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Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall

Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Examples

These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.

Line and cover structures with insulating materials. May work with batt, roll, or blown insulation materials.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $26K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $33K
Median Salary: $41K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $54K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $74K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Cover and line structures with blown or rolled forms of materials to insulate against cold, heat, or moisture, using saws, knives, rasps, trowels, blowers, or other tools and implements.

Fit, wrap, staple, or glue insulating materials to structures or surfaces, using hand tools or wires.

Measure and cut insulation for covering surfaces, using tape measures, handsaws, power saws, knives, or scissors.

Distribute insulating materials evenly into small spaces within floors, ceilings, or walls, using blowers and hose attachments, or cement mortars.

Move controls, buttons, or levers to start blowers and regulate flow of materials through nozzles.

Fill blower hoppers with insulating materials.

Cover, seal, or finish insulated surfaces or access holes with plastic covers, canvas strips, sealants, tape, cement or asphalt mastic.

Read blueprints, and select appropriate insulation, based on space characteristics and the heat retaining or excluding characteristics of the material.

Remove old insulation, such as asbestos, following safety procedures.

Prepare surfaces for insulation application by brushing or spreading on adhesives, cement, or asphalt, or by attaching metal pins to surfaces.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
North American Insulation Manufacturers Association NAIMA 3E Plus
Data base user interface and query software
Comput-Ability Mechanical Insulation Key Estimator
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Project management software
Turtle Creek Software Goldenseal
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Construction and maintenance support equipment
Scaffolding
Hand tools
Pneumatic staplers
Industrial filtering and purification
Filtered vacuum cleaners
Industrial pumps and compressors
Air compressors
Measuring and observing and testing instruments
R-value rulers
Personal safety and protection
Hooded protective suits
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Building and Construction
67%
Importance

Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

Customer and Personal Service
61%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Mechanical
61%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

English Language
59%
Importance

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Administration and Management
56%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Transportation
53%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Mathematics
51%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Public Safety and Security
50%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Design
46%
Importance

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Education and Training
46%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Top 10 Skills
Active Listening
60%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking
60%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operation and Control
60%
Importance

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Speaking
60%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Coordination
58%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Monitoring
58%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Operations Monitoring
58%
Importance

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Complex Problem Solving
55%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Social Perceptiveness
55%
Importance

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Time Management
55%
Importance

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Top 10 Abilities
Extent Flexibility
78%
Importance

The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Manual Dexterity
70%
Importance

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Multilimb Coordination
70%
Importance

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Gross Body Equilibrium
68%
Importance

The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.

Trunk Strength
68%
Importance

The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.

Arm-Hand Steadiness
65%
Importance

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Control Precision
65%
Importance

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Visualization
63%
Importance

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Depth Perception
60%
Importance

The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

Finger Dexterity
60%
Importance

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Top 10 Work Activities
Handling and Moving Objects
85%
Importance

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing General Physical Activities
80%
Importance

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
76%
Importance

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
75%
Importance

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
74%
Importance

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
74%
Importance

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Getting Information
73%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
70%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Controlling Machines and Processes
67%
Importance

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
67%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.

Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials.

Install insulation in equipment or structures.

Load materials into construction equipment.

Apply sealants or other protective coatings.

Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.

Select construction materials.

Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.

Prepare surfaces for finishing.

Apply adhesives to construction materials.

Work Context
Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How much does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or equipment (e.g., car)?

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Work With Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

Frequency of Decision Making

How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

Education
Majors
Major
Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection
Interests
Realistic
96%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Conventional
34%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Enterprising
24%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Investigative
19%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic
15%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social
15%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
79%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Dependability
79%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation
78%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Independence
77%
Importance

Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.

Integrity
77%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Initiative
76%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Persistence
76%
Importance

Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.

Self Control
74%
Importance

Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.

Innovation
73%
Importance

Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.

Leadership
73%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Work Values
Support
67%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

Independence
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Relationships
39%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Achievement
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Working Conditions
34%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.