Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for All Around Mason

🎯 Role Definition

An All Around Mason is a skilled tradesperson responsible for the layout, construction, repair, and restoration of brick, block, stone, and other masonry structures. This role requires hands-on craftsmanship, blueprint literacy, strong safety practices, and the ability to coordinate with supervisors, contractors, and clients to deliver durable, code-compliant masonry work across new construction, remodeling, and historic restoration projects.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Masonry Laborer or Construction Laborer
Bricklayer Apprentice or Masonry Apprentice
Concrete Finisher or Stone Setter Helper

Advancement To:

Lead Mason / Foreman
Masonry Supervisor or Project Superintendent
Historic Preservation Mason / Restoration Specialist
Masonry Estimator or Construction Project Manager

Lateral Moves:

Tile Setter / Tiler
Stonemason / Stone Carver
Concrete Finisher / Formwork Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret, and follow architectural blueprints, shop drawings, and specifications to set out complex masonry walls, arches, veneers, and stonework with precision and adherence to project tolerances.
Prepare mortar mixes to exact proportions and consistency using hand mixing and mechanical mixers, adjusting sand, cement, lime, and admixtures to meet structural and aesthetic requirements.
Layout, measure, and mark sites using levels, plumb bobs, string lines, transits, and laser levels to ensure accurate placement of bricks, blocks, and stone and to maintain straight, level, and plumb masonry faces.
Lay brick, concrete block, glass block, and natural or manufactured stone to construct and repair walls, chimneys, fireplaces, patios, walkways, and structural retaining walls, ensuring proper bond patterns and coursing.
Perform tuckpointing and repointing by removing deteriorated mortar joints and replacing with compatible mortar that matches historic mortar composition, color, and tooling for long-term durability and aesthetic continuity.
Cut, shape, and dress stone, brick, and block using hammers, chisels, saws, grinders, and water-cooled tools to create tight-fitting joints, custom profiles, sills, lintels, and coping to meet design intent.
Install masonry veneers, air and moisture barriers, metal ties, anchors, and flashing to ensure proper drainage, thermal performance, and long-term weatherproofing of wall assemblies.
Apply sealants, waterproofing membranes, and surface treatments to masonry surfaces for protection against water infiltration, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, and staining, following manufacturer specifications.
Build and dismantle scaffolding, staging, ladders, and safety platforms to access elevated work areas while complying with OSHA scaffold safety and site-specific fall protection requirements.
Set temporary shoring, bracing, and formwork for structural masonry assemblies and coordinate with concrete crews to install bond beams, bond courses, and embedded anchors as required by engineered drawings.
Repair and replace damaged masonry elements including cracked bricks, spalled blocks, loose stone, and failing mortar, using methods such as Dutchman repairs, pinning, and epoxy anchoring for structural integrity.
Perform expansion joint installation, control joint cutting, and caulking to accommodate thermal movement and prevent cracking across large masonry runs.
Use layout and quality-control techniques, such as story poles and mock-ups, to ensure consistent coloration, joint profiles, and coursing across elevations and to meet architect/owner approvals.
Coordinate with general contractors, structural engineers, and other trades to sequence masonry work, schedule deliveries, and resolve site-specific conflicts while maintaining project timelines.
Estimate labor, material quantities, and daily production rates for masonry tasks, prepare material take-offs, and assist project managers in developing accurate bids and change order pricing.
Lead and mentor apprentice masons and helpers by providing on-the-job training in masonry techniques, safety practices, tool use, and quality standards while maintaining high productivity and craftsmanship.
Conduct daily site inspections for quality assurance and safety compliance, document discrepancies, and implement corrective actions to meet contract requirements and building codes.
Operate small to medium-sized power equipment such as brick saws, wet saws, grinders, mixers, forklifts, and hoists safely and perform routine maintenance to ensure reliable operation on the jobsite.
Perform masonry restoration and historic preservation tasks, including mortar analysis, color matching, consolidation of friable stone, and using compatible lime-based mortars for period-correct repairs.
Ensure compliance with local building codes, waterproofing standards, and structural specifications by coordinating inspections and updating work procedures as necessary to pass municipal and owner reviews.
Install architectural stone features, precast elements, veneer panels, and decorative masonry work by setting anchors, adjusting reveals, and verifying tolerances to deliver a finished product that meets design intent.
Perform demolition and selective removal of existing masonry, salvage materials where possible, and implement dust control, noise mitigation, and site protection strategies to minimize impact on surrounding structures.
Maintain accurate daily logs, material usage records, and safety reports, and communicate progress updates and potential schedule impacts to the project superintendent or site manager.
Implement quality control protocols including moisture testing, slump verification for mortar, and joint profile inspection to ensure long-term performance and reduce callbacks.
Troubleshoot complex masonry issues such as differential settlement, efflorescence, spalling, or drainage failures and propose engineered solutions or repairs in coordination with consulting engineers.

Secondary Functions

Assist with procurement and staging of masonry materials, including bulk delivery coordination, inventory checks, and proper on-site storage to prevent damage and ensure first-in, first-out usage.
Maintain, clean, and organize tools and equipment, perform basic preventative maintenance, and coordinate repairs with equipment vendors to maximize uptime and safety.
Prepare mock-ups and sample boards for client and architect approval prior to full-scale work to confirm color, joint tooling, and overall masonry aesthetic.
Participate in pre-construction site surveys, subsurface assessments, and risk evaluations to identify access restrictions, substrate conditions, and safety hazards.
Support safe site housekeeping by controlling debris, managing waste removal, and maintaining clear access paths to minimize trip and fall hazards and improve overall productivity.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Blueprint reading and ability to interpret masonry-specific details, elevations, sections, and schedules.
Proficient bricklaying and blocklaying with consistent bond patterns and accurate coursing.
Stone setting and stone shaping techniques including trimming, splitting, and dressing natural stone.
Mortar mix design and on-site adjustment (cement-lime-sand proportions, admixtures, and color matching).
Tuckpointing, repointing, and historic mortar replication using lime-based mixes.
Installation of masonry veneers, metal ties, flashing, and through-wall flashings for moisture control.
Use and maintenance of masonry power tools: wet saws, grinders, mixers, and motorized lifts.
Scaffold erection and fall protection systems compliant with OSHA standards.
Concrete anchoring, grouting, and installing bond beams or reinforced masonry where required.
Masonry restoration techniques, including consolidation, pinning, and compatible repair methods for heritage structures.
Layout and leveling with transit, laser level, plumb bob, and story pole techniques.
Joint tooling, caulking, sealant application, and expansion/control joint installation.
Basic rigging signals and coordination for crane-assisted unit placement (stone panels, precast elements).
Material estimating and take-off skills for bricks, blocks, mortar, ties, and anchors.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and an artisan's pride in producing high-quality, visually consistent work.
Effective verbal communication with supervisors, team members, subcontractors, and clients.
Problem-solving mindset with the ability to diagnose moisture, settlement, and bonding issues and recommend solutions.
Physical stamina and dexterity to work safely at heights, on scaffolds, and in various weather conditions.
Time management and organizational skills to meet production targets and project milestones.
Team leadership and mentoring ability to train apprentices and coordinate small crews.
Client-facing professionalism to discuss repairs, restoration methods, and finish expectations on-site.
Safety-first attitude with consistent use of PPE and enforcement of safe work practices.
Adaptability to changing jobsite conditions, design changes, and accelerated schedules.
Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic to maintain consistent production and quality.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED; basic math and measurement skills required.

Preferred Education:

Completion of a recognized masonry apprenticeship program, vocational school certificate, or journeyman masonry certification.
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification and additional safety training preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Masonry apprenticeship / Construction trades
Carpentry or Stone Carving vocational programs
Construction Technology / Civil Engineering Technician

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2 to 10+ years of hands-on masonry experience, depending on project complexity.

Preferred:

5+ years of diverse masonry experience including brick, block, natural stone, veneer installation, and historic restoration; prior experience supervising small crews and performing on-site material take-offs preferred.