Welder / Equipment Operator
About Thomas Fence
Thomas Fence is a trusted provider of high-quality fencing solutions, recognized for exceptional craftsmanship, dependable service, and customer care. The Welder/Equipment Operator plays an important role in both the fabrication of custom fencing components and the day-to-day operation of our shop and yard. This position helps ensure that materials, equipment, and personnel are organized and prepared to support our residential and commercial fencing projects.
Job Summary
Thomas Fence is seeking a skilled Welder/Equipment Operator to fabricate and repair custom metal components while supporting the organization, equipment, inventory, and daily operations of the shop and yard.
The successful candidate will be proficient in TIG and MIG welding and capable of working with galvanized steel, steel, aluminum, and other metals. In addition to welding and fabrication, this position will coordinate daily shop and yard activities, maintain equipment and inventory, prepare materials for upcoming projects, and help ensure a safe, clean, and productive work environment.
This position requires strong attention to detail, good organizational and communication skills, mechanical aptitude, the ability to read fundamental prints, and the ability to work independently while supporting and directing other team members as needed.
Key Responsibilities
1. Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Fabricate and assemble custom metal components for fencing projects based on blueprints, fundamental prints, measurements, project specifications, or verbal concepts.
- Read and interpret fundamental prints and project drawings to determine dimensions, materials, measurements, and fabrication requirements.
- Fabricate components from an idea or design when detailed plans are not available.
- Perform TIG and MIG welding with precision and consistency.
- Work with galvanized chain link, steel, aluminum, and other metals.
- Measure, cut, drill, bend, grind, polish, and shape materials using hand tools, power tools, and fabrication equipment.
- Properly prepare metal surfaces for painting or other finishes.
- Identify and repair welding defects or imperfections.
- Inspect completed work to ensure accuracy, durability, appearance, and compliance with project specifications.
- Ensure fabricated components meet documented specifications before they leave the shop.
2. Shop & Yard Operations
- Oversee the day-to-day organization and operation of the shop and yard.
- Assign daily tasks and coordinate shop and yard activities to ensure work is completed efficiently and safely.
- Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to shop and yard personnel as needed.
- Coordinate with project managers and installation teams to ensure materials, tools, and equipment are prepared and available when needed.
- Prepare materials, tools, and equipment for upcoming projects and job-site deliveries.
- Assist with troubleshooting and problem-solving in the shop or field when needed.
- Foster a productive, respectful, and team-oriented work environment.
3. Equipment Operation, Maintenance & Repair
- Safely operate welding equipment, forklifts, and other shop and yard equipment.
- Inspect tools, vehicles, machinery, and equipment regularly for proper operation and safety.
- Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs when qualified to do so.
- Report equipment problems or malfunctions promptly and coordinate with mechanics or outside vendors for major repairs.
- Maintain accurate records of equipment use, maintenance, and repairs.
- Ensure equipment is properly stored, maintained, and ready for use.
4. Inventory & Materials Management
- Maintain accurate inventory of fencing materials, welding supplies, tools, PPE, and other shop and yard supplies.
- Receive and organize material deliveries and verify quantities and condition.
- Ensure materials and tools are properly labeled, stored, and accounted for.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate when materials or supplies need to be reordered.
- Help minimize material waste, loss, and unnecessary equipment or supply expenses.
5. Safety, Organization & Quality
- Follow all Thomas Fence safety policies, procedures, and OSHA requirements.
- Wear and properly use all required PPE.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free shop and yard.
- Conduct regular safety inspections and address or report potential hazards promptly.
- Ensure welding, fabrication, equipment operation, and material-handling practices are performed safely.
- Maintain high standards of workmanship and take ownership of the quality of completed work.
- Support a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
6. Communication, Documentation & Specifications
- Communicate effectively with project managers, operations personnel, installers, and shop and yard employees.
- Read and interpret fundamental prints, drawings, measurements, and project specifications.
- Ensure all applicable specifications, dimensions, materials, and fabrication requirements are properly documented and adhered to.
- Accurately document work performed, material usage, equipment maintenance, and other information as required.
- Verify that completed fabrication work matches documented project requirements before release for installation or delivery.
- Provide input regarding fabrication methods, material use, equipment needs, and process improvements.
- Communicate project, material, or specification concerns promptly to prevent errors and delays.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Welding certification or equivalent professional welding experience.
- Minimum of 5 years of MIG welding experience.
- Minimum of 1 year of TIG welding experience.
- Demonstrated proficiency in TIG and MIG welding; a welding demonstration may be required during the interview process.
- Experience working with galvanized steel, steel, aluminum, and other metals.
- Ability to read and understand fundamental prints, drawings, measurements, and project specifications.
- Experience in a shop, fabrication, construction, fencing, or similar environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship.
- Ability to safely operate and maintain shop equipment and tools.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while also directing and supporting other team members.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the fencing or construction industry.
- Experience supervising or leading shop or yard personnel.
- Experience with plasma cutters and other fabrication equipment.
- Forklift and/or heavy equipment operating experience or certification.
- Experience safely preparing and applying paint or other metal finishes.
- Basic computer skills for inventory, maintenance, and other record-keeping.
- Mechanical aptitude and experience performing equipment maintenance or minor repairs.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to regularly lift and move materials weighing up to 80 pounds.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, climb, and work with your hands for extended periods.
- Ability to work in a fabrication shop and outdoor yard environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, fumes, and welding operations.
- Ability to safely operate equipment and handle metal materials.
- Ability to wear required PPE for extended periods.
Benefits
- Competitive hourly pay based on experience and qualifications.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and certification support.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is a skilled fabricator who takes pride in producing quality work and is also capable of keeping a busy shop and yard organized and running efficiently. This person should be dependable, safety-conscious, mechanically inclined, comfortable reading fundamental prints and following documented specifications, and willing to take ownership of both their individual work and the overall success of the shop and yard.
Pay: $18.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
