Cement Mason and Concrete Finisher
Other Titles
Cement Finisher, Cement Mason, Concrete Finisher, Concrete Mason, Mason
Descriptions
- Smooth and finish surfaces of poured concrete, such as floors, walks, sidewalks, roads, or curbs using a variety of hand and power tools. Align forms for sidewalks, curbs, or gutters; patch voids; and use saws to cut expansion joints. Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers create concrete mixtures in the construction of floors, roads, and other structures. They are responsible for smoothing and finishing the concrete used during the construction process. In this role, they determine the construction needs of a project and then create a concrete mixture using an appropriate pitch and depth. They then level and smooth the concrete mixture using various hand tools including trowels and shovels. Once a concrete mixture is set, they make sure that it is aligned properly. They may further use tools like chisels and grinders to add finishing touches to the concrete and make sure it has a smooth and even look.
TASKS ranked from most to least important
- 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.
Signal truck driver to position truck to facilitate pouring concrete, and move chute to direct concrete on forms.
Direct the casting of the concrete and supervise laborers who use shovels or special tools to spread it.
Produce rough concrete surface, using broom.
Apply hardening and sealing compounds to cure surface of concrete, and waterproof or restore surface.
Operate power vibrator to compact concrete.
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.
Wet surface to prepare for bonding, fill holes and cracks with grout or slurry, and smooth, using trowel.
Waterproof or restore concrete surfaces, using appropriate compounds.
Mix cement, sand, and water to produce concrete, grout, or slurry, using hoe, trowel, tamper, scraper, or concrete-mixing machine.
Chip, scrape, and grind high spots, ridges, and rough projections to finish concrete, using pneumatic chisels, power grinders, or hand tools.
Cut out damaged areas, drill holes for reinforcing rods, and position reinforcing rods to repair concrete, using power saw and drill.
Wet concrete surface, and rub with stone to smooth surface and obtain specified finish.
Clean chipped area, using wire brush, and feel and observe surface to determine if it is rough or uneven.
Build wooden molds, and clamp molds around area to be repaired, using hand tools.
Sprinkle colored marble or stone chips, powdered steel, or coloring powder over surface to produce prescribed finish.
Fabricate concrete beams, columns, and panels.
Polish surface, using polishing or surfacing machine.
Cut metal division strips, and press them into terrazzo base so that top edges form desired design or pattern.
Push roller over surface to embed chips in surface.
INDUSTRY
- Construction
SKILLS ranked from most to least important
- Monitoring→ Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination→ Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Quality Control Analysis→ Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Speaking→ Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management→ Managing one’s own time and the time of others.
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.
Complex Problem Solving→ Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking→ Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making→ Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
ACTIVITIES ranked from most to least important
- Handling and Moving Objects→ Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material→ Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Getting Information→ Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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 of materials.
Scheduling Work and Activities→ Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Controlling Machines and Processes→ Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events→ Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems→ Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings→ Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others→ Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work→ Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates→ Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People→ Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment→ Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Developing and Building Teams→ Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge→ Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information→ Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Processing Information→ Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates→ Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment→ Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic principles.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards→ Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Coaching and Developing Others→ Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Documenting/Recording Information→ Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Thinking Creatively→ Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Developing Objectives and Strategies→ Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships→ Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
RESPONSIBILITIES ranked from most to least important
- 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.
Install building fixtures.
Install metal structural components.
Prepare surfaces for finishing.
Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
Apply decorative masonry finishes.
Smooth surfaces with abrasive materials or tools.
Break up rock, asphalt, or concrete.
Drill holes in construction materials.
Position structural components.
Fabricate parts or components.
Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities.
Build construction forms or molds.
Cut metal components for installation.
Install roofing materials.
ABILITIES ranked from most to least used
- 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.
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.
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.
Near Vision→ The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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.
Control Precision→ The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Extent Flexibility→ The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Deductive Reasoning→ The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Dynamic Strength→ The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time.
This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Information Ordering→ 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 Sensitivity→ The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Stamina→ The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Visualization→ The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Category Flexibility→ The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Far Vision→ The ability to see details at a distance.
Finger Dexterity→ The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Oral Comprehension→ The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression→ The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Selective Attention→ The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Recognition→ The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Static Strength→ The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Depth Perception→ The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Gross Body Coordination→ The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Inductive Reasoning→ The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Rate Control→ The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time→ The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Speech Clarity→ The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
KNOWLEDGE ranked from most to least required
- Language→ Knowledge of the structure and content of a language – English, French, Swahili et cetera – including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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.
Mathematics→ Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security→ Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
COMPUTER PROGRAMS ranked alphabetically
- Accounting software — e.g., Sirus GT Construction Accounting
Analytical or scientific software — e.g., ADAPT-Modeler; HIPERPAV; LogicSphere Firstmix; Shilstone seeMIX
Information retrieval or search software — e.g., ACT Contractors Forms
Project management software — e.g., Hard Dollar HD Project Estimating; Maxwell Systems Quest Estimator; National Concrete & Masonry Estimator; Tradesman’s Software Master Estimator
TOOLS ranked alphabetically
- Abrasive stones→ Abrasive rubbing stones
Aggregate spreaders→ Hydraulic material spreaders
Bar or rod cutter→ Bar cutters; Rebar cutters
Batching plants or feeders→ Center discharge floor hoppers; Collection hoppers; Combo buckets; General purpose concrete buckets; Lightweight laydown buckets; Rock hoppers; Roofing buckets; Round-gate concrete buckets; Slump buckets
Braces→ Form braces
Brooms→ Concrete finishing brushes
Cement bulk material equipment→ Concrete chutes; Elephant trunks; Transit mix deflectors
Cement pumping units→ Concrete pumps
Cement retainers→ Form liners; Form tubes; Steel forms; Wooden forms (see all 6 examples)
Cold chisels→ Brick splitters
Concrete mixers or plants→ Concrete mixers
Concrete spreaders→ Double-beam screeders; Roller tube finishers; Walk-behind laser screeds; Wet screeds (see all 9 examples)
Concrete vibrators→ Internal concrete vibrators; Surface concrete vibrators
Curbing machines→ Slipform curbing pavers; Slipforming machines
Curing machines→ Cure sprayers
Demolition hammers→ Hydraulic concrete breakers
Desktop computers
Edgers→ Bump cutters; Edging trowels; Groovers
Floats→ Concrete floats; Rubber floats; Spreaders; Wood floats (see all 9 examples)
Gas generators→ Electric generators
Grinders
Grouting pump→ Grout pumps
Hammers
Hand clamps
Hand sprayers→ Barrel mounted sprayers; Compression sprayers; Glittermaster guns
Hickeys→ Rebar benders
Jacks→ Lifting systems
Ladders
Levels→ Masons levels; Spirit levels; Torpedo levels
Measuring wheels for distance→ Measuring wheels
Notebook computers
Paint brushes→ Stippling brushes
Paint rollers→ Concrete texture rollers
Paint sprayers→ Pavement stripers
Paving breakers→ Ride-on concrete breakers; Walk-behind concrete breakers
Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers→ Personal digital assistants PDA
Plaster or mortar mixers→ Grout mixers; Mortar and plaster mixers
Pneumatic nail drivers→ Pneumatic air nailers
Post hole digger→ Post hole diggers
Power buggies→ Ride-on concrete buggies; Walk-behind concrete buggies
Power drills→ Core drills; Portable gas drills
Power grinders→ Right angle grinders
Power routers→ Concrete routers
Power saws→ Chain saws; Concrete saws; Multipurpose saws; Ride-on saws (see all 9 examples)
Pry bars→ Crowbars
Respirators→ Dust respirators
Saw blades→ Abrasive blades; Diamond blades; Power troweler blades
Scarifiers
Screwdrivers
Shovels→ D handle shovels; Long handle shovels; Round point shovels; Square point shovels
Spades→ Bit spades
Squeegees or washers→ Driveway squeegees
Steel bar bending machine→ Bar benders
Stonemason hammer→ Brick hammers
Straight edges→ Straightedges
Tampers→ Concrete tampers; Jitterbug tampers
Tape measures→ Measuring tapes
Tilt trucks→ Dumper riders
Tongs→ Brick tongs
Trowels→ Brick jointers; Low rider power trowels; Tuck-pointing trowels; Walk-behind power trowels (see all 17 examples)
Utility knives
Water pumps
Wheelbarrows
INTERESTS ranked from most to least relevant
- Realistic→ Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Enterprising→ Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
WORK STYLE ranked from most to least relevant
- Dependability→ Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail→ Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Persistence→ Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self Control→ Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Stress Tolerance→ Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Cooperation→ Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Initiative→ Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Achievement/Effort→ Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility→ Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Leadership→ Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
Integrity→ Job requires being honest and ethical.
Concern for Others→ Job requires being sensitive to others’ needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Independence→ Job requires developing one’s own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Analytical Thinking→ Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Social Orientation→ Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
VALUES ranked from most to least relevant
- Relationships→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support→ Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence→ Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.