What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Manager position at GEM Industries, Inc.?
Summary
Lead and coordinate on-site field operations for structural welding projects to ensure safe, on-time, on-budget delivery with high quality and client satisfaction. The Field Manager supervises crews, enforces safety and welding procedures, liaises with clients and subcontractors, and solves day-to-day operational challenges.
Key responsibilities
- Oversee daily field operations across multiple job sites: schedule crews, assign tasks, monitor progress, and adjust resources to meet milestones.
- Supervise welding and fabrication teams (welders, fitters, rigging crews), including training, performance management, and skills development.
- Enforce safety programs and jobsite safety practices (PPE, hot work permits, confined-space, lockout/tagout, fall protection); conduct toolbox talks and safety inspections.
- Ensure welding quality and code compliance es): verify procedures, monitor welders’ qualifications, witness/coordinate inspections and NDT (ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, dye penetrant).
- Read and interpret structural drawings, weld maps, material specifications, and fabrication/shop drawings; communicate requirements to crews and supervisors.
- Coordinate logistics: materials, equipment, tooling, site access, and temporary facilities; track inventory and request replenishments.
- Communicate with clients, general contractors, engineers, and inspectors — provide daily/weekly progress reports and address RFIs or change orders.
- Manage subcontractors and vendors on site; ensure scope, schedule, and quality expectations are met.
- Track labor hours, productivity, and cost performance; assist in forecasting and reporting to operations/estimating teams.
- Investigate and resolve field issues (quality, delays, safety incidents); document incidents and implement corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate site documentation: daily logs, inspection records, weld maps, material traceability, and nonconformance reports.
Qualifications
- 5 years field experience in structural welding/fabrication with progressive supervisory responsibility (or equivalent combination of experience and education).
- Strong knowledge of welding processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW), materials (carbon steel, stainless, high-strength alloys), and common structural connections (beams, columns, plate work, connections).
- Familiarity with welding codes and standards (AWS D1.1, ASME Section IX, project-specific codes) and NDT methods.
- Ability to read and interpret structural and shop drawings, welding symbols, and material specifications.
- Proven leadership and crew-management skills; experience mentoring welders and foremen.
- Solid understanding of construction site safety practices and regulatory requirements (OSHA or regional equivalent).
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills; client-facing experience required.
- Proficiency with mobile devices, project management software, and basic MS Office applications.
- Valid driver’s license; ability to travel frequently and work flexible hours.
- Certifications preferred: AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), AWS Welder certifications, OSHA 30-hour, First Aid/CPR.
Working conditions- Majority field-based with exposure to outdoor elements, heights, heavy machinery, and hot work environments. - PPE required; physical ability to inspect and access structures (climbing, walking uneven terrain).
Compensation & benefits - Competitive salary (dependent on experience), health benefits
GEM Industries, Inc. is a woman owned steel company which cares about every customer as if they were our only customer. We keep our relationships and our jobs on a PERSONAL level!
"Whatever it takes!" -- and we stand by every project we fabricate.
Established in 2004, GEM Industries, Inc. has created a driving force in the industry. We staff experienced individuals who will exceed any and all of your fabrication needs.