In the Air Force:
Heavy Repair Superintendent; Pavements and Construction Equipment; Pavements and Construction Equipment Apprentice; Pavements and Construction Equipment Craftsman; Pavements and Construction Equipment Helper; Pavements and Construction Equipment Journeyman; Structural; Structural Apprentice; Structural Craftsman; Structural Helper; Structural Journeyman
In the Army:
Bridge Crewmember; Carpentry and Masonry Specialist; Combat Engineer; Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator; Construction Engineering Technician; Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic
In the Marine Corps:
Basic Engineer, Construction, and Equipment Marine; Combat Engineer; Combat Engineer Officer; Utilities Officer
In the Navy:
Advanced Builder; Assistant Public Works Officer; Builder; Constructionman; Conversion NEC BU Builder Basic; Facilities Construction/Facilities Services Officer; Facilities Engineering Officer; Officer in Charge, Naval Construction Battalion Unit; Public Works Officer
Building with materials that are both beautiful and sturdy, masonry workers create structures that last. Masonry workers, also known as masons, use weatherproof bricks, stones, and concrete to build new homes and buildings, and to maintain the historic structures we want to preserve. Masons specialize in different materials and structures: Brickmasons and blockmasons build and repair walls, chimneys, and other structures. Some specialize in brickwork for industrial facilities that can tolerate intensely high temperatures. Cement masons and concrete finishers lay walls and sidewalks, and form the pieces that make up heavily-used roads and buildings. Segmental pavers install interlocking brick walkways, patios, and walls. Stonemasons carefully cut and select stone to create patterns as they build walls, unique fireplaces, and building exteriors. Terrazzo workers add fine marble chips into the finish of cement or resin to create decorative walkways and floors. Masonry work is fast paced and strenuous. It includes heavy lifting, using sharp tools, and working from scaffolds. In addition to strength and stamina, masons need the ability to see subtle color variations and envision how stones will fit together to build attractive and stable structures. Work hours are generally full time, with some overtime to meet deadlines. Cold or rainy weather can stop work. After completing a high school education, most masons learn on the job or through a 3- to 4-year apprenticeship.
What they do:
Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints.
On the job, you would:
Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.
Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
Arts and Humanities
English language
Engineering and Technology
building and construction
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Basic Skills
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
hold or move items with your hands
keep your arm or hand steady
Endurance
exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Controlled Movement
use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
Physical Strength
use your lower back and stomach
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Persistence
Self Control
Stress Tolerance
Cooperation
You might use software like this on the job:
Project management software
National Concrete & Masonry Estimator
Tradesman's Software Master Estimator
Analytical or scientific software
ADAPT-Modeler
Shilstone seeMIX
Accounting software
Sirus GT Construction Accounting
no high school diploma/GED or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
In the military:
see titles from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy.
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