Stonemasons
What is a Stonemason?
Stonemasons are skilled craftsmen who work with stone to construct, repair, and maintain various structures. This ancient trade involves shaping and assembling stone materials, including granite, marble, limestone, and brick, into both functional and decorative elements. Stonemasons are often responsible for creating foundations, walls, arches, and monuments, as well as intricate carvings and sculptures. Their work can be found in historical buildings, modern architecture, and landscapes, showcasing the aesthetic and durable qualities of stone as a building material. The job requires a deep understanding of stone properties, the various techniques for cutting and finishing, as well as an eye for detail and design. Stonemasons often collaborate with architects and builders to bring blueprints to life, ensuring structural integrity and meeting specific design requirements. This craft has been essential to construction practices for centuries and continues to be valued for its artistry and durability, often highlighted in the restoration of historical sites and buildings.
Tasks
- Lay out wall patterns or foundations, using straight edge, rule, or staked lines.
- Shape, trim, face and cut marble or stone preparatory to setting, using power saws, cutting equipment, and hand tools.
- Set vertical and horizontal alignment of structures, using plumb bob, gauge line, and level.
- Mix mortar or grout and pour or spread mortar or grout on marble slabs, stone, or foundation.
- Remove wedges, fill joints between stones, finish joints between stones, using a trowel, and smooth the mortar to an attractive finish, using a tuck pointer.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Analytical or scientific software
- Gregg Software Gregg Rock-It
- ProEst Software ProEst Estimating
- Tradesman's Software Master Estimator
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Accounting software
- Intuit QuickBooks
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Access software
- Citrix cloud computing software
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Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP software
Tools Used
- Cold chisels
- Trowels
- Hammers
- Plaster or mortar mixers
- Power saws
Knowledge
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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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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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.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
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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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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
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Static Strength
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry 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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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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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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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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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
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Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Detailed Work Activities
- Mark reference points on construction materials.
- Cut tile, stone, or other masonry materials.
- Align masonry materials.
- Apply mortar.
- Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
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.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36530.0 - $80850.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.