Fence Builders

Career summary

Fence builders may build different types of fences or specialize in only one. Sometimes fence builders are classified by the type of fence they make.

Fence builders talk with customers about their needs. They offer quotes and prices. They measure and lay out the fence line according to the plans. They mark positions for postholes, and dig them with posthole diggers or power-driven augers. Sometimes they use dynamite on rocky areas to dig postholes.

Next, fence builders place metal or wooden posts in postholes. To set posts, they mix concrete and pour it around the base or  pack soil firmly into the posthole. They align posts and verify the alignment with plumb bobs or other tools.

Fence builders prepare rails and form a fencing frame. For metal fences, they attach rail supports near the top and bottom of the metal posts. For wooden fences, they nail top and bottom rails to wooden fence posts. Once the frame is built, the rest of the material is added.

For metal fences, builders stretch and attach wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts. For wooden fences, they nail slats to the rails. Once all fence sections are completed, builders assemble the gate using the same method. Finally, they attach the gate to the fence.

Some fence builders use other methods and styles of fencing. For example, they may weld metal fence parts together rather than inserting rails into supports. They may build other fence styles, such as a solid wood panel. Some may build structures such as retaining walls and trellises.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Carpenters
• Cement Masons
• Commercial Fishers
• Construction Helpers
• Forklift Operators
• Glaziers
• Highway Maintenance Workers
• Structural Metal Workers
• Tile Setters
• Welders and Solderers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to fence builders.

• Measure and lay out fence line and mark posthole positions. Follow drawings or specifications.
• Dig postholes with spade, posthole digger, or power auger. May sometimes use dynamite to blast holes in rocks.
• Place metal or wooden posts in postholes and set with concrete or soil.
• Align posts and verify alignment.
• Cut metal tubing or saw lengths of lumber to make rails.
• Form fencing frame by attaching rail supports to posts and inserting metal tube sections, or nailing wooden rails at top and bottom.
• Stretch and attach wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts, or nail slats to rails.
• Assemble gate and fasten it into position.
• Weld metal parts together, using portable gas welding equipment.
• Talk with customers. May estimate and quote prices.
• May construct other structures such as barriers, retaining walls, and trellises.

Common work activities

Fence builders perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Control machines and processes
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Get information needed to do the job
• Handle and move objects
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Teach others
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Process information
• Schedule work and activities
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Assist and care for others
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Coach others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, fence builders:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact with customers. They communicate mostly by phone or face-to-face conversations.
• Are very responsible for the health, safety and work done by others.
• Sometimes work as part of a group or team. When working in groups, it is important to coordinate with others.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work outdoors. Are sometimes exposed to very hot or very cold temperatures.
• Wear protective gear often, such as gloves, safety goggles, or ear plugs.
• Are sometimes exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable and contaminants like dust.
• Are often exposed to hazardous equipment, such as electric saws and welding equipment. Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts or minor burns.
• May be required to work in high places.
• Sometimes must work in very bright or dim lighting.
• May work physically near others.

Work performance

• Repeat the same physical activities daily.
• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could cause fences to be less sturdy than expected.
• Usually set their daily tasks and goals in cooperation with supervisors.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• Usually work eight-hour shifts, though longer hours are also common.
• Travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• Have months without work, such as during winter or periods of heavy rain.

Physical demands

Fence builders frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Kneel, stoop, crouch, or crawl.

It is important for fence builders to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for fence builders to be able to:

• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Fence builders need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Building Construction Technology
• Construction Trades
• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Training

To work as a fence builder, you typically need to:

• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

On-the-job training

Fence builders usually receive training on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you learn to:

• build and repair wood and metal fences;
• build gates; and
• use hand and power tools.

Training may take up to one year.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Carpentry
• Construction
• Driver Education
• Industrial Arts
• Physical Education
• Woodworking

Many fence builders are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Many employers require that fence builders have a high school diploma or equivalent. Most require workers to be at least 18 years old. Employers may require that applicants pass a physical exam. Some also require drug testing or background checks. Employers look for people who are reliable and hard working.

Licensing/certification

You may need both a federal and state license if you use explosives to prepare a site for fencing. The following need a license.

• Individuals who purchase, sell, manufacture, import, use, handle or store explosives must have a federal license.
• Individuals who use, purchase, manufacture, store, or sell explosives must have a license from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Contact Labor and Industries  or 360.902.5563 for more information.

#added this in regards to dynamite statement in Task List section. Lh 4/19/07

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Fence Erectors 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. Workers who belong to a union generally receive higher wages than those who are not union members. Because construction work in many locations stops in the winter, workers may go without pay for a few months.

Benefits also vary by employer. Full-time fence builders may receive typical benefits. These include vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Those who are self-employed or work for a small company must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 25% of fence builders are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Fence building contractors
• Lumber companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is steady due to the growth of the construction industry. More people build and repair fences when the economy is good. Technological changes are helping fence builders become more productive. For example, posthole diggers are more powerful so holes can be dug more quickly. In addition, some people are having vinyl fences installed because they last longer than wood.

Many openings occur as people look for less physically demanding work.

Other resources

American Fence Association 
4100 International Parkway, Suite 2400
Carrollton, TX 75007
800.822.4342
630.942.6598

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Fence Erectors (47-4031.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupation

• Fence Erector (869.684-022) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled