What are the responsibilities and job description for the Field Welder position at Tank Connection and Careers?
Position Summary: We are seeking highly skilled traveling Field Welders to join our team for the construction, erection, and welding of large field-welded aboveground steel storage tanks across the United States. This role focuses on API 650 (atmospheric/low-pressure tanks) and API 620 (low-pressure/large welded tanks) compliant projects. Candidates must excel in structural and full-penetration welding on massive tank components (shells, bottoms, roofs, nozzles), work safely at heights and in confined spaces, and maintain strict compliance with API standards, ASME welding qualifications, and site safety protocols. Extensive nationwide travel, extended shifts, and hands-on fieldwork in industrial environments are required.
Field Welder Duties and Responsibilities:
- Perform high-quality field welding on large welded steel storage tanks, including shell plates, annular bottoms, roofs, nozzles, attachments, and structural supports, in full compliance with API 650 and API 620 requirements.
- Read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, tank erection plans, weld symbols, and qualified Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS/PQR).
- Assemble and fit-up tank components (e.g., shell courses, floor plates, roof structures) with precise alignment and tolerances.
- Execute welding processes such as SMAW (Stick), FCAW (Flux-Core), GMAW (MIG), and potentially SAW (Submerged Arc) or other qualified methods in multiple positions (flat, vertical, overhead).
- Conduct pre-weld preparation (beveling, grinding, cleaning) and post-weld operations (grinding, defect removal, gouging with air carbon arc).
- Maintain weld quality to meet API joint design, inspection, and production standards; prepare welds for NDT (e.g., radiographic, ultrasonic, magnetic particle).
- Inspect completed welds visually and assist with quality checks to ensure structural integrity and leak prevention.
- Operate welding equipment, power tools, grinders, torches, and fabrication tools safely and efficiently.
- Collaborate with fitters, riggers, supervisors, and field crews during tank erection and assembly.
- Adhere to all company, site-specific, OSHA, and API safety policies, including hot work permits, fall protection, and confined space entry.
- Travel extensively nationwide to project sites; work extended hours, overtime, and rotational/outage schedules as required.
- Hourly position with full-time benefits.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
Field Welder Skills and Specifications:
- Ability to use simple math to perform basic calculations.
- Knowledge and ability to use common measuring instruments and hand tools such as tape measure, level, or square.
- Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
- Ability to receive and comprehend verbal and/or non-verbal directions from Field Superintendent.
- Solid problem-solving skills.
- Ability to contribute and work in a team environment.
- Ability to demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness to ensure first quality of work.
Field Welder Education and Qualifications:
- High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
- Minimum 3–5 years of welding experience, with proven hands-on work in field construction, industrial tank erection, or structural steel fabrication.
- Proficiency in SMAW and FCAW welding processes (primary for field work); additional experience with GMAW or SAW preferred.
- Current and valid welder qualifications/certifications per ASME Section IX (e.g., in relevant positions like 3G/4G/6G and processes); ability to pass project-specific tests.
- Valid driver’s license; ability to travel by air, vehicle, or other means and pass background/drug screenings.
- Direct experience with API 650 and/or API 620 field-erected tank construction, including full-penetration welds on shell/bottom/roof joints is preferred
- Previous traveling field construction or tank-specific welding experience preferred.
- Current AWS Certified Welder or equivalent certifications preferred
- Experience with automated/semi-automated tank welding equipment (e.g., girth welders) preferred
- TWIC card (for refinery/terminal access) or ability to obtain.
- NCCER certification or rigging/aerial lift operation experience preferred.
- MSHA training certificate or ability to obtain.
- Have current or able to obtain OSHA-10 training within the first 30 days of employment. This training is provided by the company for all new hires.
- Have or be able to obtain a United States Passport.
Field Welder Physical and Work Environment Requirements:
- Ability to lift 50–75 pounds repeatedly.
- Capable of standing, climbing, kneeling, bending, and working in awkward positions for extended periods.
- Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions, at significant heights (e.g., tank shells up to 300 ft diameter) while tied off and wearing a harness, and in confined spaces.
- Good dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and stamina for demanding fieldwork.
- Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
- Must provide and wear steel-toed boots.
- Must comply with all site and company safety rules and standards.
Field Welder Travel Requirements:
- 80–100% travel throughout the United States.
- Projects typically last several weeks to several months per location.
- Per diem provided per company policy.
Limitations and Disclaimer: The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.