Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Bricklayer

🎯 Role Definition

We are seeking a skilled Bricklayer (Mason) to execute high-quality brick, block and stonework for commercial and residential projects. The ideal candidate will be experienced in laying units, mixing and applying mortar, reading construction drawings, and performing finishing, repair and restoration work to meet schedule, budget and safety standards. This role requires strong technical masonry skills, physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with site teams to deliver structurally sound and aesthetically excellent masonry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Masonry Apprentice or Pre-apprenticeship graduate with on-site training
Construction Laborer with masonry exposure
Trowel-hand, Bricklaying Assistant, or Vocational/Trade School graduate

Advancement To:

Journeyman Bricklayer / Senior Mason
Masonry Foreman or Site Supervisor
Project Superintendent or Construction Project Manager
Historic Masonry Restoration Specialist or Estimator

Lateral Moves:

Stonemason / Stone Setter
Concrete Finisher
Tile Setter or Plasterer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Read, interpret and follow architectural drawings, blueprints and shop drawings to accurately lay out brick, block and stone courses, ensuring alignment, level, plumb and correct bonding patterns for structural and aesthetic requirements.
Prepare and set up work areas including scaffolding, ladders, hoists and temporary supports in compliance with site safety plans and OSHA/local regulations prior to beginning brickwork operations.
Mix mortar to specified proportions and consistency using hand or mechanical mixers, select appropriate mortar classes for substrate and exposure, and maintain material quality throughout the project.
Lay brick, concrete block, CMU and masonry units in horizontal courses using trowels, jointers and levels, ensuring consistent mortar joints, correct spacing, and specified bond patterns (running bond, Flemish, English, stretcher bond, header courses).
Cut and shape bricks, blocks and stone using chisels, saws, grinders and drills to fit openings, corners, arches and detailed architectural elements while maintaining clean joint lines and edge conditions.
Install anchors, ties, reinforcement (rebar, ladder-type mesh), and flashing at specified locations to integrate masonry with structural systems and weatherproofing assemblies.
Perform detailed tuckpointing, repointing and joint restoration work on existing masonry, removing deteriorated mortar using low-impact methods and installing new mortar to match original joints and finish.
Conduct brick and block laying for foundations, load-bearing walls, partition walls, veneers and chimneys, ensuring compaction, bonding and correct curing to meet engineer and architect specifications.
Verify and maintain masonry layout dimensions, transfer levels, and benchmarks; make real-time adjustments to maintain alignment and coordinate interfaces with trades (framers, window installers, waterproofing contractors).
Apply and finish mortar joints to specified profiles (concave, V-joint, struck, flush), and clean and protect completed work using appropriate cleaning agents and methods that do not damage masonry surfaces.
Perform brick and stone restoration tasks including careful removal and replacement of damaged units, matching mortar color and texture, consolidation of substrate, and preservation of historic fabric per conservation guidelines.
Execute block and unit installation for parapets, retaining walls and other structural masonry components, verifying reinforcement placement, grout fill and core fill per structural drawings and load requirements.
Coordinate material deliveries, inspect materials on arrival for compliance with specifications (size, grade, efflorescence, cracking) and manage inventory to avoid delays and waste on site.
Use laser levels, plumb bobs, mason’s lines, and string lines to maintain straight walls and courses across long runs; perform periodic quality checks and document deviations for correction.
Install and maintain temporary protection (tarps, moisture barriers) to protect unfinished masonry and mortar from adverse weather and temperature conditions; implement curing procedures where specified.
Collaborate with supervisors and project managers to develop day-to-day bricklaying plans, timelines and resource allocations; report progress, hazards and material needs in daily logs.
Troubleshoot on-site masonry issues such as differential settlement, efflorescence, freeze-thaw spalling and water infiltration; propose and implement corrective solutions with craftsmen and supervisors.
Maintain tools and equipment in safe, serviceable condition (trowels, jointers, levels, grinders, mixers, saws), performing routine cleaning, sharpening and minor repairs to maximize productivity and quality.
Ensure compliance with all jobsite safety policies including PPE use, fall protection, scaffold safety, hazard communication and lockout/tagout when performing work near mechanical or electrical systems.
Provide on-the-job mentorship and informal training to apprentices and junior masons, demonstrating best practices in layout, mixing, joint tooling and efficient work methods to raise team capability.
Prepare and deliver accurate time, material and labor inputs for daily reports and support estimating and change order documentation when scope variations or discovered conditions require adjustments.

Secondary Functions

Assist in masonry take-offs and basic quantity estimates to support foremen and estimators, checking unit counts and material usage against plans.
Participate in pre-construction surveys and site mock-ups to confirm buildability, color matches, joint profiles and interface details with architects and owners.
Support quality control inspections by documenting defects, test results (mortar compressive strength, grout consolidation), and corrective actions taken to resolve nonconformances.
Communicate daily with subcontractors, suppliers and site supervisors to coordinate sequence of operations for masonry, scaffolding, waterproofing and finishing trades.
Maintain a clean, organized work area and help implement company waste-reduction and materials-storage best practices to reduce rework and protect finished surfaces.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient bricklaying and block-laying techniques for commercial and residential construction, including bond patterns, corner details, and openings.
Strong ability to read and interpret blueprints, shop drawings, elevation details and masonry schedules.
Mortar mixing and testing: knowledge of mortar types (N, S, M), mixing ratios, and proper consistency for different applications.
Tuckpointing, repointing, and historic masonry restoration techniques, including mortar color matching and gentle mortar removal.
Cutting and shaping masonry units using hand tools and power tools (masonry saws, grinders, drills, chisels) with precision.
Installation of brick ties, reinforcement, flashing, weeps and sealants for cavity walls and veneer systems.
Experience with formwork for masonry arches, lintels and curved elements; temporary shoring and bracing for masonry projects.
Proficiency with layout tools: laser levels, transit, plumb bobs, mason’s line, and digital measuring devices.
Knowledge of grouting, core filling and grout consolidation practices for structural CMU work.
Competence in scaffolding setup and fall protection requirements as they pertain to masonry activities.
Ability to perform basic material take-offs and assist with labor and material estimating for masonry scopes.
Familiarity with building codes, ASTM standards for masonry, and local inspection processes.

Soft Skills

Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering clean, visually accurate masonry finishes.
Physical stamina and dexterity for lifting, bending, kneeling and working at heights for extended periods.
Effective verbal communication for coordinating with crew members, supervisors and other trades on site.
Problem-solving orientation to identify root causes of masonry defects and propose practical corrective actions.
Time management and ability to organize daily tasks to meet production schedules and milestones.
Team leadership and mentoring capability to train apprentices and junior masons while maintaining productivity.
Adaptability and responsiveness to changing site conditions, weather, and sequencing of other trades.
Professionalism and customer-conscious attitude when interacting with clients, architects and building owners.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or equivalent (GED); strong preference for demonstrated masonry experience.

Preferred Education:

Completion of a masonry apprenticeship program, trade school certificate, or vocational training in masonry/construction.
OSHA 10/30, scaffold safety, or other relevant safety certifications.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Masonry/Bricklaying Apprenticeship Programs
Construction Trades / Building Technology
Architectural Technology or Civil Engineering Technician (preferred for complex projects)

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–7 years of progressive masonry experience (apprentice to journeyman level), depending on project complexity.

Preferred:

3–5+ years of hands-on commercial brick/blockwork and at least some exposure to restoration or historic masonry projects. Demonstrated portfolio or references showing quality brickwork and ability to follow technical drawings is a strong plus.