Entering the welding trade in Natchitoches, LA typically begins with technical training, which can range from 6 to 18 months, providing both hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. According to the American Welding Society, there are approximately 771,000 welding professionals in the U.S., with a median annual wage of $45,190. In Natchitoches, LA, welders can expect to earn an average of $39,696 per year, with experienced welders potentially surpassing $108,000 annually. The demand for welders is robust, with 320,500 new positions expected by 2029, driven by infrastructure expansion and manufacturing growth. This promising job market, combined with the potential for significant earnings growth, makes welding a lucrative career choice in Natchitoches, LA.
Welder Helper Job Highlights Title Welder Helper Type Full Time Experience 6 Months Function Production/Manufacturing Location Natchitoches, LA, United States Company Koch Industries Company Profile Koch Industries is one of the largest private companies in America. The company has a diverse set of businesses and industries across the world. It offers abundant opportunities to improve life’s most necessary things – like food, clothing, water, transportation, and technology. Optimized Process Designs, LLC (OPD) is a name in the natural gas industry that has become synonymous with quality design and construction, competitive pricing, and on-time delivery of processing, treating, and compression facilities. Job Profile The company is searching for a Welder Helper to join its maintenance team. Educational Qualification • No education level is mentioned, yet applicants may be required a High School Diploma Work Experience • Possess 6 months of previous experience as a welder helper Duties/Responsibilities • Ability to work safely and accurately. • Adjust the temperature on the welding machine in the direction of the welder • Assist the welder with setting up and moving the rig between work areas • Assisting the welder with making sure that welder has all materials required for welding: rods, grinding discs, assisting welder with setting up and moving the rig between work areas • Being familiar with different types of metals • Clean the work area and restock supplies and materials as necessary • Cleaning welds with a buffer or grinder • Operate tools and equipment including beveling machines, cut-off grinders, hammers, torches, magnetic drills, welding machines, and a Saw-Zall. Skills/Knowledge/Abilities • Must be able and willing to attend mandatory safety meetings • Must be able to meet all physical requirements • Must be able to read, write and communicate in English • Must be willing and able to work shifts up to 12 hours per day and 7 days per week. • Must know how to clean welds with a buffer or grinder for the welder • Travel is a must with extended periods away from home in remote areas at times. Field Expectations • Actively participate in a strong safety culture • Be aware of changing conditions on an active job site • Be on time to the job site each day ready for work • Display a positive attitude and be able to work in a team environment • Follow OPD and client safety policies and procedures • High attention to detail to avoid reworks and errors • Participate in onsite safety meetings • Recognize safety hazards and risks Preferred Requirements • Experience in a gas plant construction environment • Familiar with all aspects of welding and their impact on the project • Past exposure to different metals including carbon, stainless steel, and galvanized steel Physical Demands • Capable of working in outdoor weather and environmental conditions including extreme heat and humidity, extreme cold, and high elevations. • Lifting and carrying awkward objects up to 60 lbs. • Moving the entire body. Considerable use of arms, and legs, climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching, and bending on a regular basis. • Must be able to work on elevated platforms and maintain balance when stepping on narrow platforms such as beams and pipes. Must be able to perform these activities while wearing an approved full-body harness and lanyard. • Standing for extended periods of time up to 11 hours per day. Breaks are given in 2.5-hour intervals • Use hands to handle, control, and feel objects or tools. Benefits/Perks • The company provides essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength – focusing on overall well-being. Employer’s Statement Koch Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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