Plasterers and Stucco Masons

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Also known as:
Dry Plasterer, Journey Level Plasterer, Molding Plasterer, Ornamental Plasterer, Plasterer Apprentice, Stucco Plasterer, Stucco Worker, Swimming Pool Plasterer

See all Architecture and Construction Careers.

ABOUT PLASTERER OR STUCCO MASON CAREERS

Video transcript

People have been smoothing plaster or cement finishes on the walls of their homes for centuries - to insulate, to protect, to decorate. This highly durable type of wall finish is enjoying a resurgence in popularity across the country, especially in sunbelt states, making stucco and interior plastering one of the fastest growing occupations in the construction trade.

Plasterers work with different types of material, by mixing and applying them to interior and exterior walls and ceilings. These surfaces are fire-resistant and fairly soundproof. The finished product can be left in its natural state painted or papered. Some plasterers create decorative effects while finishing a surface, or by adding touches such as intricate moldings.

The workplace can be hot and dusty - and that dust can be irritating to skin and eyes. The work is very physical and subject to weather delays. Most plasterers work on new construction, but many repair and restore older buildings. They generally learn their skills on the job. Plasterers make walls not only functional, but artistic.

SNAPSHOT

Apply interior or exterior plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials. May also set ornamental plaster.

Leadership	LOW
Critical decision making	HIGH
Level of responsibilities	HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines	LOW
Dealing and handling conflict	LOW

Competition for this position	MED
Communication with others	LOW
Work closely with team members, clients etc.	HIGH
Comfort of the work setting	LOW
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions	LOW
Exposure to job hazards	LOW
Physical demands	HIGH

Daily tasks

Rough the undercoat surface with a scratcher so the finish coat will adhere.

Apply weatherproof, decorative coverings to exterior surfaces of buildings, such as by troweling or spraying on coats of stucco.

Set up scaffolds.

Clean and prepare surfaces for applications of plaster, cement, stucco, or similar materials, such as by drywall taping.

Create decorative textures in finish coat, using brushes or trowels, sand, pebbles, or stones.

Mix mortar and plaster to desired consistency or direct workers who perform mixing.

Determine materials needed to complete the job and place orders accordingly.

Apply insulation to building exteriors by installing prefabricated insulation systems over existing walls or by covering the outer wall with insulation board, reinforcing mesh, and a base coat.

Cover surfaces such as windows, doors, or sidewalks to protect from splashing.

Apply coats of plaster or stucco to walls, ceilings, or partitions of buildings, using trowels, brushes, or spray guns.

Clean job sites.

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing General Physical Activities	Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Handling and Moving Objects	Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material	Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE

Building and Construction	Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management	Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Design	Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Public Safety and Security	Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

TOP SKILLS

Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Quality Control Analysis	Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Operation Monitoring	Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.

Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.