3G4G Structural Welder in Abbeville, Louisiana at Acadian Contractors Inc

3G4G Structural Welder

Location: 17102 LA-330 Abbeville, LA 70510

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Summary

The 3G4G Structural Welder is a single-process, shop-based role. The Structural Welder — 3G/4G is expected to produce fillet, groove, and plug welds on structural steel assemblies using FCAW exclusively — both self-shielded (FCAW-S) and gas-shielded (FCAW-G) as specified by the applicable WPS. The 3G and 4G position qualifications are the benchmark: vertical and overhead welding are the most physically demanding and technically exacting positions in structural fabrication, and a welder who can produce consistent, code-quality welds in these positions with FCAW is a skilled-trade professional who directly drives production quality and shop throughput. Acadian Contractors, Inc. maintains a continuing policy of non-discrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity to protected veterans in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of non-discrimination shall include, but not be limited to, the following employment decisions and practices: hiring; promotions; demotions or transfers; layoffs; recalls; terminations; rates of pay or other forms of compensation; selection for training, including apprenticeship; and recruitment or recruitment advertising. All employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce groove welds in 3G (vertical) and 4G (overhead) positions on structural steel plate and built-up members using FCAW per applicable WPS — consistently achieving full fusion, proper reinforcement, and acceptable bead geometry on every pass
• Maintain machine setup discipline — verify voltage, amperage, wire feed speed, and shielding gas flow rate against the WPS before beginning any weld joint; adjust within WPS essential variables only and report required deviations to the Lead Welder
• Produce fillet welds in all positions (1F, 2F, 3F, 4F) on structural connections, gussets, base plates, stiffeners, and clip angles as dimensioned on fabrication drawings and weld maps
• Control interpass temperature using contact thermometers or temperature-indicating sticks — do not begin subsequent passes until temperature is within WPS-specified interpass range
• Perform thorough weld prep before striking arc — verify joint geometry, root gap, bevel angle, and fitment against the WPS and drawing; reject and return improperly fitted components to the fitter before welding begins
• Perform thorough inter-pass slag removal using chipping hammers and wire brushes between every FCAW pass — inspect each pass visually before depositing the next; do not bury slag, porosity, or visible fusion defects under subsequent passes
• Apply preheat as required by AWS D1.1 Table 3.2 or WPS for the applicable base metal grade (A36, A572, A992, A500, etc.) and thickness — verify preheat temperature across the specified zone before arc initiation
• Perform post-weld visual inspection (VT) of completed welds against AWS D1.1 visual acceptance criteria — verify weld size, profile, reinforcement, undercut, overlap, and surface crack condition before calling for QC sign-off
• Read and interpret fabrication drawings, weld symbols (per AWS A2.4), weld maps, and cut sheets — identify weld joint type, size, length, and position requirements without requiring repeated explanation from the foreman
• Respond promptly and professionally to NDE findings — when a weld is rejected by UT or MT, review the reject report with the QC Inspector, perform excavation and repair within the WPS and repair procedure, and present the repair for re-inspection
• Stage and position workpieces correctly for welding using fixtures, jigs, clamps, and positioning equipment — ensure structural members are supported and secured to prevent movement during welding that would introduce distortion or misalignment
• Maintain a clean, organized welding station — protect welding equipment and leads from damage, return consumables to proper storage, and keep the booth area free of debris, spatter buildup, and slip/trip hazards
• Operate welding equipment, grinders, wire brushes, chipping hammers, and material handling tools safely and within manufacturer guidelines — report damaged leads, defective equipment, or wire feed problems to the foreman immediately
• Participate in daily safety briefings and toolbox talks; follow all OSHA, shop, and ACI safety requirements including proper PPE use, hot work awareness, and ventilation requirements for FCAW operations
• Accurately complete weld log entries — joint ID, WPS number, wire heat number, and welder stamp or ID on all weldments required by the project quality plan; understand that weld traceability is a quality requirement, not optional
• Mentor Welder Helpers and Apprentice Welders assigned to the booth — demonstrate proper technique, explain WPS requirements, and model the quality mindset expected of a qualified D1.1 welder at ACI

Qualifications and Experience

• Current AWS D1.1 Structural Welding qualification — 3G position (groove, FCAW) at minimum
• Current AWS D1.1 Structural Welding qualification — 4G position (groove, FCAW) required within 90 days of hire if not held at time of offer
• Minimum 2 years of FCAW structural welding experience in a production fabrication environment
• Demonstrated ability to produce welds meeting AWS D1.1 visual acceptance criteria without coaching
• Ability to read weld symbols per AWS A2.4 and interpret fabrication drawings and weld maps
• Must pass pre-employment background check and drug/alcohol screen
• Must be authorized to work in the United States

HSE Responsibilities

• Embrace, lead and demonstrate “Acadian F.I.R.S.T.” – Vision & Mission Statement as fundamental core values.
• Demonstrate visible leadership and support the proactive safety processes (JSA, Time Out & TEAM BBS Observations) to achieve an incident free workplace and advance our safety culture.
• Adhere to all “Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Management Systems” policies, procedures, safe work & best practices guidance as well as regulatory and client site specific policies and procedures.
• Leaders must make a personal commitment and be accountability for the HSE results, driving towards achievement of HSE goals. These goals must be clearly communicated through their direct reports, with clear expectations while coaching, mentoring and empowering others to achieve the desired results.
• Conduct periodic quality assessments of HSE processes to aid in their own coaching and mentoring of others demonstrating ownership of the results for such process implementation