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Career Opportunities – A Range of Skillsets Used in Each Project!

April 17, 2025

The past few years have brought a great deal of uncertainty for many individuals in New Zealand, with economic shifts and job market changes affecting numerous industries. However, with the demand for infrastructure development across the country, the steel construction industry can offer a stable and rewarding career path for those looking for a pivot, a fresh start or a career change.

Our industry provides a range of opportunities for people with various backgrounds  and diverse skillsets. From skilled tradespeople like welders and fabricators to project managers and engineers, there is a role for those with hands-on experience as well as those with technical, managerial, or design expertise. As New Zealand continues to invest in its infrastructure, the steel construction sector will play an important role in the delivery of projects.

At Jensen Steel Fabricators, we’ve always been about people and relationships and we recognise that our final product depends on talented individuals who bring their skills, expertise, and commitment to each and every project.

Range of Roles at Jensen Steel Fabricators

We have a range of roles within our company, requiring specialist skillsets to come together for a successful outcome - from the detailers who model and draw the steel assemblies to the fabricators and welders who manufacture the steel, to the foreman and project managers who ensure everything runs smoothly on-site. At Jensen Steel, it’s the collaboration of our talented team that drives the success of every project.

We’ve outlined below some of the different roles we have at Jensen Steel Fabricators that are essential in delivering a complete product to our clients.  By having ownership and responsibility for all the stages of the process, it allows us to provide quality product and a quality service to our clients.

  • Detailers
    Detailers are responsible for producing accurate models and drawings that show how steel components will be fabricated and assembled, utilising Tekla Detailing Software to do this. Working closely with engineers and project managers, detailers make sure the design is implemented to the exact specifications.
  • CNC Machine Operators
    CNC Machine Operators work with advanced machinery to cut, drill, and shape steel components with precision and efficiency. At Jensen Steel we have the Daito Coper, Daito Beamline and Peddinghaus Plate Machine.
  • Fabricators
    Steel fabricators cut, shape, and assemble steel parts according to detailed drawings and specifications.
  • Welders
    Working to ISO3834 Part 2 our ticketed welders weld the assemblies as per specification.
  • Grit Blasters
    Grit blasters prepare steel surfaces for coatings by removing rust and debris and providing a profile for the paint to adhere.
  • Industrial Painters
    Industrial painters are responsible for applying protective coatings to steel components, ensuring they are durable and resistant to environmental elements.
  • Yard Workers
    Yard workers play a key role in organising and managing materials. They unload inwards steel, move steel in and out of fabrication and painting, and load steel for delivery to site.
  • Site Painters
    Site painters are responsible for applying finishing coats of paint to steel components once they’re in place on-site. They work in collaboration with the construction teams to ensure that all steel elements are properly coated and protected.
  • Crane Drivers
    Operating the Jensen Steel fleet of cranes their work ensures that each part is positioned accurately and safely.
  • Truck Drivers
    Truck drivers help load steel and machinery destined for our sites. With the nature of fabricated structural steel, every load is different.
  • Steel Riggers
    Steel riggers are responsible for safely lifting, securing, and positioning steel components during installation. They use specialised equipment to ensure that steel parts are moved safely and efficiently.
  • Site Fitters and Welders
    Site fitters and welders are responsible for assembling and welding steel components on construction sites. If there is variation work required the site fitters and welders are needed to tuck and cut as needed.
  • Project Managers
    Project managers oversee the entire process from start to finish. They coordinate between different teams, ensure the project is on schedule and within budget, and communicate with clients to ensure satisfaction. A project manager ensures that all aspects of the project come together smoothly.
  • Health and Safety Experts
    Health and safety experts help and support the entire Jensen Steel organisation in health and safety. They make sure the company is up to date with legislation, develop and roll out safety policy, audit and improve systems, create SSSP’s, and liaise with our clients for all things health and safety.  
  • Quality Assurance Experts
    Quality assurance experts oversee the entire process, ensuring that every steel component meets our own Jensen Steel standard. They understand contract specifications and apply each projects requirements alongside our ISO 3834 framework.
  • Administrators
    Administrators handle the essential tasks that keep the business running smoothly. They support teams with documentation, scheduling, and coordination, ensuring that operations are efficient and that communication flows seamlessly.
  • Payroll and Accounts
    Payroll and accounts professionals ensure that all employees are paid accurately and on time – a very important job!
  • Quantity Surveyors
    Quantity surveyors estimate projects, manage costs and contracts, and prepare monthly claims and variations to present to clients.
  • Operational Managers
    Operational managers are responsible for overseeing the smooth running of operations within Jensen Steel Fabricators. They ensure that the teams are fully equipped, deadlines are met, and that all areas of production are functioning optimally.

As you can see, at Jensen Steel Fabricators we have a diverse range of roles and skillsets that allow us to do what we do, to a high level, consistently.

Our Team Approach

We’re committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, where everyone has the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to something bigger.  Our people are the foundation of our success, and we take pride in providing continuous training and career development, helping individuals reach their potential.

The Opportunities are Endless

Looking at the diverse roles we have at Jensen Steel Fabricators, you get a taste of the wealth of job opportunities available should you wish to pursue a career in the steel construction industry.  We’ve been in the industry for over 30 years and love what we do.  If you want to be involved in the future of the New Zealand’s steel construction sector, then we encourage you to explore what’s available – be part of the changing landscape, one steel beam at a time!

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