Using a variety of gas torch or electric arc-welding processes (including inert-gas shielded methods), or both, welds a wide variety of metals and their alloys in the fabrication and repair of metal structures, equipment, and items.

Typical tasks performed:

Plans and lays out work from blueprints, drawings, or other written specifications. Selects materials and processes to be applied. Sets up and adjusts equipment. Welds, in vertical, horizontal, flat, and overhead positions items of various sizes and shapes. Brazes, flame-cuts, beads, heat treats, pressure, and tack welds. Welds are subject to x-ray analysis, magnaflux inspection, dye check, water or gas tight pressure and other tests, or formalized quality assurance methods. Uses hand and power tools of the welding trade. When necessary, uses templates in measuring, marking, scribing, and cutting.

Exclude:

(1) Employees who perform repetitive production-line welding or who only operate automatic electric resistance welding machines.

(2) Employees who, as recurring part of the job, perform unusually complex welding such as using experimental metals or alloys.

(3) Boilermakers, plate fabricators, structural iron workers, and other trades workers whose duties may include welding as an incidental part of the work performed.

Revised per OPM letter dated November 18, 1996, for use in surveys ordered on or after February 1, 1997.