What Do Fence Erectors Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Fence Erectors erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools. They also establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.

Other tasks include:

• Set metal or wooden posts in upright positions in postholes.
• Measure and lay out fence lines and mark posthole positions, following instructions, drawings, or specifications.
• Align posts, using lines or by sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.
• Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
• Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.
• Attach fence rail supports to posts, using hammers and pliers.

We asked Fence Erectors how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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63% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 56% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Fence Erectors blast rock formations and rocky areas with dynamite to facilitate posthole digging. They align posts, using lines or by sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.

A typical day for a Fence Erector will also include:

• Complete top fence rails of metal fences by connecting tube sections, using metal sleeves.
• Assemble gates, and fasten gates into position, using hand tools.
• Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
• Stretch wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts, and attach fencing to frames.
• Mix and pour concrete around bases of posts, or tamp soil into postholes to embed posts.

We asked some Fence Erectors a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	54% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	29% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	83% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	23% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	68% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Fence Erectors also stretch wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts, and attach fencing to frames. They may also assemble gates, and fasten gates into position, using hand tools.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Fence Erectors Nail pointed slats to rails to construct picket fences. They might also Weld metal parts together, using portable gas welding equipment.

In addition, they Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Mix and pour concrete around bases of posts, or tamp soil into postholes to embed posts.

To some Fence Erectors, it is also their responsibility to Make rails for fences, by sawing lumber or by cutting metal tubing to required lengths.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Fence Erector, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes474031.htm