Welder Helper Laborer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Shipyard Laborer / Trades Helper

Job Description

This role supports shipyard and marine repair operations by performing fire watch duties, general labor, and hands-on assistance to skilled marine trades personnel aboard U.S. Navy vessels. You will help maintain and repair ships by monitoring hot work such as grinding, welding, and cutting metal, setting up and cleaning work areas, moving materials and tools, and assisting with cable pulling and electrical-related activities. The position is physically demanding, requires regular lifting of 40–50 pounds, and offers significant exposure to ship repair and marine trades in a heavy industrial environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform fire watch duties during grinding, welding, cutting metal, and other hot work to help maintain a safe work area.
• Set up work areas by staging tools, materials, and equipment for skilled trades personnel.
• Clean up work areas after tasks are completed, including debris removal and general housekeeping.
• Move and handle materials, tools, and equipment throughout the shipyard and aboard vessels, including regular lifting of 40–50 pounds.
• Assist marine trades personnel with maintenance and repair tasks aboard U.S. Navy vessels.
• Support shipyard and marine repair operations as a trades helper by performing general labor tasks.
• Assist with cable pulling and basic electrical-related activities under the direction of experienced professionals.
• Work closely with skilled trades to help maintain and repair vessels, following instructions and safety procedures.
• Adapt to varying daily assignments, which may focus primarily on fire watch, general labor, or trades assistance depending on project needs.
• Follow all safety protocols and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in a heavy industrial shipyard environment.
• Climb ladders and access various areas of the ship, including confined and dark spaces, as required for the work.
• Work scheduled shifts from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with the potential for extended 12-hour shifts as needed.

Essential Skills

• Proven ability to use hand tools safely and effectively.
• Proven ability to use power tools safely and effectively.
• Capability to regularly lift and carry 40–50 pounds as part of daily duties.
• Willingness and physical ability to perform heavy lifting and sustained physical labor.
• Ability to work safely in a heavy industrial, shipyard environment with strict adherence to PPE requirements.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in confined and dark spaces aboard metal ships.
• Capacity to perform repetitive general labor tasks for extended periods.
• Reliability to work a consistent 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. schedule, Monday through Saturday, with potential for longer shifts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous shipyard or ship repair experience is preferred.
• Experience supporting marine repair or construction environments is beneficial.
• Comfort working in all weather conditions in an outdoor and indoor industrial setting.
• Ability to follow instructions from skilled trades personnel and work effectively as part of a team.
• Comfort working in confined spaces and dark areas using equipment such as headlamps.
• Interest in learning marine trades and developing hands-on ship repair skills.

Why Work Here?

You will have the opportunity to work substantial overtime, often totaling 50 to 70 hours per week, which can significantly increase your earnings. The role offers valuable, hands-on ship repair experience and direct exposure to a wide range of marine trades, supporting your long-term growth in the industrial and maritime sectors. You will contribute to meaningful work by helping maintain and repair U.S. Navy vessels, gaining pride and purpose from the impact of your efforts. The environment supports learning from experienced professionals, allowing you to build practical skills and advance your career in shipyard and marine repair.

Work Environment

The position is based in a heavy industrial shipyard environment that operates in all weather conditions. Work takes place aboard metal ships where personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times. You will climb ladders, navigate uneven surfaces, and work in confined and dark spaces, often using a headlamp in tight areas within the ship. The environment is physically demanding, with regular heavy lifting and continuous movement throughout the shift. Standard hours are 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with the potential for 12-hour shifts depending on project needs. The setting includes exposure to noise, dust, and ongoing repair activities typical of ship repair and construction operations.

This is a Contract position based out of Portland, OR.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $23.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.