Lead Welder

GeoStabilization International; Folsom (NJ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

GeoStabilization International (GSI), Access Limited, and RoadGuard form a leading infrastructure solutions platform focused on protecting people and strengthening critical infrastructure in North America and New Zealand.

GSI specializes in emergency slope stabilization, landslide repair, grouting, and micropiles, delivering innovative design-build solutions with a focus on safety and measurable results. Field leadership is essential to meet project timelines and budget.

Qualifications

• Strong ability to lead from the front, work hands-on with crews, and mentor junior team members.
• Deep understanding of welding techniques, fabrication processes, and metalworking.
• Operational understanding of AISC shop certification requirements and training.
• Proficiency interpreting technical drawings, shop drawings, and construction plans.
• Experience operating roadway construction and fabrication equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Analytical skills to troubleshoot fabrication challenges.
• Comfort coordinating with union crews under collective agreements.
• Proficiency using smartphones/tablets for timekeeping and reporting.
• Physical ability to regularly stand, bend, climb, and lift 75 pounds

Responsibilities

• Lead fabrication operations, supervising and working alongside team members to fabricate and weld components to specification
• Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and shop orders to ensure correct execution
• Operate welding equipment and fabrication machinery; mentor others on techniques
• Plan daily work, set production goals, and assign tasks to meet timelines and budgets
• Maintain equipment and manage inventory; coordinate with engineering and field teams
• Inspect welds and finished products for quality and compliance with standards
• Provide technical mentorship and QA reviews before shipping or installation
• Lead field crews installing guardrail/attenuators and related highway safety hardware
• Enforce safety procedures, conduct JHAs, and perform site safety inspections
• Serve as on-site point of contact and maintain accurate daily reports

Skills

Leadership & communication

Technical expertise

AISC shop certification knowledge

Blueprint & specification reading

Equipment operation & oversight

Time management & organization

Problem-solving

Union experience

Technology

Physical capability

Job description

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.

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

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.