Building Trades Jobs

Building trades jobs and candidates can be found at iHireBuildingTrades.  Offering careers and job seekers at many different levels of experience, we use a unique system in order to match candidates to an employers’ job description.  The following are a list of building trades job titles along with short descriptions that are listed on our site:

Carpenter
Responsible for organizing, measuring, cutting, shaping, and joining, materials necessary for construction is a carpenter’s primary concern.  Specific duties range form creating rough structural supports to intricately carving trim and cabinets.  All projects must be inspected upon completion to ensure all codes and regulations have been followed.

Ceiling Tile Installer
Ceiling tile installers measure, cut, and install ceiling tiles for a variety of commercial and residential buildings.  They must have knowledge of concepts throughout the building trades industry.  Experienced professionals have the highest opportunities. 

Acoustical Carpenter
In order to reduce sound reflection, acoustical carpenters install special tiles to ceilings or walls.  Professionals measure, mark, and layout plans for the tiles.  Before any items are installed, they must inspect all materials.

Drywall Installer/Taper/Layer
To cover walls with drywall sheets, tradesmen take detailed measurements, and cut drywall accordingly.  Once the drywall is hung, the installer will tape, mud, and sand the walls to ensure smooth surfaces.  A two to four year Apprenticeship may be required for this career.

Plasterers/Stucco Masons
Usually enlisted to form decorative, sound proof, and fire resistant walls, plasterers and masons apply plaster to the interior walls of a structure; smooth or textured surfaces may be obtained by applying a plaster veneer over the drywall.  Exterior walls, partitions, and ceilings may also require the same treatments, depending upon the specific structure.

Brickmason
By laying or stacking bricks neatly, brickmasons build walls and a number of other structures.  The bricks are held together by mortar which is applied to a single side of a brick, then another brick is pushed on top, and the excess mortar is wiped away. 

Blockmason
With very similar responsibilities to brickmasons, blockmasons lay, repair, and maintain structures made of brick, tiles, or decorative blocks.  They may use concrete block, pre cast masonry panel, or a number of other materials. 

Stonemason
Using natural or artificial stones, stonemasons build walls, and cover exterior walls and floors with marble, limestone, concrete, or granite.  Commonly, they are employed for work in nonresidential buildings. 

Hard Tile Setter
Using a variety of tiles, tile setters cover and decorate tabletops, floors, and promenade roof decks.  They may glaze mosaics to produce highly original and unique designs.  Apprenticeships or formal education is commonly necessary for these positions.

Concrete Finisher
Concrete finishers create forms, pour cement, and smooth and finish surfaces.  Structures typically include sidewalks, walls, floors, or curbs.  They may patch holes and pits with concrete or epoxy compounds.  Knowledge of a variety of practices is necessary for success in this occupation.

Terrazzo Finisher
Terrazzo finishers join cement, sand, marble chips, pigment, or other materials to floors, walls, or stairways to create a long lasting, decorative finish.  They must carefully follow detailed drawings to ensure finished products are as specified.  It is necessary for candidates to gain extensive experience for these careers.

Reinforcing Metal Worker
To support concrete structures, metal workers install steel bars, cables, or wires.  They must be exact in cutting, welding, or bending materials to ensure proper stability is maintained.  Formal training and/or apprenticeships are common requirements for these careers.

 Painter
Specific duties vary due to the fact that painters work on both indoor and outdoor surfaces.  Structures may include equipment, buildings, bridges, or walls.  They apply paint, stains, and varnishes after completely preparing surfaces.  Before painting, any old paint must be scraped and removed, and cracks and holes must be filled and smoothed. 

Paperhanger
Paperhangers focus on using paper, paper related products, and/or fabric to fully or partially cover interior walls.  Before application, walls must be cleaned, and prepped for the best adhesion results.  Creativity and understanding of new concepts are integral to success in this position. 

Roofer
In order to protect and waterproof the roofs of structures, roofers apply a number of materials to completely cover the surface.  They may use shingles, wood, asphalt and/or gravel.  Professionals must be skilled in the use of brushes, mops, rollers, hammers, knives, and/or spray systems.

Glazier
Enlisted for installing glass or mirrored panes, glaziers may be required to complete extensive training.  While they will commonly install skylights, display, or regular windows, they may also adorn walls, ceilings, and tabletops with the same materials.  They must be able to cut, prepare, set, and remove glass and similar materials. 

Electrician
Experience and formal education are generally required for independent electrician positions.  These tradesmen specialize in inspecting, repairing, installing, maintaining, and modifying electric/electronic products.  They commonly work with circuits, equipment, or entire systems. 

Controls/Alarm/Cable/Telephone Installer 
Installers are responsible for the set up of a number of electrical systems and devices.  They pull cables through structures and install trimming devices, circuits, and terminating loops, as well as test finished systems.  The use of specialized equipment and basic tools is necessary for these occupations.

Plumber
Responsible for a number of duties associated with water, drainage, and heating systems, plumbers must be highly skilled.  They must assess areas for potential hazards, and make necessary modifications before beginning the process.  Plumbers inspect, repair, modify, install, and maintain a number of plumbing fixtures and work closely with electrical systems.

Pipe Fitter/Pipelayer
Pipe fitters must not only layout and install piping systems, but they must also ensure maintenance to existing structures.  Duties may include cutting, hammering, threading, or bending pipe to fit specific measurements.  They must be knowledgeable with the use of a variety of tools and specialized equipment. 

Steamfitter
Steamfitters focus on the piping systems associated with steam and heating systems.  They install and maintain new systems, or repair existing equipment.  Common repairs include making welds, threading pipes, reassembling disconnected parts, and replacing pipe, coverings, or any other damaged parts.

Carpet Installer
Knowledge of a number of installation methods and procedures are mandatory for success in these occupations.  Carpet installers measure, cut, and install rugs and carpet.  They must work from detailed and predetermined instructions to ensure customer satisfaction.

Floor Layer
For the installation of many floor coverings in residential or commercial structures, these professionals are enlisted for service.  Floor layers visit a job site, take detailed measurements, draw plans, and organize any patterns necessary for floor coverings.  Commonly installed surfaces include, tile, laminate, ceramic, wood, and rubber and cork sheeting. 

Heavy Equipment Operator
After gaining an immense amount of education and on the job experience, heavy equipment operators are enlisted to control the operation of equipment such as backhoes, pile drivers, tractors, excavators, trucks, and many other machines.  Candidates must possess excellent hand-eye-foot coordination, as well as a great deal of stamina.  Formal training or apprenticeships may be required.

Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning Mechanic
Also known as HVAC mechanics, these candidates service, repair, maintain, or install a number of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.  Professionals are required to undergo formal training, and may work as assistants until adequate education is obtained.  A thorough knowledge of all types and styles of heating and cooling systems is necessary for candidate success.

Sheet Metal Worker
Responsible for the fabrication and installation of numerous products, sheet metal workers must possess knowledge of a number of industries.  They bend, cut, shape, straighten, solder, and/or weld sheet metal to create many structures including metal roofs, equipment, ducts, lockers, or kitchen equipment.  Often times, candidates must be able to set up and maintain necessary equipment for sheet metal work.

Structural Metal Worker
Structural metal workers are responsible for a variety of tasks relating to precision metal work.  They assemble, test, and repair specific equipment as needs arise.  Experience and industry knowledge will increase a candidates’ likelihood for success in these careers.

Fence Erector
Whether working with wooden, wire, chain link, tortoise, mesh, or temporary fencing, fence erectors are responsible for the tasks associated with assembly, installation, repair, and maintenance of structures.  They may dig holes for posts, align posts, and mix and pour cement to stabilize and hold each post.  Candidates are expected to use specially designed tools and equipment to complete their tasks.

Elevator Installer
Elevator installers are held accountable for structures such as dumb waiters, escalators, and electric, passenger, or hydraulic elevators.  They must often cut, assemble, or fit pieces together using specialty tools.  After installation, they will also be responsible for maintenance or repairs to existing structures. 

Laborer
Found at a variety of sites, specific duties often depend upon the type of work and experience of candidates.  While their primary duty is to assist the skilled professionals, laborers may level earth, lift, carry, or move materials, clean areas, and spread or pour concrete.  Physical stamina is mandatory for these professionals.

Millwright
With the assistance of multiple tools, and equipment, these highly skilled associates must assemble and dissemble specialized machines as needed.  Millwrights must be able to easily read layouts, plans, and blueprints to ensure proper assembly.  Hoists, lifts, and many power tools are enlisted to complete the process. 

Mechanic/Maintenance
Maintenance professionals may specialize by machine type, but all are responsible for assembling, maintaining, or repairing various tools, machines, or vehicles necessary for building trades.  These positions are often vague, so extensive knowledge of mechanics is needed for these professions. 

Welder/Fabricator
To create tools and equipment necessary for duties on the construction site, fabricators and welders utilize many tools and equipment.  Welders are used for any instance that requires the conjoining of two metal or weld-able materials.  Excellent judgment and extensive knowledge of the construction industry is necessary for these tradesmen. 

For more information on a job in building trades, please visit the following sites:

• Detroit Building Trades Online
• Thompson Delmar Learning
• Career Overview
• Free Electrical Answers
• Piping Industry Progress & Education