Brickmasons and Blockmasons
What is a Brickmasons and Blockmasons?
Brickmasons and blockmasons are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the construction and repair of structures made from bricks, blocks, and other types of masonry materials. They work on a variety of projects, including residential homes, commercial buildings, and public infrastructure. These professionals use their expertise to lay bricks and blocks in specific patterns, ensuring that walls, pavements, and other surfaces are sturdy and aesthetically pleasing. Their work involves interpreting blueprints and building plans, mixing mortar, and applying it to create strong bonds between bricks and blocks. In addition to construction, brickmasons and blockmasons may also be involved in restoration projects, repairing and preserving existing masonry structures. This career requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of engineering principles related to stability and load-bearing. The work can be done indoors or outdoors, often requiring adjustments to weather conditions and construction schedules.
Tasks
- Measure distance from reference points and mark guidelines to lay out work, using plumb bobs and levels.
- Construct corners by fastening in plumb position a corner pole or building a corner pyramid of bricks, and filling in between the corners using a line from corner to corner to guide each course, or layer, of brick.
- Apply and smooth mortar or other mixture over work surface.
- Calculate angles and courses and determine vertical and horizontal alignment of courses.
- Break or cut bricks, tiles, or blocks to size, using trowel edge, hammer, or power saw.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Project management software
- CPR Visual Estimator
- Daystar iStructural.com
- Estimating software
- Tradesman's Software Master Estimator
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Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
Tools Used
- Trowels
- Hammers
- Cold chisels
- Manlift or personnel lift
- Levels
Knowledge
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Skills
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Abilities
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Trunk Strength
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
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Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Mark reference points on construction materials.
- Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
- Install masonry materials.
- Apply mortar.
- Plan layout of construction, installation, or repairs.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$38360.0 - $94220.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.