Lead Welder

GeoStabilization International (GSI), Access Limited, and RoadGuard together form a leading infrastructure solutions platform dedicated to protecting people and strengthening critical infrastructure across North America and New Zealand.

GSI is the premier geohazard mitigation firm specializing in emergency slope stabilization, landslide repair, grouting, and micropiles through innovative design-build delivery. Access Limited brings over a century of steep-slope expertise and operates North America’s largest fleet of spider excavators, delivering complex rockfall and geotechnical solutions in the most challenging environments. RoadGuard, founded in 2024, unites industry-leading roadway safety companies providing guardrail, bridge railing, highway signage, fencing, and specialty fabrication services.

Across all our businesses, we are driven by innovation, extreme ownership, technical excellence, and a relentless commitment to measurable results that improve safety and infrastructure resilience.

Essential Responsibilities

Shop Operations & Coordination

Own and maintain AISC Shop Certification compliance—understand operational requirements, flag compliance issues, and train crew members on shop standards

Lead fabrication operations, supervising and working alongside team members to fabricate and weld components to specification

Read, interpret, and ensure accurate execution of blueprints, technical drawings, shop drawings, and work orders

Operate welding equipment and fabrication machinery; mentor others on a variety of welding techniques and material applications

Measure, cut, bend, and fit metal materials using hand tools, power tools, and machinery

Plan and direct daily work, set production goals, and assign tasks to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget

Maintain welding equipment, tools, and work area to manufacturer specifications and safety standards

Manage inventory, schedule work, and coordinate with engineering and field teams to meet project timelines

Quality Assurance & Technical Leadership

Inspect welds and finished products for quality, accuracy, and compliance with safety, AISC, and project standards

Provide technical mentorship to junior crew members, conducting training on complex fabrication issues and problem-solving

Conduct QA reviews and ensure all work meets specification before shipping or field installation

Flag and communicate scope changes, quality concerns, or technical challenges to Project Managers

Field Leadership & Supervision

Lead, supervise, and work alongside union crews installing guardrail, attenuators, sign structures, and related highway safety hardware in accordance with DOT specifications and contract documents

Enforce all safety requirements, conduct daily toolbox talks, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and site safety inspections

Coordinate site setup, traffic control, material staging, and equipment use

Verify proper operation and maintenance of crew equipment, including post drivers, skid steers, man lifts, drill rigs, boom trucks, and dump trucks

Serve as the on-site point of contact and submit accurate daily reports, timesheets, production logs, and equipment records

Mentor, train, and develop crew members while providing clear direction and constructive feedback

Administer work in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement; coordinate manpower with the local union hall and address crew issues professionally

Safety & Compliance

Follow and enforce all safety procedures, including proper use of PPE and safe handling of materials

Demonstrate expertise in DOT specifications, work-zone traffic control, and OSHA construction safety standards

Lead from the front, modeling safety behaviors and accountability

Required Skills & Abilities

Leadership & Communication : Strong ability to lead from the front, work hands-on alongside crews, and mentor junior team members

Technical Expertise : Deep understanding of welding techniques, fabrication processes, and metalworking with ability to problem-solve complex technical issues

AISC Shop Certification Knowledge : Operational understanding of certification requirements and the ability to ensure and train on compliance

Blueprint & Specification Reading : Proficiency interpreting technical drawings, shop drawings, and construction plans

Equipment Operation & Oversight : Experience operating and overseeing roadway construction and fabrication equipment

Time Management & Organization : Ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate schedules, and meet deadlines

Problem-Solving : Strong analytical skills to troubleshoot fabrication and field installation challenges

Union Experience : Comfort working under collective bargaining agreements and coordinating with union crews

Technology : Ability to use smartphones and tablets for timekeeping, daily reports, and project communication

Physical Capability : Ability to regularly stand, walk, bend, twist, climb, and use hands to operate tools and equipment; capacity to lift at least 75 pounds

Required Experience & Qualifications

Minimum 5 years of welding and metal fabrication experience; experience with guardrail, bridge beam, or structural steel fabrication is ideal

Minimum 2 years in a Foreman, Crew Lead, Shop Supervisor, or similar leadership role

Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record

Ability to commit to Monday–Friday work schedule with travel to active project sites; willingness to stay out of town during work week

Preferred Certifications & Qualifications

AISC Shop Certification (or ability to obtain)

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 – Construction

ATSSA Traffic Control Supervisor (TCS) or equivalent

Flagger certification

First Aid / CPR certification

Experience with heavy civil or highway construction

Union construction background

Physical & Environmental Requirements

Must regularly stand, walk, bend, twist, climb, and use hands to operate tools and equipment

Must be able to lift at least 75 pounds

Work is performed both in a fabrication shop and outdoors adjacent to live traffic in varying weather conditions

daily travel to active projects throughout service area

Night work and occasional overnight travel may be required depending on project location

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US pay range for this role.

$75,000 — $100,000 USD

Soil Nail Holdings and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.