Terrazzo workers and finishers apply a mixture of cement, sand, pigment, or marble chips to floors, stairways, and cabinet fixtures to fashion durable and decorative surfaces.

  • Measure designated amounts of ingredients for terrazzo or grout, according to standard formulas and specifications, using graduated containers and scales, and load ingredients into portable mixer.
  • Grind surfaces with a power grinder, or polish surfaces with polishing or surfacing machines.
  • Cut metal division strips and press them into the terrazzo base for joints or changes of color to form designs or patterns or to help prevent cracks.
  • Blend marble chip mixtures, place into panels, and push a roller over the surface to embed the chips.
  • Modify mixing, grouting, grinding, or cleaning procedures, according to type of installation or material used.
  • Spread, level, or smooth concrete or terrazzo mixtures to form bases or finished surfaces, using rakes, shovels, hand or power trowels, hand or power screeds, or floats.
  • Grind curved surfaces or areas inaccessible to surfacing machine, such as stairways or cabinet tops, with portable hand grinder.
  • Wash polished terrazzo surface, using cleaner and water, and apply sealer and curing agent according to manufacturer's specifications, using brush or sprayer.
  • Position and secure moisture membrane and wire mesh in preparation for pouring base materials for terrazzo installation.
  • Fill slight grinding depressions with matching grout material and hand-trowel for a smooth, uniform surface.
  • Clean installation site, mixing and storage areas, tools, machines, and equipment, and store materials and equipment.
  • Sprinkle colored marble or stone chips, powdered steel, or coloring powder over surface to produce prescribed finish.
  • Wet surface to prepare for bonding, fill holes and cracks with grout or slurry, and smooth with a trowel.
  • Mix cement, sand, and water to produce concrete, grout, or slurry, using hoe, trowel, tamper, scraper, or concrete-mixing machine.
  • Chip, scrape, or grind high spots, ridges, or rough projections to finish concrete, using pneumatic chisel, hand chisel, or other hand tools.
  • Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, or straightedges.
  • Move terrazzo installation materials, tools, machines, or work devices to work areas, manually or using wheelbarrow.
  • Clean chipped area, using wire brush, and feel and observe surface to determine if it is rough or uneven.
  • Repair concrete by cutting out damaged areas, drilling holes for reinforcing rods, and positioning reinforcing rods, using power saw and drill.
  • Precast terrazzo blocks in wooden forms.
  • Wet concrete surface and rub with stone to smooth surface and obtain specified finish.
  • Build wooden molds, clamping molds around areas to be repaired, or setting up frames to the proper depth and alignment.
  • Spread roofing paper on surface of foundation and spread concrete onto roofing paper with trowel to form terrazzo base.
  • Produce rough concrete surface, using broom.
  • Remove frames when the foundation is dry.
  • Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete and move chute to direct concrete on forms.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • 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.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Cut metal components for installation.
  • Apply decorative masonry finishes.
  • Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
  • Apply decorative masonry finishes.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
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Knowledge

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.
Design
  • Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Coordination
  • Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Quality Control Analysis
  • Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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.
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.
Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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.
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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
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Accounting software
  • Intuit QuickBooks Hot Technology
  • CPR International GeneralCOST Estimator
  • Sapro Systems Paymee
Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Operating system software
  • Microsoft Windows Hot Technology
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