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Mason job description

A Mason builds and finishes the brick, block and concrete work of a building. They lay bricks and blocks to line and level, plaster walls, and finish concrete surfaces to a smooth, true face. It is a core construction trade where the quality of every wall and surface shows. A good Mason builds walls plumb and true, keeps courses level and joints neat, plasters to an even finish, wastes little material, and works safely and steadily to the day's target with the gang.

DetailFor this role
DepartmentConstruction and Projects
LevelEntry level
Reports toForeman
Direct reportsNone
Experience1 to 8 years in masonry work

Mason job description template

Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.

Job title: Mason

Department: Construction and Projects

Reports to: Foreman

Location: [City], [office, branch or site]

About the role

A Mason builds and finishes the brick, block and concrete work of a building. They lay bricks and blocks to line and level, plaster walls, and finish concrete surfaces to a smooth, true face. It is a core construction trade where the quality of every wall and surface shows. A good Mason builds walls plumb and true, keeps courses level and joints neat, plasters to an even finish, wastes little material, and works safely and steadily to the day's target with the gang.

Key responsibilities

  • Lay bricks and blocks to line, level and plumb for walls and partitions.
  • Mix or use mortar of the correct proportion and consistency for the work.
  • Plaster walls and ceilings to an even, true finish.
  • Finish concrete surfaces smooth and to the required level.
  • Build to the drawing dimensions and openings marked by the engineer.
  • Keep the courses level, the joints neat and the corners true.
  • Minimise mortar and material wastage while working on the wall.
  • Check line, level and plumb regularly during the work.
  • Keep the work area clean and follow site safety rules.
  • Support the gang in meeting the day's masonry target with quality.

Requirements

  • ITI in masonry or equivalent skill
  • Able to read basic dimensions
  • Experience in brickwork and plastering
  • 1 to 8 years in masonry work

KRAs and KPIs for a Mason

Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.

Key result areaHow to measure it
Masonry qualityWalls built plumb, level and true with rework minimised
Plaster finishPlaster finished even and true to the required standard
Material wastageMortar and material wastage kept below the agreed level
OutputDaily masonry target met with the gang
SafetyZero avoidable injuries with safe working practice

Skills and tools

Brick and block layingPlasteringConcrete finishingLine, level and plumbMortar mixingReading basic drawingsPhysical staminaTeamwork

Tools used day to day: Trowel and float, Spirit level and plumb, Line and pins, Measuring tape, Safety gear.

Reporting line and career path

ForemanMason
Moves up from: Helper
Next roles: Senior Mason, Foreman, Site Supervisor

Interview questions for a Mason

  1. How do you make sure a wall is built plumb and level?
  2. How do you get an even plaster finish on a wall?
  3. How do you set out a wall from the marked dimensions?
  4. How do you keep mortar and material wastage low?
  5. How do you check your work for line and level as you go?

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Frequently asked questions

What does a Mason do?

A Mason builds and finishes the brick, block and concrete work of a building. They lay bricks and blocks to line and level, mix and use mortar, plaster walls and ceilings, and finish concrete surfaces smooth and true. They build to the drawing dimensions, keep courses level and joints neat, and work safely to the day's target.

What skills does a Mason need?

A Mason needs skill in brick and block laying, plastering and concrete finishing, and the ability to work to line, level and plumb. They should mix mortar to the right consistency, read basic dimensions, keep material wastage low, and check their work as they go. Physical stamina and steady quality matter most.

How do you become a skilled Mason?

Most masons start as helpers and learn the trade on site, or train through an ITI in masonry. With years of experience they build speed and quality in brickwork, plastering and finishing. Skilled masons who can lead work and read drawings often grow into foreman and site supervisor roles over time.