Description
Build, erect, align, and strip wood and engineered formwork for concrete foundations, walls, slabs, columns, beams, and stairs. Lay out work; cut and assemble forms, shoring, and bracing; set embeds, block-outs, and anchor bolts; and prepare forms with release agents and liners. Read plans, verify line, grade, and plumb, coordinate with rebar and MEP sleeves, and assist with concrete placement as needed. May also install vapor barriers, insulation, and temporary access and protection.
- • Follow site and formwork safety rules and maintain a clean, hazard-free work area.
- • Read plans and formwork drawings to determine layout, elevations, and materials.
- • Lay out footings, walls, slabs, and columns using tapes, lasers, and string lines.
- • Measure and mark cut lines on lumber, plywood, and form panels.
- • Cut, drill, and shape form materials with hand and power tools.
- • Assemble and install concrete forms, shoring, and bracing.
- • Verify line, grade, plumb, and level with lasers, levels, and plumb bobs.
- • Install ties, walers, strongbacks, and other form hardware.
- • Set embeds, anchor bolts, block-outs, sleeves, waterstops, and edge forms.
- • Apply form release agents and install chamfers, reveals, and liners.
- • Coordinate placement of openings and embeds with rebar and MEP trades.
- • Erect and dismantle scaffolding, shoring towers, and temporary access.
- • Anchor and brace forms securely with nails, bolts, anchors, and wedges.
- • Inspect forms for cleanliness, tightness, and required clearances before pours.
- • Construct bulkheads, keyways, and construction joints.
- • Build and install chutes or hoppers for concrete placement when required.
- • Assist with concrete placement, consolidation, and strike-off as directed.
- • Strip forms safely; clean, repair, and recondition panels and hardware for reuse.
- • Remove and replace damaged form components and temporary works.
- • Drill holes and install anchors or dowels in concrete or masonry.
- • Place vapor barriers, insulation, and screed guides for slab work.
- • Maintain inventories, deliveries, and daily reports for formwork materials.
- • Perform takeoffs and assist in estimating labor and materials for formwork.
- • Assist with rigging and hoisting of gang forms and panels per lift plans.
- • Work safely around silica, wet concrete, curing compounds, and other chemicals; use required PPE.
- • Set batter boards, stakes, and temporary supports; protect finished work areas.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
