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Fence Erectors

Fence Erectors is the O*NET name for people who erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools. The skills rated most useful are time management, speaking, and monitoring. One core duty is to establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area. On the six-type interest model it reads RCI, meaning hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world comes first, followed by orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. Getting in usually takes a few months to a year of learning on the job, a level O*NET calls some preparation. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need leading, persuading and making business decisions, it may feel thin.

What they do

Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.

Main tasks

  • Establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.
  • Set metal or wooden posts in upright positions in postholes.
  • Measure and lay out fence lines and mark posthole positions, following instructions, drawings, or specifications.
  • Align posts, by lines or sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.
  • Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
  • Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.

Skills

  • Time Management
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination
  • Active Listening

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on time management and speaking.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You want to lead people or run the business side. Enterprising rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Fence Builder
  • Fence Contractor
  • Fence Erector
  • Fence Installer
  • Fence Laborer

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.