CareerGPS

Fence Erectors
Summary Occupational Forecast Data for Fence Erectors
Employment Employment Change Average Annual Job Openings Wage & Training Levels
2020 2025 Numerical Percent New Jobs Replacement Jobs Total Median Hourly Median Annual Training Levels
471 495 24 5.10% 5 48 53 $21.30 $44,306 No formal educational credential
Description: Erect and repair metal and wooden fences and fence gates around highways, industrial establishments, residences, or farms, using hand and power tools.
Forecast Data Source: EMSI (4th Quarter 2023)

Occupation Details

The information in this section represents occupational characteristics included in O*NET which defines key features of an occupation as a standardized, measurable set of variables called "descriptors". These distinguishing characteristics of an occupation are described in greater detail in the O*NET Content Model. All items are listed in descending order of importance.

  • Establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.
  • Align posts, using lines or by sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.
  • Measure and lay out fence lines and mark posthole positions, following instructions, drawings, or specifications.
  • Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.
  • Set metal or wooden posts in upright positions in postholes.
  • Discuss fencing needs with customers, and estimate and quote prices.
  • 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.
  • Stretch wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts, and attach fencing to frames.
  • Attach fence rail supports to posts, using hammers and pliers.
  • Assemble gates, and fasten gates into position, using hand tools.
  • Complete top fence rails of metal fences by connecting tube sections, using metal sleeves.
  • Insert metal tubing through rail supports.
  • Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
  • Nail pointed slats to rails to construct picket fences.
  • Construct and repair barriers, retaining walls, trellises, and other types of fences, walls, and gates.

Knowledge

59%
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.

Skills

56%
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
53%
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.
53%
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
50%
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
50%
Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
50%
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
50%
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
50%
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Abilities

72%
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.
69%
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.
66%
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.
62%
Static Strength - The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
62%
Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
60%
Finger Dexterity - The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
56%
Reaction Time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
56%
Stamina - The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
56%
Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
56%
Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
56%
Dynamic Strength - The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
53%
Extent Flexibility - The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
53%
Speed of Limb Movement - The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
53%
Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
53%
Gross Body Coordination - The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
50%
Depth Perception - The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
50%
Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
50%
Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
50%
Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Work Activities

82%
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.
79%
Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
78%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
66%
Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
64%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
63%
Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
61%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
61%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
59%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
55%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
54%
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
51%
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
51%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
50%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Title Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Overall Experience Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Job Training Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Job Zone Examples These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include sheet metal workers, forest fire fighters, customer service representatives, physical therapist aides, salespersons (retail), and tellers.
Education These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Interests

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outsi
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Independence - Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Leadership - Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Work Values

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