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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Tank Builder

💰 $45,000 - $85,000+ (Based on Experience, Certifications, and Location)

Skilled TradesManufacturingConstructionWelding & Fabrication

🎯 Role Definition

A Tank Builder is a highly skilled trades professional responsible for the complete fabrication, assembly, and erection of large-scale storage tanks, vessels, and related structures. This role is the backbone of projects in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and power generation. You are the craftsperson who meticulously transforms raw steel plates and components into structurally sound, leak-proof containers, adhering to precise engineering blueprints and stringent industry codes like API and ASME. This physically demanding yet rewarding career requires a mastery of welding, fitting, rigging, and a deep commitment to quality and safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Welder's Helper or Apprentice
  • Structural Steel Fabricator
  • Graduate of a Vocational Welding Program

Advancement To:

  • Lead Tank Builder / Crew Leader
  • Site Foreman / Superintendent
  • Quality Control (QC) Inspector / CWI

Lateral Moves:

  • Pipefitter / Pipe Welder
  • Structural Welder
  • Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Interpret complex engineering blueprints, isometrics, and welding procedure specifications (WPS) to understand project requirements, material types, and assembly sequences.
  • Perform precise layout and marking of steel plates and structural members for cutting, drilling, and fitting, ensuring all dimensions meet design tolerances.
  • Operate and maintain cutting equipment, including oxy-fuel torches, plasma cutters, and track burners, to accurately cut tank shells, floors, roofs, and structural components to size.
  • Set up and operate heavy fabrication machinery such as plate rolls, press brakes, and shears to form and shape steel plates into cylindrical shells and other required geometries.
  • Expertly fit and align tank components, including shell courses, floor plates, roof structures, nozzles, and manways, using jacks, wedges, chain falls, and other alignment tools.
  • Perform critical tack welds to secure components in place for final welding, ensuring proper alignment, gap, and fit-up is maintained throughout the assembly process.
  • Execute high-quality production welds on carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy materials using various processes like Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Submerged Arc Welding (SAW).
  • Utilize air arc gouging and grinding techniques to back-gouge weld seams and prepare surfaces for NDE (Non-Destructive Examination) and subsequent weld passes.
  • Safely rig and direct the hoisting of heavy tank components, structural steel, and equipment into position using cranes and other lifting devices, demonstrating proficiency in hand signals and load calculations.
  • Conduct continuous in-process quality checks, including dimensional verifications and visual weld inspections, to ensure work conforms to project specifications and code requirements.
  • Assemble and install internal and external tank components, such as ladders, platforms, handrails, floating roofs, and piping supports, according to design drawings.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve fabrication and fit-up challenges in the field, collaborating with engineering and supervision to implement effective solutions.
  • Adhere strictly to all project-specific and industry-standard welding codes, particularly API 650/653 for storage tanks and ASME Section VIII for pressure vessels.
  • Operate personnel lifts, forklifts, and other heavy equipment safely and efficiently to access work areas and transport materials across the job site.
  • Prepare and finish weld joints by grinding, buffing, and cleaning to create a surface that meets aesthetic standards and is ready for coating.

Secondary Functions

  • Actively participate in daily job safety analyses (JSAs), pre-task planning, and "toolbox talk" safety meetings to promote a culture of safety awareness.
  • Perform routine operator-level maintenance and inspections on welding machines, tools, and personal protective equipment to ensure they are in safe and proper working condition.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment to enhance safety and efficiency for the entire crew.
  • Assist quality control personnel with testing procedures, including vacuum box testing, hydrostatic testing, and preparing weld seams for various NDT methods.
  • Provide guidance, mentorship, and on-the-job training to less experienced helpers and apprentices to foster skill development within the team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced Welding Proficiency: Demonstrable expertise in multiple welding processes, especially SMAW (E6010, E7018) and FCAW, on heavy plate in all positions.
  • Blueprint Interpretation: The ability to read, understand, and execute work based on complex fabrication drawings, P&IDs, and weld symbols.
  • Fitting & Layout: Skill in using squares, levels, transits, and measuring tapes for precise layout and assembly of large-scale components.
  • Rigging & Signaling: Competence in calculating load weights, selecting appropriate rigging, and using standardized hand signals to safely direct crane operations.
  • Oxy-Fuel & Plasma Cutting: Mastery of manual and automated thermal cutting processes for accurate and clean cuts on various material thicknesses.
  • Gouging & Grinding: Proficiency in using air carbon-arc gouging for back-gouging and power grinders for weld preparation and finishing.
    -Knowledge of Codes & Standards: Strong working knowledge of API 650 (Welded Tanks for Oil Storage) and general ASME principles.
  • Fabrication Equipment Operation: Experience operating plate rolls, press brakes, and other heavy fabrication equipment.

Soft Skills

  • Unwavering Commitment to Safety: A safety-first mindset where protocols are followed without exception.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous and precise in all aspects of work, from measurement and layout to the final weld bead.
  • Physical Stamina & Dexterity: Ability to perform physically demanding work, often in challenging weather conditions, at heights, and in confined spaces.
  • Problem-Solving Acumen: The capability to identify issues during fabrication and work collaboratively to find practical solutions.
  • Teamwork & Communication: Excellent ability to work effectively as part of a crew, communicating clearly and respectfully with colleagues and supervisors.
  • Strong Work Ethic: Reliable, punctual, and motivated to complete tasks with high quality and efficiency.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

  • Certificate of Completion from an accredited Welding Technology or Metal Fabrication vocational program.
  • Relevant industry certifications (e.g., AWS, NCCER).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Welding Technology
  • Industrial Fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-7+ years

Preferred:

  • A minimum of three (3) years of documented experience in the construction of field-erected, above-ground storage tanks is highly preferred. Experience should include fitting, welding, and rigging on large-scale tank projects.
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