Steel workers work on large construction projects installing and reinforcing steel components that typically form the frameworks of tall buildings and bridges. This job can also involve demolishing, replacing or fixing steel components in older structures.
Steel workers carry heavy loads, operate equipment and climb up and down tall structures in the course of their day. Being specific about the required strength and endurance in your steel worker job description will get you more applications from qualified candidates. A qualified steel worker should be proficient in reading blueprints and working with specialized tools.
As you write your steel worker job description, do not forget to include the general qualifications that mark an outstanding candidate. Steel workers perform their job functions as a team, so the ability to communicate, understand instructions and get along with others is essential. Read the following example for more pointers on creating an effective description.
Steel Worker Job Summary
If you prefer working outdoors over being cooped up in an office or behind a counter, you may be the right person for our steel worker position. Our team of competent, hard-working construction professionals is looking to welcome a new member. We value a can-do attitude and offer on-the-job training as well as opportunities for promotion. When you become part of our exciting new projects destined to become the landmarks of tomorrow, you can take pride in knowing you have made a substantial contribution. With us, you can use your existing skills and knowledge while continuing to grow professionally and expand your qualifications. A friendly, safety-conscious work environment and our competitive pay rates make this job a great way to advance your career.
Job Responsibilities
- Measure, fabricate, cut, weld and shape steel parts such as girders, columns and frames using equipment including shears, welding tools and torches
- Hoist steel parts to their appropriate location, ensuring proper alignment and positioning and bolting them into place
- Assemble and use equipment, including setting up cable and chain systems, for hoisting or moving steel parts and disassemble it after completion of the task
- Follow blueprint and instructions from supervisors to perform all tasks involved in assembly of steel structures; communicate with supervisors and coworkers to ensure smooth teamwork
- Notify supervisors immediately of safety or structural concerns
- Take apart structures or equipment in accordance with directions and standard operating procedure; repair steel components in older structures
- Direct crane operators as they move and position steel components
- Drill holes and align parts with framework in preparation for riveting; use tools including levels, laser tools and plumb bobs to ensure precise alignment
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Completed steel worker apprenticeship
- Proficient in use of tools, including welding equipment, laser levels, jacks and metal shears
- Able to read and understand blueprints
- Knowledge of applicable safety regulations
- Able to work at extremely great heights, including top levels of skyscraper
- Excellent work ethic
Preferred:
- Basic proficiency in use of office software
- High school diploma or equivalent
Steel Worker Job Responsibilities
To be effective, a job description needs to be ironclad and stronger than steel. If you’re following outdated practices for writing one, odds are you’re not getting very good results. To strengthen your steel worker job description, make sure to pay attention to the job responsibilities section, which should be the most substantial part. All the same, live by the tenet “less is more.” Where other employers overwhelm jobseekers with lengthy lists providing too much detail to create a clear, simple picture of the role, you should keep this part of your steel worker job description down to 6-8 bullets.
Your content should focus on quality over quantity by using that short space to create a strong first impression. Do this by writing with action verbs. Begin every sentence with a strong verb that invites applicants to personally invest themselves in the job and its duties.
Review our sample steel worker job responsibilities:
- Manage installation of steel girders, bars, beams and reinforcements as a key member of the construction team
- Create steel parts to fit construction blueprints through fabrication, welding and cutting
- Communicate with project managers, contractors and subcontractors on drilling and installation processes
- Oversee transportation of steel to construction site
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and construction regulations
Steel Worker Job Specifications
Writing the job duties is just the foundation of a good steel worker job description. To really make your posting effective, you should build out your list of responsibilities with a job qualifications and skills section. Where the qualifications differ from the responsibilities is that the former establishes the requirements a candidate must meet, while the latter establishes the functions the candidate will be responsible for on a daily basis. Speak to other members of the foundry and construction teams for advice on what to include in a list of job qualifications, and craft approximately five or six specifications that reflect your general expectations.
Keep in mind that this list, like the steel worker job description, isn’t meant to be all-inclusive but should instead give a quick look into the traits both required and desired for the job. By including this list of requirements, you encourage jobseekers to screen themselves against your criteria so that only the most qualified may confidently apply.
Here’s an example of how to write steel worker job specifications:
- 10+ years in metal foundry and construction work
- 4-year apprenticeship with welding and metalworking certifications given preference
- Knowledge of civil construction works and government contracting
- Experienced working with subcontractors
- PMP certification a plus