Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Check the forms that hold the concrete to see that they are properly constructed.80
• Set the forms that hold concrete to the desired pitch and depth, and align them.78
• Spread, level, and smooth concrete, using rake, shovel, hand or power trowel, hand or power screed, and float.77
• Monitor how the wind, heat, or cold affect the curing of the concrete throughout the entire process.75
• Mold expansion joints and edges, using edging tools, jointers, and straightedge.72
• Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete, and move chute to direct concrete on forms.72
• Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise laborers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.71
• Produce rough concrete surface, using broom.70
• Apply hardening and sealing compounds to cure surface of concrete, and waterproof or restore surface.69
• Operate power vibrator to compact concrete.67
• Install anchor bolts, steel plates, door sills and other fixtures in freshly poured concrete or pattern or stamp the surface to provide a decorative finish.66
• Wet surface to prepare for bonding, fill holes and cracks with grout or slurry, and smooth, using trowel.66

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Monitoring56

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Coordination53

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Quality Control Analysis53

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Speaking53

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Time Management53

  Managing one's own time and the time of others.

• Active Listening50

  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.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Critical Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Judgment and Decision Making50

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Operation and Control47

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring44

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Mathematics41

  Using mathematics to solve problems.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• English Language67

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Building and Construction63

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Mathematics52

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Public Safety and Security52

  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.

• Mechanical41

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Administration and Management40

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Transportation37

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Customer and Personal Service33

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Education and Training33

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Foreign Language31

  Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

• Design30

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Production and Processing29

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Manual Dexterity72

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Trunk Strength69

  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.

• Multilimb Coordination66

  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.

• Near Vision66

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Arm-Hand Steadiness63

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Control Precision63

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Extent Flexibility60

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

• Deductive Reasoning56

  The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Dynamic Strength56

  The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

• Information Ordering56

  The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

• Problem Sensitivity56

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Stamina56

  The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Handling and Moving Objects83

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials83

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Getting Information81

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Performing General Physical Activities80

  Performing general physical activities includes doing 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.

• Scheduling Work and Activities80

  Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

• Controlling Machines and Processes79

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events79

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems77

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings73

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others69

  Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work68

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates67

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability77

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Attention to Detail67

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cautiousness50

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Stress Tolerance45

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Perseverance43

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Achievement Orientation38

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Integrity32

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control28

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Cooperation24

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Self-Confidence23

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Adaptability17

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Leadership Orientation13

  A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  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.

• Conventional38

  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.

• Investigative22

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic11

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social0

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually96%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually82%
  • More than half the time18%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day84%
  • Once a week or more but not every day12%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day55%
  • Once a week or more but not every day43%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • Continually or almost continually63%
  • More than half the time25%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day48%
  • Once a week or more but not every day51%

• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

  • Extremely important70%
  • Important20%

• Physical Proximity

  • Very close (near touching)44%
  • Moderately close (at arm's length)53%

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day86%
  • Never14%

• Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

  • Extremely important59%
  • Very important24%
  • Important16%

• Spend Time Walking or Running

  • Continually or almost continually41%
  • More than half the time57%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day75%
  • Once a year or more but not every month15%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• Less than high school diploma
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Project management software

  Hard Dollar HD Project Estimating, Maxwell Systems Quest Estimator, National Concrete & Masonry Estimator, Tradesman's Software Master Estimator

• Analytical or scientific software

  ADAPT-Modeler, HIPERPAV, LogicSphere Firstmix, Shilstone seeMIX

• Accounting software

  Sirus GT Construction Accounting

• Information retrieval or search software

  ACT Contractors Forms

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association
• American Concrete Pavement Association
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Associated General Contractors of America
• Concrete Masonry and Hardscapes Association
• Home Builders Institute
• International Masonry Institute
• Mason Contractors Association of America
• National Association of Home Builders
• National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association
• Portland Cement Association
• American Concrete Institute
• International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
• National Center for Construction Education and Research
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Construction Laborers
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Miscellaneous construction workers, including solar photovoltaic installers, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Carpet, Floor, and Tile Installers and Finishers
• Plasterers and Stucco Masons
• Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Carpenters
• Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
• Insulation Workers
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Roofers
• Model makers, patternmakers, and molding machine setters, metal and plastic

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Inspect completed work to ensure proper installation.
• Position construction forms or molds.
• Finish concrete surfaces.
• Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures.
• Monitor construction operations.
• Pour materials into or on designated areas.
• Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning.
• Direct construction or extraction personnel.
• Apply sealants or other protective coatings.
• Compact materials to create level bases.
• Install masonry materials.
• Apply material to fill gaps in surfaces.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Cement Mason
• Cement Mason (Alternate Title: Cement Mason Concrete Finisher)
• Cement Mason Concrete Finisher (Existing Title: Cement Mason)