Welder Job Description Example

This post provides detailed information on the welder job description, including key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.

It also highlights the major requirements that employers/recruiters usually expect candidates to meet to be hired for the welder role.

What Does a Welder Do?

Welders are responsible for designing, cutting, and permanently joining metal parts together through the application of appropriate welding techniques.

The welder job description entails fusing metal materials together using high heat equipment and welding processes such as MIG, TIG, and electric arc welding.

Welders work with a range of materials and equipment in fitting and assembling metal components to form structures.

They operate hand-welding and flame-cutting equipment such as oxyacetylene torch, electric arc machine, and robotic welding cells.

They also handle metal materials such as steel, iron and titanium, as well as composite materials such as plastics.

In performing their duties, welders read blueprints and drawings to identify welding measurements and position.

Their role also involves conducting assessments to determine appropriate welding methods and equipment.

They also set up and install welding components/equipment according to set specifications.

Welders ensure compliance with safety protocols by wearing protective gloves, masks, and boots.

They monitor equipment operation to ensure temperature conditions are optimal.

They also adhere to health/safety guidelines and procedures to ensure a risk-free work environment.

Usually, welders operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to join metal parts.

They employ high heat processes such as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding, plasma arc welding, and various other specialized processes in fabricating or repairing metal structures.

They also utilize chipping knives and power saws in cutting metal workpieces.

As part of their work description, welders test and inspect welded surfaces to identify and fix possible flaws.

They utilize braces and clamps in aligning metal components for welding.

They also operate grinders and scrapers to prepare metal surfaces for welding operations.

Welders usually weld components in flat, overhead or vertical positions. They clean metal materials prior to welding to remove rust, grease, scale or other contaminants.

Preheating workpieces using torches to prepare them for bending or welding is also part of welder description.

The welder job position requires a high school diploma and training as a welding apprentice.

The major qualities you need to be effective on this job include math skills, physical stamina, and manual dexterity.

Welder Job Description Example/Template

Welders perform various functions, below is an example of the job description, consisting of typical duties, tasks, and responsibilities they are commonly assigned:

• Utilize plasma, gas or electric arc in welding metallic and composite materials together
• Heat and dissolve metal parts to obtain molten substance used in welding or extrusion
• Oversee the installation of tank linings, valves, lead pipes, and floor
• Conduct x-ray, hydrostatic, and tolerance tests on welded parts to verify weld quality and conformance to specification
• Operate manual and semi-automatic welding equipment in vertical, horizontal, or overhead positions
• Use powersaws, chipping knife and hand shears in cutting, beveling, and contouring metal workpieces
• Repair structures by dismantling, reshaping, and reassembling metal components using cutting torches and handtools
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of local and international building codes/legal requirements
• Monitor work equipment to ensure usage is within optimum temperature to avoid overheating or expansion
• Prepare metal surfaces by cleaning with chemical solutions and wire brushes to remove impurities such as scale, rust, grease, and moisture
• Design patterns and models for a welding project using specifications contained in a blueprint
• Direct electrodes on or across metal workpieces to melt, bend or straighten them
• Mount and secure workpieces on production equipment using cranes, hoists or banding machines
• Conduct estimates to determine the amount and cost of materials required for construction
• Mix and apply protective or decorative coat on finished products.

Requirements – Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge – for Welder Job

If you are seeking to work as a welder, the following are the necessary requirements you may be asked to meet by most employers to qualify in accessing the role:

• Education and Training: To become a welder, you require a high school diploma and several years of training as a welding apprentice. You are required to pass welding competency tests in order to obtain relevant welding fabricator certification. About 2-6 years of welding experience is also necessary for the welder job
• Math Skill: Welders are able to carry out complex calculations to determine the dimension and configuration of a welding project
• Physical Stamina: They are able to perform welding operations under extreme conditions such as inclement weather and limited workspace
• Manual Dexterity: They are able to operate and utilize a range of power and hand tools in carrying out welding activities
• Pre-employment tests: To be hired for a welding job, or for an apprenticeship position, you may be required to take an assessment test. Learn about job assessment tests for this role and how you can make  high scores in them.

Conclusion

Are you hiring for the welder position and need to make a job description for it? If you are, then you can apply the sample work description provided in this post to quickly create a detailed one that can help you get the best candidates for the job.
This post also provides information for individuals interested in working as a welder, to learn more about what the role involves, and so be able to prepare themselves for the career.