What You'll Do

  • 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, by lines or 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.

Essential Skills

Active Listening 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Critical Thinking 3.0/5
Monitoring 3.0/5
Coordination 3.0/5
Time Management 3.0/5
Operations Monitoring 2.88/5
Operation and Control 2.88/5
Judgment and Decision Making 2.88/5
Social Perceptiveness 2.62/5
Complex Problem Solving 2.62/5
Equipment Selection 2.62/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Attention to Detail, Dependability, Initiative, Persistence, Leadership

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Manual Dexterity 3.75/5
Trunk Strength 3.75/5
Multilimb Coordination 3.62/5
Static Strength 3.38/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.25/5
Finger Dexterity 3.25/5
Information Ordering 3.12/5
Control Precision 3.12/5

Technologies & Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD Cutlist Plus fx Facebook Maxwell Systems American Contractor Microsoft Excel Software Design Associates Computer Fencing System CFS

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.31/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.19/5)
  • Initiative (High importance: 4.19/5)
  • Persistence (High importance: 4.04/5)
  • Leadership (High importance: 4.03/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Chain Link Fence Installer Fence Builder Fence Contractor Fence Erector Fence Installer Fence Laborer Fence Mechanic Fence Repairman Fence Technician (Fence Tech) Gate Technician (Gate Tech) Wire Fence Builder Wire Fence Erector Wood Fence Erector Wood Fence Installer