1. Agricultural Careers Fencing Contractor By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Trisha Rae Stephens Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education June 2005 START

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities Discuss fencing needs with their customers Estimate and quote prices for their customers Lay out fence lines Dig fence post holes and position posts Fill the holes with concrete or soil Cut and construct fences with boards, wiring, chain links, posts or other materials Put together gates and hang them in position Lay and also build barriers, security fences, retaining walls, vineyard trellises, and other types of fences and walls May run their own business

3. Qualities and Skills Ability to dig fence post holes and position posts. Good physical condition. Ability to lift over 50 pounds. Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather. Ability to work long hours. Ability to withstand the pulling, pushing, bending, lifting and standing involved throughout the day.

4. Salary Salaries vary, as many fencers work on contract. Contract rates range from about $2.50 per meter of fencing for labor only, to about $15.00 per meter for labor, equipment and materials. Owner-operators usually earn between $36,000 and $50,000 per year and employees are likely to earn between $20,000 and $30,000 per year.

5. Work Environment Outdoors for the majority of the day Individual work settings Work place held on other owners land Traveling to work sites Using tools and dangerous equipment to complete job

6. Becoming a Fencing Contractor On the job training is the most valuable training that a student can receive in learning to become a fencing contractor. There are some technical colleges that offer courses in this field. High school education is very important in helping you become a successful fencing contractor.

7. Career Resources American Fence Association 800 Roosevelt Rd., Bldg C-312 Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 Internet: http://www.americanfenceassociation.com/ Better Business Bureau 1000 Station Drive, Suite 222 DuPont, WA 98327 Internet: http://homesource.thebbb.org