WELDER, MASTER

JOB DESCRIPTION

WELDER, MASTER
(GENERAL SERVICES DIVISION)

WATERWORKS

Human Resources

NEWPORT NEWS, VA Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under general supervision, this position performs complex automotive and heavy equipment welding
work as well as preventative maintenance inspections, mechanical repairs and electrical diagnostics on
automotive, construction and heavy equipment. Reports to the Fleet Maintenance Supervisor.

There are two (2) levels of Welder distinguished by the level of work performed and the qualifications
of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs a variety of welding tasks on automotive and heavy equipment utilizing highly specialized
and skilled processes. This includes ARC, metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG), silver
soldering, carbon ARC, lancing rods, and brazing. Designs and fabricates metal components and
structures to improve existing designs and structural reliability; operates a forklift and overhead crane
as needed.

Performs skilled mechanical repairs such as repairing and replacing hydraulic lines, adjusting brakes,
and replacing hydraulic and air fittings; removes, rebuilds and replaces hydraulic cylinders, boom and
body assemblies and electrical system.

Performs preventive maintenance on automotive, construction, and specialized equipment. Analyzes
failures and makes recommendations on how to prevent similar failures in the future. Advises staff on
specific metal repairs and methods. Performs specialized welding at remote work sites, utilizing a
portable welder.

Maintains welding equipment to ensure full compliance with all safety rules and regulations; keeps
welding work area neat, orderly, and free of all potential safety hazards. Assists the Automotive
Technicians as required.

Documents repair activities on work orders and orders parts; determines specifications needed for
certain parts. Reads and interprets equipment manuals, factory diagrams, and other technical manuals
and blueprints; sketches planning drawings as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Welding – Thorough knowledge of Arc, metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG) and gas
welding procedures, tools, and equipment used in structural repair of light and heavy equipment
and a variety of different tanks to include knowledge of various types of steel such as cast
components and aluminum. 

Automotive Repair and Maintenance – Basic knowledge of the methods, tools, and equipment used
in the repair of heavy vehicles, specialized equipment and small engines to include procedures for
diagnosing malfunctions as well as the operation and maintenance of assigned vehicles or
equipment. 

Safety - Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations
related to the operation of various welding operations.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Computer Skills – Utilizes a personal computer or laptop with word processing, spreadsheet, pick
ticket, fleet maintenance and related software to effectively complete a variety of administrative
tasks with reasonable speed and accuracy. 

Interpersonal Relationships/Customer Service – Develops and maintains cooperative and
professional relationships with employees and the public. 

Time Management - Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of
completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Implements work
activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Vehicle and Equipment Repair – Utilizes standard and specialized welding and shop tools,
equipment, and measuring instruments to perform complex welding repair, fabrication and
modification work. 

Automotive Repair – Utilizes a variety of shop tools and equipment to perform routine repair and
diagnostic work of vehicles and equipment. 

Judgement/Decision Making – Ability to use logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and
evaluate situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions. 

Communication – Ability to communicate ideas and verbally and in writing effectively so others
will understand, to include interpreting and understanding complex drawings and technical
manuals and preparation of detailed repair operation records. Ability to listen and understand
information and ideas being presented verbally and in writing.

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EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master Welder - Requires a high school diploma and 3-5 years of responsible welding experience, or
an equivalent combination of education and experience. Requires welding certification based on AWS
D1.1, structural, and a ASE G1-Maintenance and Light repair certification within 6 months of
employment.

Welder - Requires a high school diploma and 1 – 2 years of responsible welding experience, or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

An acceptable general background check to include a local and state criminal history check; a valid
driver’s license with an acceptable record.

This position requires pre-employment medical evaluation, substance abuse testing, respirator
clearance, and audio exam and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.
Must obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake endorsement permit prior to
employment and complete the practical portion of the CDL test within 60 days of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Tasks require the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work. 

Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling,
crouching, and crawling. 

May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and
materials (20-50 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. 

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as
odors, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, hazardous materials, toxic agents, machinery, heavy
equipment, vibrations, or traffic hazards.

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