What are the responsibilities and job description for the Steel Welding Supervisor position at St. Johns Ship Building?
Description
Steel Welding Supervisor
Location: Palatka, FL
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
The Steel Welding Foreman oversees all operations within the steel welding department, ensuring production runs efficiently, safely, and on schedule. This role is responsible for leading weld teams, coordinating workflows, and maintaining high standards of quality, productivity, and safety across shipbuilding and repair projects. The Foreman plays a critical role in meeting production targets while developing and supporting the welding workforce.
What You'll Do
- Lead and coordinate daily operations of the steel welding department
- Plan, prioritize, and manage production schedules to meet project deadlines
- Monitor staffing levels and adjust workforce to maintain productivity
- Supervise, hire, train, evaluate, and support welding team members
- Maintain employee records, evaluations, and disciplinary documentation
- Ensure production goals for cost, quality, and output are consistently met
- Coordinate with 2nd shift and weekend supervisors to ensure continuity
- Inspect fit-ups, tank shells, and completed welds for quality and compliance
- Manage material flow to support continuous production
- Request and manage supplies, tools, and equipment
- Partner with Production Manager on outsourcing needs when required
- Recommend improvements to processes, equipment, and product quality
- Oversee maintenance and proper operation of welding equipment
- Perform and support hands-on welding, layout, and plasma cutting as needed
- Ensure welds meet airtight, watertight, and fuel-tight standards
- Read and interpret blueprints, weld schedules, and technical drawings
- Collaborate with QA/QC and inspection teams to ensure compliance
- Enforce safety protocols and proper use of PPE and equipment
- Troubleshoot equipment issues and identify defective materials
Must-Have Skills and Experience
(These are required for consideration.)
- Minimum 5 years of welding experience in a shipyard, marine, or heavy industrial environment
- Minimum 2 years of supervisory or leadership experience
- AWS or ABS welding certification required
- Strong knowledge of welding processes (MIG, TIG, flux-core, etc.)
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, weld symbols, and technical specifications
- Experience managing production schedules and workforce planning
- Hands-on experience with welding equipment, tools, and fabrication processes
- Strong understanding of safety standards and industrial best practices
- Experience inspecting weld quality and ensuring compliance with specifications
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (basic reporting and tracking)
Nice-to-Have Skills
(These are preferred but not required.)
- Experience in shipbuilding or marine vessel repair
- Familiarity with automated welding equipment
- Experience working with QA/QC teams and inspection authorities
- Knowledge of air-arc gouging and advanced fabrication techniques
- Prior experience managing budgets or departmental performance metrics
Who You Are
- A hands-on leader who leads from the floor and supports the team directly
- Organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented with a strong focus on quality and safety
- A proactive problem-solver who can adjust quickly to production demands
- Accountable and reliable, with a strong sense of ownership over team performance
Additional Details
- Schedule: First Shift
- Salary Range: Starting at $35/hour (based on experience)
- Travel: None specified
- Certifications: AWS or ABS Welding Certification required