Roofing Contractor Job Description + Free Template [2026]

Hiring the wrong roofer can lead to project delays, safety incidents, and damaged customer relationships. 

A clear, detailed job description helps you filter out unqualified candidates and connect with roofing contractors who understand industry standards and safety protocols.

In this blog, you’ll find a roofing contractor job description that outlines essential details of the role, including required skills, responsibilities, qualifications, certifications, and more. Using it as a template for your job posting will give you a better chance of attracting skilled professionals who can deliver high-quality work. 

Use our free roofing contractor job description template below to streamline your hiring process and build a stronger roofing team.

Roofing Contractor Job Description Template

Use this template to guide your next job posting and highlight the key qualities you need in your next roofer:

• Job Summary

We are looking for a skilled roofing contractor to join our team. The role involves installing, repairing, and maintaining various roofing systems with precision and safety. 

The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to delivering quality workmanship.

• Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain roofs, adhering to commercial and residential building codes.

• Assess roof damage and provide options for repair.

• Work with roofing cement, clay, architectural metal flashings, EPDM systems, metal panel roofs, modified bitumen systems, and thermoplastic roofing systems.

• Securely set up ladders, scaffolding, and barricades.

• Operate ladder hoists and stock roofs with materials for general laborers.

• Drive and operate a roofing crane truck in line with proper safety protocols.

• Install and repair window fixtures on roof surfaces and create HVAC ductways.

• Clean gutters and remove hazards before roof maintenance and repair, including hedge and tree trimming.

• Work with hot roofing materials, including tar and asphalt.

• Thoroughly clean the site when the job is complete.

• Transport materials to and from the job site using company vehicles.

• Keep track of materials used on the job.

• Communicate with clients.

• Follow up with residential and commercial customers for scheduled maintenance.

• Guide general laborers on best practices for roofing and job safety.

• Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent education.

• 2+ years of hands-on roofing experience in residential or commercial settings.

• Comprehensive knowledge of roofing materials, tools, and installation techniques.

• Understanding of safety protocols and OSHA guidelines.

• Valid driver’s license (Class C commercial) with a clean driving record.

• Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction Safety certification.

• Manufacturer certifications (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, etc.).

• NRCA (National Roofing Contractors Association) training programs.

• Fall protection and safety harness training certification.

• First Aid and CPR certification.

• Many states don’t issue roofing licenses, and instead require anyone performing roofing work to obtain a general contractor or home improvement license. Requirements vary widely from state to state.

• Skills and Competencies

• Proficiency with roofing tools, including hammers, nail guns, and measuring equipment.

• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, specifications, and work orders.

• Strong attention to detail for quality workmanship and safety compliance.

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.

• Ability to use technology to estimate costs, track time, and manage inventory.

• Problem-solving abilities for troubleshooting installation challenges.

• Time management skills to complete projects within deadlines.

• Physical Requirements

• Ability to climb, crawl, and lift materials up to 50+ pounds.

• Comfortable working at height, climbing ladders, and working on scaffolding.

• Tolerance for working in extreme weather conditions, including heat and cold.

What Does a Roofer Do?

Roofers install, repair, or replace roof systems, including shingles, metal, EPDM, and modified bitumen materials. 

They also assess roof conditions to identify issues such as mildew, leaks, or structural damage, and offer professional advice on repair. They should provide quotes that include materials and labor costs to complete the work, and plan any regular maintenance.

Roofers also work with related components, such as underlayment, insulation, flashing, and ventilation systems, to ensure complete roof functionality and weather protection.

They may also need to work with subcontractors on various roofing systems, such as clay, concrete, tile, shingle, and hot roofing, and may specialize in one or more of these systems.

What Are the Primary Responsibilities of a Roofing Contractor?

Below are some of the primary responsibilities of a professional roofer:

• Building and maintaining roofs in accordance with residential and commercial building codes.

• Operating equipment safely, including ladder hoists and roofing truck cranes.

• Removing old roofing materials, preparing surfaces, and installing multiple layers such as roofing membranes, flashing, underlayment, and finish materials.

• Cleaning up work sites post-installation and tracking materials used during jobs to maintain professional standards.

• Maintaining clear communication with clients about project progress, scheduling changes, and any issues that arise during the job.

Let’s explore the key qualifications to look for when hiring a roofing contractor.

What Qualifications Are Required to Become a Roofing Contractor?

Becoming a skilled roofing contractor requires a combination of formal education, hands-on training, and ongoing professional development. 

Here are the qualifications you should look for in candidates seeking a roofer job:

• High school diploma or equivalent: This ensures that candidates possess foundational knowledge, including math skills, reading comprehension, and problem-solving abilities, necessary to understand blueprints, calculate materials, and communicate effectively with customers and team members.

• Apprenticeship certificate or hands-on roofing experience: Typically spanning two to four years, this training enables roofers to develop practical skills in installation techniques, safety protocols, and various roofing material systems.

• Valid driver's license: Depending on your company’s workflow, a valid driver’s license ensures that a roofer or roofing sales rep can move between job sites.

• Physical fitness and safety training: Roofing projects can be physically demanding and involve several hazards, including working at heights.

What Certifications Are Commonly Required for Roofing Contractors?

Professional certifications can set exceptional roofers apart from basic installers. 

Here are some relevant credentials that indicate higher-quality roofer candidates: 

• State or local licensing certificate: This certificate is often mandated by state laws and may vary by region. For instance, the C-39 Roofing Contractor license in California requires roofers to have completed four years of a combination of education and work experience before they can operate independently on projects costing above $500.

• OSHA 10/30 safety certifications: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration certification demonstrates that roofing contractors can ensure worker safety and reduce liability. The OSHA 10 provides basic safety information and hazard awareness, while OSHA 30 offers a detailed understanding of workplace hazards and more advanced safety concepts.

• National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) certification: This certification validates a contractor’s advanced knowledge of roofing systems, installation best practices, and industry standards across multiple material types.

• Manufacturer-specific certifications: Credentials from companies like CertainTeed, GAF, or James Hardie indicate specialized product knowledge.

• Green building certifications: These certifications demonstrate expertise in sustainable roofing practices and energy-efficient installation techniques.

What Skills Are Essential for a Roofer?

The demanding nature of roofing work requires roofing contractors to balance technical roofing skills with safety awareness and customer service skills. 

Here are some skills you can ask about during interviews.

Technical skills

These skills form the foundation of professional roofing work:

• Proficiency with roofing tools and a mastery of various installation methods for different roofing systems and materials.

• Ability to assess roof conditions and recommend suitable solutions based on structural analysis, climate, and customer considerations.

• Familiarity with multiple roofing materials and techniques, such as asphalt shingles, EPDM membranes, and tile installation methods.

• Blueprint reading and math skills to ensure proper installation.

Soft skills

These interpersonal and professional qualities go beyond roofers’ resumes and demonstrate their ability to work effectively in team environments and maintain customer satisfaction:

• Attention to detail to ensure accurate installation and weatherproof sealing.

• Physical stamina and a safety-first mindset.

• Team coordination and clear communication skills.

• Problem-solving abilities under pressure to address unexpected challenges like weather delays or material shortages.

Keep reading to explore why physical fitness and stamina are essential for working as a roofing contractor.

What Are the Physical Demands of a Roofing Contractor?

The job of a roofer requires sustained physical effort in challenging environments, where safety depends on strength and coordination.

Here are some physically demanding scenarios a roofer will typically encounter in their day-to-day duties:

• Frequent exposure to heights requires excellent balance, spatial awareness, and fall-protection knowledge.

• Heavy lifting and maneuvering of materials and equipment, including bundles of shingles, rolls of membrane, and metal panels, throughout the day.

• Extended periods of standing, crouching, bending, or kneeling in awkward positions.

• Working in heat, wind, or on sloped surfaces can increase physical and mental fatigue.

• Repetitive motions and the need for precise hand-eye coordination when hammering, cutting, and positioning materials accurately.

Considering these conditions, successful roofers need to maintain their physical conditioning through regular exercise and proper body mechanics.

How a Field Service App Empowers Roofing Contractors

Field service management apps enable roofing contractors to work more efficiently by eliminating paperwork and providing instant access to critical project information.

ServiceTitan's Field Service App helps roofing firms manage projects better and ensures real-time communication between field teams and the office.

Here are some of ServiceTitan’s most valuable features:

• Scheduling & dispatching: Helps managers assign crews based on skills and proximity to the location, reducing downtime between jobs and maximizing daily productivity.

• Mobile access: Enables crews to view work orders, blueprints, and measurements directly on-site.

• Photo/video documentation: Enables contractors to record before-and-after visuals and ensures admin teams stay updated on job progress in real time.

• Customer communication: Facilitates real-time job progress updates and accurate ETA notifications.

• Inventory tracking: Enables real-time monitoring of roofing materials and supplies, ensuring crews have the necessary materials before arriving at job sites.

• Estimates & invoicing: Streamlines the creation of professional quotes and on-site payment processing.

• Safety & compliance checklist: Provides instant access to OSHA documentation and safety protocols in the field.

• Analytics: Delivers comprehensive tracking of job costs, completion timelines, and individual team performance, helping business leaders identify opportunities for improvements and cost savings.

Over to You!

Hiring the right roofer is critical for project success, customer satisfaction, and business profitability. Well-crafted job descriptions are your first line of defense against costly hiring mistakes. 

This guide empowers businesses and hiring teams to attract qualified professionals who can deliver quality workmanship. 

Feel free to use the templates we’ve included, but be sure to customize the relevant sections to meet your unique business needs.

ServiceTitan is a leading software tool for commercial and residential companies, helping them streamline their daily operations, from scheduling and dispatch to invoicing and customer communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What tools and equipment does a roofing contractor use?

Essential tools include nail guns, shingle cutters, utility knives, hammers, measuring tapes, chalk lines, and safety equipment like harnesses and hard hats. Larger equipment includes ladders, scaffolding, hoists, and compressors for pneumatic tools.

What types of systems does a roofing contractor typically work with?

Roofing contractors work with asphalt shingles, metal roofing panels, EPDM rubber membranes, modified bitumen, tile systems, slate, and TPO membranes. They also install underlayment, flashing, gutters, ventilation systems, and insulation components.

What is the average salary for a roofing contractor?

Roofing contractor salaries vary by location and experience, typically ranging from $33,000 to $98,000 annually. Independent contractors and business owners can earn significantly more based on project volume and business success.

What is the typical career path for a roofing contractor?

Most start as laborers or apprentices, advance to journeyman roofers with two to four years’ experience, then become crew leaders or foremen. Many eventually start their own roofing businesses or specialize in commercial or specialty roofing systems.