A Steeplejack or Lightning Conductor engineer fits lightning protection systems and carries out building, repair, maintenance and renovation work at heights. You would work on industrial chimneys, power station cooling towers, church spires, high-rise buildings and bridges
Work Environment
Steeplejacks typically work in the following Career Sectors:
Videos on the Web
- Steeplejack- from: Youtube Search
- Steeplejack / Manager - from: icould [UK] Video
The Work
Steeplejacks renovate, repair and maintain tall structures such as spires, monuments, towers and industrial chimneys.
They work at great heights using scaffolding, ladders and ropes.
Tasks involve replacing or repairing damaged concrete, brickwork, stonework and roof tiles. The job may also involve replacing damaged glass, installing lightning conductors, putting up steel chimneys, welding metals, sandblasting, carpentry, other masonry skills and painting.
For most jobs, steeplejacks work with a partner for safety reasons.
Steeplejacks must wear protective clothing, including a safety helmet, protective footwear and other items such as ear-protectors and gloves.
Further Information
- Steeplejack - from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Steeplejack
As a steeplejack you must be physically fit, with plenty of stamina.
The work involves a lot of bending, lifting and stretching.
You need a good head for heights.
You must follow safety rules and procedures at all times and you must take extreme care when working at great heights.
Steeplejacks have to be alert at all times and need to remain focused on the job.
Interests - Steeplejack
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry - Steeplejack
A background in construction operative skills (scaffolding etc.) may be an advantage. Training is carried out on the job working by an experienced steeplejack.
Key Skill certs
Working at Height: -Safety Harness working, [MEWP] mobile elevated work platform
These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET Coursefinder.
Training & Development
FET Centre Traineeships: Construction skills & Overhead powerline operative search FET Traineeships
Apprenticeship Some Apprenticeships may require working at height, newer programs of Scaffolding & Arboriculture at NFQ levels 5-6, will draw on skills of working at height using harness search Apprenticeship programs.
Last Updated: March, 2023
Pay & Salary - Steeplejack
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €41k
Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ CIF Rates
Last Updated: February, 2024
* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.
View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available
Labour Market Updates - Steeplejack
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
The five-year annual average employment growth rate was below average for this occupation, although there was an increase of over 2,000 persons employed between 2021 and 2022. As the Census data indicates, there are a large number of roles within this group, with many employing fewer than 1,000 persons. Between 2016 and 2022, employment levels fell for many of these roles.
Despite the decline in employment evident in the Census data, the Skills for Growth data indicates issues with recruitment of upholsterers for both the industry and retail (repair) sectors; upholsterers also appeared in the DSP Jobs Ireland vacancy data (albeit in small numbers), along with spray painters (included in the other skilled trades n.e.c. category). Although demand for many of these trades have declined in recent years, an increased focus on the circular economy may see increased demand, or at least slow the decline for roles such as upholsterers and tailors.
Useful Contacts - Steeplejack
-
Construction Industry Federation
- Construction House, Canal Road, Dublin 6
- (01) 406 6000
- [email protected]
- Click Here
