Description
Erect and repair fences and fence gates, using hand and power tools.
- • Establish the location for a fence, and gather information needed to ensure that there are no electric cables or water lines in the area.
- • Align posts, by lines or sighting, and verify vertical alignment of posts, using plumb bobs or spirit levels.
- • Measure and lay out fence lines and mark posthole positions, following instructions, drawings, or specifications.
- • Dig postholes, using spades, posthole diggers, or power-driven augers.
- • Set metal or wooden posts in upright positions in postholes.
- • Discuss fencing needs with customers, and estimate and quote prices.
- • Mix and pour concrete around bases of posts, or tamp soil into postholes to embed posts.
- • Make rails for fences, by sawing lumber or by cutting metal tubing to required lengths.
- • Nail top and bottom rails to fence posts, or insert them in slots on posts.
- • Stretch wire, wire mesh, or chain link fencing between posts, and attach fencing to frames.
- • Attach fence rail supports to posts, using hammers and pliers.
- • Assemble gates, and fasten gates into position, using hand tools.
- • Complete top fence rails of metal fences by connecting tube sections, using metal sleeves.
- • Insert metal tubing through rail supports.
- • Attach rails or tension wire along bottoms of posts to form fencing frames.
- • Nail pointed slats to rails to construct picket fences.
- • Construct and repair barriers, retaining walls, trellises, and other types of fences, walls, and gates.
- • Weld metal parts together, using portable gas welding equipment.
- • Erect alternate panel, basket weave, and louvered fences.
- • Blast rock formations and rocky areas with dynamite to facilitate posthole digging.
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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
