Steel Erector Jobs in Canada

• Unload, stage, and prepare steel members; verify piece marks and basic layout against drawings.
• Connect steel (columns, beams, bracing) using bolts, spud wrenches, drift pins, and alignment tools.
• Work with cranes: rigging, tag lines, safe positioning; communicate with the operator (signal person duties where assigned).
• Install metal decking, stairs, ladders, handrails, and miscellaneous steel (scope depends on contractor).
• Use aerial lifts/scissor lifts/boom lifts and follow site-specific fall protection plans.
• Perform quality checks: bolt torque/turn-of-nut practices, alignment, plumbness, and basic punch-list tasks.
• Maintain housekeeping and participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and hazard assessments.

Scope differs by contractor. Some crews focus on “connects”; others also do decking, misc steel, or industrial maintenance.

Must-have skills

• Construction experience in steel erection / ironwork (or closely related structural trades).
• Confidence working at heights, maintaining 100% tie-off where required.
• Basic understanding of rigging principles and safe lifting practices.
• Ability to follow instructions in English for safety-critical communication (level depends on team).
• Reliability: punctual attendance, consistent output, and respect for safety rules.

Common safety tickets (examples)

• Fall protection / working at heights (provider depends on province/employer).
• Aerial work platform (EWP) / boom lift / scissor lift ticket (when lifts are used).
• Rigging / hoisting and signaling (where the role includes signal person duties).
• Site orientation and PPE compliance (hard hat, boots, gloves, eye protection; harness/lanyards).

Trade certification requirements can differ by province and project. In some provinces and roles, formal certification or a recognized pathway (including Red Seal where applicable) can be required or strongly preferred.

• Schedule: commonly 40–60 hours/week depending on the project phase; early starts are typical.
• Overtime: often available during peak erection; overtime thresholds and rules depend on province and employer policy.
• Weather exposure: outdoor work in wind, cold, and heat—especially on Prairie projects.
• Safety culture: strict rules for heights, dropped-object prevention, and lift planning; zero-tolerance policies are common.
• Tools: some employers provide specialty tools; you may be expected to have basic hand tools (varies).
• Travel: certain projects may be out-of-town; accommodation/per-diem policies, if offered, depend on the contractor.

• Legal authorization to work: employers will require valid permission to work in Canada (e.g., an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit, depending on your situation).
• Identity documents: a valid passport and any supporting documents requested for onboarding.
• Project onboarding: some sites require additional checks (orientation, safety forms, and sometimes background screening or medical/drug testing depending on industry).
• Trade pathway: where required, you may need proof of apprenticeship progress or trade certification for ironworker/steel erection roles (province rules vary).
• Basic communication ability: enough English to understand site safety instructions is commonly required.

This page does not replace official advice. Requirements can differ by province, union agreements, and the type of worksite (commercial vs. industrial).

You are a good fit if you…

• have real steel/ironwork experience (or strong structural construction experience with heights exposure).
• can work safely at heights and follow tie-off rules without shortcuts.
• understand the basics of rigging, tag lines, and safe communication during lifts.
• can handle physical work: climbing, carrying tools, and working in changing weather conditions.
• show up reliably and keep a steady pace without sacrificing safety.
• can follow English safety instructions and communicate hazards clearly.
• prefer a trade environment with clear rules, structure, and team coordination.

This role is not for you if you…

• avoid heights or feel uncomfortable working from lifts, beams, or elevated platforms.
• expect “light duty” tasks only or cannot manage physically demanding shifts.
• cannot follow strict PPE and safety procedures consistently.
• need guaranteed schedules, guaranteed overtime, or guaranteed travel allowances (these depend on the project).