoting a single market figure.
depending on experience
- Use a genuine range
- Separate variable pay
- Avoid “competitive” alone
- Match salary to seniority
What Scaffolder candidates will want to know
Practical details can influence whether a suitable candidate applies, even when the title and salary are attractive.
What certifications do I need?
Explain which qualifications or site cards are essential or acceptable equivalents and whether you offer support to gain them.
What are the usual hours and overtime expectations?
Clarify start times, shift patterns, the likelihood of weekend work and how overtime is paid or authorised.
Where are the sites and is travel paid?
State whether work is local, regional or nationally mobile and whether mileage, travel time or subsistence is provided.
What PPE and safety arrangements are in place?
Tell applicants whether PPE is supplied, what site safety standards are used and how you manage training and toolbox talks.
Are there training or progression opportunities?
Detail any support for gaining PASMA, supervisory or inspection qualifications and potential career paths within the business.
Where to post a Scaffolder job
Scaffolder vacancies perform well on a mix of general UK job boards and construction-specific channels. Use specialist construction job sites, trade college noticeboards, local recruitment agencies and sector forums to reach qualified scaffolders; advertise regionally if travel is limited or include national channels when you expect multi-site work. Also consider local social media groups and LinkedIn for supervisors or experienced hires.
Scaffolder job description FAQs
Do scaffolders legally need CISRS?
CISRS is the widely recognised industry scheme for scaffold training and is expected by many employers and clients. While not a legal requirement in all circumstances, clients and principal contractors frequently require CISRS or an agreed equivalent to grant site access.
How should I check a candidate's competence?
Ask for certificates, check CSCS or site card validity and request references for recent scaffold work. Where practical, assess candidates on-site or through a practical trial on safe, controlled tasks before confirming employment.
What on-site checks and training should employers provide?
Provide site-specific induction, toolbox talks, RAMS briefings and ensure PPE and fall protection are supplied. Keep records of training and consider refresher courses for working at height and inspection skills.
Do scaffolders need medicals or fitness checks?
Employers commonly require fitness to work at height and may request occupational health checks for certain roles or site requirements, particularly for prolonged working at height or when manual handling risks are significant.
Ready to hire a Scaffolder?
Use this template to create a clear advert and reach qualified scaffolders. When you are ready to advertise, publish the vacancy across targeted construction boards, local channels and agencies to attract the right candidates.
