Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Rebar Shop Labourer

🎯 Role Definition

Are you ready to be the backbone of the construction industry? This role requires a dedicated and physically capable Rebar Shop Labourer to join our dynamic fabrication team. In this critical role, you will be responsible for transforming raw steel into the essential reinforcement skeletons that give strength and integrity to concrete structures, from high-rise buildings to massive infrastructure projects. You will operate specialized machinery, handle materials, and ensure every piece of rebar meets precise specifications. This is a hands-on position for a proactive individual who thrives in a fast-paced, team-oriented manufacturing environment and takes pride in building the foundations of our communities.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Construction Labourer
Warehouse Worker or Material Handler
Manufacturing Production Worker

Advancement To:

Lead Hand / Team Lead
Rebar Shop Foreman / Supervisor
Rebar Detailer or Estimator

Lateral Moves:

Field Ironworker / Rodbuster
Welder
Quality Control Inspector

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate automated shearline machinery to accurately cut various grades and sizes of steel reinforcing bars (rebar) according to detailed fabrication lists and shop drawings.
Skillfully run manual and computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) bender machines to bend and shape rebar into specified configurations as per project blueprints.
Read and interpret production tags, work orders, and fabrication drawings to determine cutting, bending, and bundling requirements for each job.
Handle raw steel materials, including selecting the correct rebar stock, and moving it from storage areas to fabrication machines using safe lifting techniques.
Operate overhead cranes and/or forklifts with a high degree of safety and precision to lift, move, and position heavy bundles of raw and fabricated rebar.
Assemble and bundle finished rebar, ensuring correct counts, shapes, and sizes are grouped together for specific pours or project sections.
Securely attach identification tags to finished bundles, verifying that tag information accurately reflects the contents for easy identification on the job site.
Conduct thorough quality control checks on all fabricated products, measuring bends, lengths, and angles to ensure they meet strict tolerance and specification requirements.
Safely load fabricated rebar onto flatbed trucks and trailers for shipment, ensuring loads are properly secured, balanced, and compliant with transportation regulations.
Unload incoming shipments of raw steel stock, verifying quantities against shipping manifests and safely storing materials in designated inventory areas.
Adhere rigorously to all company and regulatory health and safety (OH&S) policies, including the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area by clearing debris, organizing tools, and participating in regular shop-wide housekeeping initiatives.
Perform daily operator-level maintenance checks on fabrication machinery, such as lubrication, cleaning, and inspection of critical components.
Communicate effectively with shop supervisors, machine operators, and team members to ensure a smooth workflow and timely completion of production schedules.
Accurately document production data, including completed orders, material usage, and any non-conformance issues, using logbooks or digital systems.
Assist other machine operators and fabricators with equipment setup, changeovers, and troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
Utilize various hand and power tools, such as grinders and tying tools, to make minor adjustments or finish fabricated pieces.
Proactively identify potential hazards or unsafe conditions within the shop and report them immediately to the shift supervisor or safety manager.
Participate actively in daily toolbox talks and monthly safety meetings to contribute to a culture of continuous safety improvement.
Manage and sort scrap steel generated during the fabrication process, placing it in designated bins for recycling to minimize waste.
Cross-train on various machines and in different areas of the shop to enhance flexibility and provide support where needed to meet production goals.

Secondary Functions

Perform routine preventative maintenance on shop equipment, including cleaning, lubricating, and minor adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
Contribute to a clean and organized work environment by participating in daily shop housekeeping, sweeping floors, and managing waste disposal.
Assist with periodic inventory counts and stock-taking of raw materials and finished goods to ensure accurate records.
Support shipping and receiving teams by verifying materials against packing slips and assisting with associated documentation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Overhead Crane Operation: Proven ability to safely operate pendant or remote-controlled overhead cranes for moving heavy materials.
Machine Operation: Experience with industrial machinery, particularly shear lines, benders, or similar fabrication equipment.
-Forklift Operation: Certification and experience in operating a counterbalance forklift for material handling.
Measurement & Math Skills: Proficiency in using a tape measure and performing basic mathematical calculations (fractions, angles).
Blueprint Reading: Ability to read and interpret basic shop drawings, fabrication tags, and work orders.
Hand/Power Tool Proficiency: Competent use of common tools like grinders, drills, and rebar tying tools.

Soft Skills

Safety Consciousness: A vigilant and unwavering commitment to following safety protocols for yourself and your team.
Strong Work Ethic: Dependable, punctual, and motivated to complete tasks efficiently and to a high standard.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in checking measurements, counts, and quality to prevent errors.
Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
Teamwork & Collaboration: A cooperative attitude and the ability to work effectively with others to achieve shared goals.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly understand instructions and communicate effectively with supervisors and peers.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a trade or vocational school in a related field.
Relevant safety certifications (e.g., Crane Operation, Forklift, First Aid).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Metal Fabrication
Welding Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-3 years in a related industrial or construction environment.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct experience in a rebar fabrication shop, steel service center, or heavy manufacturing setting is highly advantageous.