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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Red Seal Welder

💰 $35 - $50+ per hour

TradesConstructionManufacturingWeldingFabricationSkilled Labour

🎯 Role Definition

We are actively seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Red Seal Welder to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be the artisan behind our structural integrity and product quality, responsible for fusing metal components to create, repair, and maintain our high-value projects. The ideal candidate is a master of their craft, possessing a deep understanding of various welding processes, a commitment to precision, and an unwavering dedication to safety. You will interpret complex blueprints, execute flawless welds across different materials and positions, and play a crucial part in ensuring every project meets and exceeds industry standards. This is an opportunity to apply your expertise in a challenging and rewarding environment where quality workmanship is celebrated.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Welder Apprentice
  • Fabricator's Helper / Assistant
  • Graduate of a Welding Technology Program

Advancement To:

  • Welding Supervisor / Foreman
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWB Level 1/2/3)
  • Quality Control / Quality Assurance Manager
  • Project Coordinator / Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Millwright
  • Pipefitter / Steamfitter
  • Metal Fabricator (Fitter)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute high-quality welds on various metal components and structures, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, using multiple welding processes as specified by project blueprints.
  • Read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, technical drawings, and welding procedure specifications (WPS) to determine project requirements and welding sequences.
  • Operate and maintain a range of manual and semi-automatic welding equipment, including SMAW (Stick), GMAW (MIG), FCAW (Flux-Cored), and GTAW (TIG) machines.
  • Perform precise cuts on metal plates and pipes using oxy-acetylene torches, plasma cutters, and other cutting equipment, ensuring clean edges and accurate dimensions.
  • Prepare metal surfaces for welding by cleaning, grinding, beveling, and positioning parts to ensure optimal fusion and penetration.
  • Set up welding equipment by selecting and adjusting voltage, amperage, gas flow, and wire feed speed according to the material thickness and welding process.
  • Fabricate and assemble metal structures and components by fitting, tacking, and welding parts according to layout and specifications.
  • Conduct visual inspections and quality checks on completed welds to identify and correct defects such as cracks, porosity, and undercut, ensuring compliance with CWB and other standards.
  • Repair worn or damaged parts on machinery, equipment, and structures by welding on extra layers of metal or fabricating replacement components.
  • Adhere to strict health and safety protocols at all times, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilation, and fire prevention measures.
  • Work effectively in various positions, including flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead, often in challenging environments such as confined spaces or at heights.
  • Perform pre-heating of base metals and post-weld heat treatments as required by specific welding procedures to prevent cracking and relieve stress.
  • Utilize material handling equipment, such as overhead cranes and forklifts, to safely move and position heavy weldments and raw materials.
  • Implement distortion control techniques, such as pre-setting, back-stepping, and using strongbacks, to maintain the dimensional accuracy of fabricated assemblies.
  • Operate metal shaping machinery, including press brakes, shears, and rollers, to bend, cut, and form metal components for fabrication projects.
  • Evaluate weld quality using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods like dye penetrant or magnetic particle inspection when required.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by properly storing tools, materials, and equipment.
  • Troubleshoot issues with welding equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance to ensure it remains in good working order.
  • Calculate material requirements and plan layout and assembly sequences to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.
  • Collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, and other tradespeople to resolve fabrication challenges and ensure project timelines are met.

Secondary Functions

  • Mentor and provide on-the-job training to welder apprentices and junior team members, sharing technical knowledge and safety best practices.
  • Accurately complete daily work orders, inspection reports, and other required project documentation.
  • Participate in daily safety meetings (toolbox talks) and contribute to the continuous improvement of the site's safety culture.
  • Assist in inventory management by tracking the consumption of welding consumables like electrodes, wires, and shielding gases.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Interprovincial Red Seal Journeyman Welder Certification.
  • CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) certifications in multiple processes and positions (e.g., SMAW, FCAW/GMAW).
  • Expert proficiency in reading and interpreting complex blueprints, schematics, and welding symbols.
  • Mastery of multiple welding processes, including SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW.
  • Skilled in using manual and automated cutting equipment, such as oxy-fuel torches and plasma arc cutters.
  • Strong knowledge of metallurgy and the properties of different metals (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum).
  • Competence in operating fabrication equipment like grinders, bevelers, press brakes, and shears.
  • Ability to accurately use and read measuring instruments, including tape measures, calipers, and protractors.
  • Experience with weld inspection techniques and identifying common weld defects.
  • Valid safety certifications, such as Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry, and Aerial Work Platform (AWP).

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, precise work.
  • Strong problem-solving skills to troubleshoot fabrication and welding issues.
  • A proactive, safety-first mindset and a comprehensive understanding of OH&S regulations.
  • Effective verbal communication skills for collaborating with team members and supervisors.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Excellent time management and organizational skills to meet project deadlines.
  • Physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy objects and work in demanding physical conditions.
  • Adaptability to work in various environments, including shops, construction sites, and remote locations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • Successful completion of a recognized Welder Apprenticeship Program.

Preferred Education:

  • Interprovincial Red Seal (RSE) Welder Certification is required.
  • Additional certifications from the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Welding Technology / Technician Program
  • Metal Fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-5+ years of post-certification experience as a Journeyman Welder in a relevant industrial, manufacturing, or construction setting.

Preferred:

  • Experience in heavy structural steel fabrication, pressure vessel/pipe welding, or heavy equipment repair.
  • Proven track record of working on projects with stringent quality assurance and control requirements.
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