Fence Erectors

What the job really is

Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-4031
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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, by lines or 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.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Automatic wire twisting pliers, Barbed wire unrollers, Cement mixers, Circular saws, Claw hammers, Clip tightening chucks, Comealongs, Cutlist Plus fx, Digging spades

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Carpenters
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers
• Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
• Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
• Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Fence Erectors — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.