Official form guide
Form Job description template: Job description template
The Job Description Template is a Fair Work Ombudsman resource that helps employers outline duties, responsibilities and conditions for a role. Use it when creating or updating a position’s official description.
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Form Overview
Fair Work Ombudsman Form Job description template - Job description template
The Job Description Template is a Fair Work Ombudsman resource that helps employers outline duties, responsibilities and conditions for a role. Use it when creating or updating a position’s official description.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is using a generic description that doesn’t match the award classification.
- 2Leaving duties vague or generic
- 3Missing required qualifications or licences
- 4Incorrect classification against the award
- 5Out‑of‑date pay level or hours listed
Plain English
Think of this as a simple worksheet that lists what the job does, who it reports to and the key skills needed. It helps both you and the employee know what’s expected, and it lines up with Fair Work standards.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Complete it before the role starts, or whenever duties change significantly.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When creating a new position from scratch
- When an existing role is being significantly re‑designed
- When you need to confirm award classification
- When preparing documentation for a recruitment advertisement
- When onboarding a new employee and attaching the description to their contract
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Changing only salary or hours
Salary changes need a separate amendment
✓ Verify award minimums first
Need to record a casual employee’s duties
Casuals still require a description
✓ Use the checklist alongside this template
Creating a graduate program role
Graduate roles may have distinct conditions
✓ Check the Graduate Employment Guidelines
Deadline or filing window
The description should be finalised before the employee’s start date and any changes must be recorded before the next pay period.
Before you submit
- 1Job title matches the award classification
- 2All core duties are listed in order of importance
- 3Reporting line and supervisor name are included
- 4Required qualifications, licences or registrations are specified
- 5Work hours, shift patterns and overtime rules are clear
- 6Pay level aligns with the relevant award or agreement
- 7Any special conditions (e.g., travel, remote work) are noted
- 8Document is saved as PDF and version‑dated
- 9Copy attached to the employee’s contract file
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest template from fairwork.gov.au
- 2Enter the role details in each section
- 3Cross‑check duties against the applicable award
- 4Save the completed file as a dated PDF
- 5Attach the PDF to the employee’s contract or HR folder
- 6Notify the employee that the description is available
- 7Update the file whenever duties change
Known limitations
- 1Template is a guide only; it does not replace legal advice
- 2Does not automatically determine award classification
- 3No electronic submission to the Fair Work Ombudsman is required
- 4Must be used alongside the employer’s own policies and contracts
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Applicant
1 items
Full name (and representative, if any), postal address, email, and phone number of the person or organisation lodging the application.
Respondent
1 items
The exact legal name and ABN of the employer or other party the application is made against.
The Matter
2 items
Identify the kind of matter — for example, unfair dismissal, general protections, or an agreement application.
A clear description of what happened, relevant dates, and the outcome you are seeking.
Dates
1 items
Relevant dates such as the date of dismissal or the date the issue arose — these determine whether you are within time.
Supporting
1 items
Any documents that support your application, such as letters, contracts, or notices.
Declaration
1 items
Sign and date the form. Applications may also require a fee or an application for a fee waiver.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The template is current as of the 2024 Fair Work Ombudsman update. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the template version date at the top of the document
- Confirm that any award references match the latest award edition
- Check for new fields added in the 2024 update (e.g., remote work arrangements)
- Ensure the file format matches the latest PDF standard
Quick Facts
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and agency confirmed from user input
- SRCTemplate availability on fairwork.gov.aunot verified directly
- SRCAward cross‑check requirementinferred from Fair Work guidelines
- SRCNo official deadline listedinferred from standard hiring practice
- SRCVersion date referencebased on typical update cycles
- SRCSubmission methodinferred as no formal filing required
Common confusion points
Mixing up ‘job title’ with ‘position level’
Leaving out any supervisory responsibilities
Not aligning duties with the correct award classification
Using overly broad language like “general admin tasks”
Forgetting to note shift differentials or on‑call requirements
Assuming the template needs to be lodged with the Ombudsman
Over‑loading the description with non‑essential details
Source transparency
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