Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers
What is a Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers?
Cement masons and concrete finishers are skilled tradespeople who work primarily with concrete to create smooth and durable surfaces. Their duties include pouring, leveling, and finishing concrete for a variety of construction projects such as sidewalks, driveways, floors, foundations, and other structures. Cement masons often work with both residential and commercial projects, ensuring that the concrete is mixed, poured, and set properly to withstand the elements and the stresses of daily use.
The work begins with reading blueprints and plans to understand the requirements of the project, including measurements and depths. They are responsible for setting up forms to hold the concrete in place while it cures. Once the concrete is poured, these professionals utilize various tools to spread, level, and smooth the surface. They may use trowels, floats, and screeds, and may also apply stains, patterns, or textures to the finished concrete surface.
Cement masons and concrete finishers need to have a solid understanding of concrete mixtures and how environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, can affect the curing process. Physical stamina and manual dexterity are essential, as the job often involves heavy lifting and working in varying weather conditions. Safety is a paramount concern, as they must be aware of and adhere to safety protocols to prevent injuries while operating heavy machinery or working at heights.
This profession requires knowledge of construction best practices, as well as a commitment to quality workmanship. With experience, cement masons can advance into supervisory roles or specialize in particular areas of concrete work, such as decorative concrete or precast concrete installation. Overall, a career as a cement mason and concrete finisher can be both rewarding and essential to the construction industry.
Tasks
- Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.
- Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.
- Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.
- Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.
- Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, and straightedge.
Technology Skills
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Project management software
- Hard Dollar HD Project Estimating
- Maxwell Systems Quest Estimator
- National Concrete & Masonry Estimator
- Tradesman's Software Master Estimator
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Analytical or scientific software
- ADAPT-Modeler
- HIPERPAV
- LogicSphere Firstmix
- Shilstone seeMIX
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Accounting software
- Sirus GT Construction Accounting
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Information retrieval or search software
- ACT Contractors Forms
Tools Used
- Trowels
- Floats
- Concrete spreaders
- Batching plants or feeders
- Power saws
Knowledge
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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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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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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.
Skills
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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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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Abilities
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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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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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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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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.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Detailed Work Activities
- Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
- Position construction forms or molds.
- Finish concrete surfaces.
- Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures.
- Monitor construction operations.
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
$37440.0 - $83580.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.