Concrete Finisher: Intro to Curb Work
07/28/2025
Join Schlouch Incorporated: We’re Hiring Experienced Concrete Finishers
Are you an experienced concrete finisher looking for your next career opportunity? Schlouch Incorporated is actively seeking skilled professionals to join our growing team. We’re not just looking for anyone with a trowel — we need concrete finishers who understand the craft, bring proven experience, and are ready to tackle diverse projects, including specialized curb work.
At Schlouch Incorporated, quality concrete work starts with quality people. That’s why we’re committed to finding the right concrete finisher who shares our dedication to excellence and craftsmanship. This position offers more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to grow your career with a company that values your skills and invests in your future.
Understanding Curb Work: A Specialized Skill
Curb work represents one of the most visible and technically demanding aspects of concrete finishing. Unlike standard flatwork, curb installation requires precision, attention to detail, and specialized knowledge of civil plan specifications, municipal standards, and/or DOT specifications.
Concrete curbs serve multiple critical functions in urban infrastructure. They direct water flow, define traffic patterns, provide pedestrian safety, and enhance the overall appearance of streets and parking areas. The work involves creating clean, straight lines with proper slopes and grades—skills that separate experienced finishers from novices.
The Technical Side of Curb Work
Curb work demands an understanding of proper concrete mix designs, curing techniques, and finishing methods specific to vertical and angled surfaces. The concrete finisher must know how to achieve smooth, durable surfaces that can withstand weather, traffic, and time. This includes knowledge of expansion joints, proper reinforcement placement, and surface texturing techniques.
Weather conditions play a crucial role in curbing work success. Experienced concrete finishers understand how temperature, humidity, and wind affect concrete placement and finishing. They know when to adjust techniques, apply curing compounds, and protect fresh concrete from adverse conditions.
What Does a Concrete Finisher Do at Schlouch Incorporated?
As a concrete finisher with Schlouch Incorporated, you’ll be responsible for the complete concrete finishing process, from stringline installation, machine pouring, handsetting, curing, and final clean-up and inspection. Your expertise will be essential in working safely and delivering high-quality results that meet or exceed client expectations.
Preparation and Planning
Your workday begins with a quality job safety analysis (JSA) with the crew, where everyone identifies hazards and ways to mitigate or control each hazard. Your crew will also discuss the tasks and production goals for the day and review project specifications and blueprints. You’ll assess site conditions, identify potential challenges, and coordinate with team members to ensure smooth project execution. This preparation phase is crucial for project success and demonstrates the difference between experienced professionals and entry-level workers.
In addition to daily planning, Formwork setup represents a critical responsibility. You’ll position and align forms to exact specifications, ensuring proper dimensions and stability. Your experience helps identify potential issues before they become problems, saving time and materials while ensuring quality results.
Concrete Placement and Finishing
During curb machine pouring, our team will work with you behind the machine to fine-tune the curb shape, clean up edges, and ensure a smooth, consistent surface. Using hand and power tools, such as trowels, floats, and edgers, you’ll create the specified surface texture and finish. This process showcases your finishing expertise and the ability to plug into our one team experience.
Quality Control and Safety
Quality control is an ongoing responsibility. You’ll inspect work continuously, identifying and addressing issues before they affect the final product. Your experience helps maintain consistent quality standards across all projects.
Safety remains paramount in all activities. In addition to the daily JSA, you will apply the appropriate personal protective equipment based on the task at hand and maintain awareness of potential hazards. Your experience contributes to a safer work environment for everyone on the team.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Schlouch Incorporated seeks concrete finishers with demonstrated experience and proven skills. We understand that expertise is derived from a combination of hands-on experience and formal education, and training.
Experience Requirements
Proven experience as a concrete finisher or in similar construction roles is essential. We’re looking for professionals who have completed on-the-job training in civil construction projects. Your experience should encompass a range of concrete finishing techniques and familiarity with various project types. Any certifications obtained with the American Concrete Institute (ACI) are a bonus and are also available for future concrete finishers who want to grow at Schlouch.
Technical Skills
A skilled concrete finisher combines safety awareness, craftsmanship, and technical know-how to complete high-quality concrete work. You must possess comprehensive knowledge of concrete properties, curing processes, and finishing techniques. This includes understanding different finishing methods, such as troweling, edging, and floating. Proficiency with both hand and power tools is required.
Finishers are proficient in forming, pouring, and finishing concrete, with a working knowledge of different mix types, ADA standards, and layout requirements. They read plans and grade stakes, use lasers and levels, and handle materials and tools with care.
They understand job site hazards, follow OSHA and company safety protocols, and can navigate confined spaces safely. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team are essential. Above all, they take pride in delivering consistent, high-standard finishes while following directions and maintaining a safe, efficient work environment.
Physical Requirements
Concrete finishing is physically demanding work. You must be able to lift heavy objects, stand for extended periods, and work in various weather conditions. Physical stamina is essential for maintaining quality work throughout long days.
Additional Qualifications
A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required. Projects may be located throughout our service area, and reliable transportation ensures consistent attendance.
Flexibility in work hours is important. Construction schedules often require overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines. Your willingness to work flexible hours demonstrates a commitment to project success.
Communication and teamwork skills are essential. Concrete finishers work as part of larger construction teams, requiring good communication and collaboration abilities.
The Schlouch Experience: Benefits and Opportunities
Working at Schlouch Incorporated means joining a company that values its employees and invests in their success. We offer comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Our health, dental, and vision insurance options are available for both employees and their families. We understand that quality healthcare is essential for you and your loved ones.
Schlouch Incorporated offers employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance, giving you peace of mind knowing your family is protected. These benefits demonstrate our commitment to your long-term security.
Time Off and Work-Life Balance
We offer paid vacation, holidays, and personal days because we believe in work-life balance. Quality time with family and friends is important for maintaining job satisfaction and overall well-being.
Retirement Planning
Our 401K plan with company match helps you build for the future. We’ll match your contributions, essentially providing free money toward your retirement goals.
Professional Development
Training opportunities are available to help you expand your skills and advance your career. We believe in investing in our employees’ professional growth and development.
Opportunities for advancement exist within our organization. We prefer to promote from within, giving dedicated employees opportunities to grow their careers with us.
Recognition and Appreciation
Our employee assistance program provides support when you need it most. We also offer competitive compensation based on your skills and experience.
Eligible employees can participate in our company bonus program, sharing in the success they help create. Quarterly employee appreciation gifts and our annual company-paid family picnic show our appreciation for your hard work.
How to Apply
Ready to join the Schlouch Incorporated team? We make the application process straightforward and efficient. We’re looking for experienced concrete finishers who share our commitment to quality and excellence.
Submit your application, including your work history, relevant experience, and any certifications you hold. If you do not see a position that matches your skills among our current openings, please apply here. Be sure to highlight your concrete finishing experience, including any specialized skills, such as curb work.
