Fence erectors erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.

  • Establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.
  • 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.
  • Assemble gates, and fasten gates into position, using hand tools.
  • Mix and pour concrete around bases of posts, or tamp soil into postholes to embed posts.
  • Make rails for fences, by sawing lumber or by cutting metal tubing to required lengths.
  • Nail top and bottom rails to fence posts, or insert them in slots on posts.
  • Discuss fencing needs with customers, and estimate and quote prices.
  • Stretch wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts, and attach fencing to frames.
  • Complete top fence rails of metal fences by connecting tube sections, using metal sleeves.
  • Erect alternate panel, basket weave, and louvered fences.
  • Insert metal tubing through rail supports.
  • Nail pointed slats to rails to construct picket fences.
  • Construct and repair barriers, retaining walls, trellises, and other types of fences, walls, and gates.
  • Weld metal parts together, using portable gas welding equipment.
  • Blast rock formations and rocky areas with dynamite to facilitate posthole digging.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
  • Read More
Detailed Work Activities
  • Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations.
  • Verify alignment of structures or equipment.
  • Position structural components.
  • Measure work site dimensions.
  • Mark reference points on construction materials.
  • Dig holes or trenches.
  • Read More

Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Building and Construction
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Transportation
  • Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Read More

Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Read More

Abilities

Manual Dexterity
  • The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Trunk Strength
  • The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Multilimb Coordination
  • The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Static Strength
  • The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Read More

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
Read More

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Cutlist Plus fx Hot Technology
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Project management software
  • Maxwell Systems American Contractor
  • Software Design Associates Computer Fencing System CFS