Welder Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Kentucky
Welder visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky are concentrated in the state's manufacturing and industrial sectors, with major employers like Toyota Manufacturing Kentucky, Nucor Steel, and Ashland Inc. operating in cities such as Georgetown, Louisville, and Elizabethtown. Kentucky's deep roots in automotive and metals production make it a consistent source of sponsored skilled trades positions.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.
When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.
This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Welders are responsible for repairing containers, fleet vehicles, compactor repairs in shop atmosphere and assisting with compactor installations in the field, along with other weldable materials by applying appropriate techniques and using various welding devices as needed. This includes fabricating, sanding, grinding, cutting, torching, drilling, welding and/or repair work on company and/or customer containers, compactors, and placing of containers or compactor equipment. Level of responsibility and repair work may vary by location.
Responsibilities of Position:
- Perform sanding, grinding, cutting, torching, drilling, welding and other fabrication or repair work on company/customer containers, compactors, and assisting with placing of containers or compactor equipment
- Grind metal parts after welding
- Weld steel using MIG and ARC welding equipment
- Fabricate steel components on containers
- Cut steel using a plasma cutter, circular saw, band saw, chop saw, torch or nibbler
- Perform related work such as flame cutting, bending, forming, beveling, notching of metal and plastic parts
- Maintain a clean, safe work area in compliance with Company, ANSI, and OSHA standards
- Complete required paperwork utilizing computer systems
- Utilize standard shop hand tools, measuring devices, and equipment
- Install lids, wheels and lock setups on containers
- Paint repaired and/or new containers
- Assist with compactor installations as needed
- Assist in other projects or areas of the shop as needed
- Communicate in a manner that promotes good relationships with customers, clients, coworkers, and management
- Complete hydraulic component repairs as needed
- Use overhead crane lifting devices and aerial platforms as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position will not manage employees.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:
- Excellent welding and mechanical aptitude
- Ability to learn cutting torch skills to use plasma cutter
- Knowledge of small shop tools
- Ability to operate a forklift/skid steer safely
Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:
- Knowledge of MIG/ARC and stick welding is preferred
- One (1) year welding and cutting experience or participation in or graduation technical training program, preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN A REGULAR WORKDAY:
- Continuously lifting/carrying a max of 35 lbs
- Frequently lifting/carrying a max of 50 lbs
- Occasionally lifting/carrying a max of 100 lbs
- Continuously pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
- Frequently pushing/pulling a max of 75 lbs
- Occasionally pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs
- Occasionally working outside in changing temperatures
- Frequently working in wet/humid conditions
- Frequently working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
- Frequently stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
- Frequently climbing and/or balancing
- Frequently sitting/standing/walking
ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS/ASPECTS:
- Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
- Exposure to residential and commercial waste
- Ability to travel between offices, as required
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
- Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
- Must be able to read and speak the English language
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Education
Preferred High School or better
General Education Diploma or better
Technical/other training or better in Relevant field
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment and the growth of our people.
When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.
This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Welders are responsible for repairing containers, fleet vehicles, compactor repairs in shop atmosphere and assisting with compactor installations in the field, along with other weldable materials by applying appropriate techniques and using various welding devices as needed. This includes fabricating, sanding, grinding, cutting, torching, drilling, welding and/or repair work on company and/or customer containers, compactors, and placing of containers or compactor equipment. Level of responsibility and repair work may vary by location.
Responsibilities of Position:
- Perform sanding, grinding, cutting, torching, drilling, welding and other fabrication or repair work on company/customer containers, compactors, and assisting with placing of containers or compactor equipment
- Grind metal parts after welding
- Weld steel using MIG and ARC welding equipment
- Fabricate steel components on containers
- Cut steel using a plasma cutter, circular saw, band saw, chop saw, torch or nibbler
- Perform related work such as flame cutting, bending, forming, beveling, notching of metal and plastic parts
- Maintain a clean, safe work area in compliance with Company, ANSI, and OSHA standards
- Complete required paperwork utilizing computer systems
- Utilize standard shop hand tools, measuring devices, and equipment
- Install lids, wheels and lock setups on containers
- Paint repaired and/or new containers
- Assist with compactor installations as needed
- Assist in other projects or areas of the shop as needed
- Communicate in a manner that promotes good relationships with customers, clients, coworkers, and management
- Complete hydraulic component repairs as needed
- Use overhead crane lifting devices and aerial platforms as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position will not manage employees.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:
- Excellent welding and mechanical aptitude
- Ability to learn cutting torch skills to use plasma cutter
- Knowledge of small shop tools
- Ability to operate a forklift/skid steer safely
Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:
- Knowledge of MIG/ARC and stick welding is preferred
- One (1) year welding and cutting experience or participation in or graduation technical training program, preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN A REGULAR WORKDAY:
- Continuously lifting/carrying a max of 35 lbs
- Frequently lifting/carrying a max of 50 lbs
- Occasionally lifting/carrying a max of 100 lbs
- Continuously pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
- Frequently pushing/pulling a max of 75 lbs
- Occasionally pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs
- Occasionally working outside in changing temperatures
- Frequently working in wet/humid conditions
- Frequently working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
- Frequently stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
- Frequently climbing and/or balancing
- Frequently sitting/standing/walking
ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS/ASPECTS:
- Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
- Exposure to residential and commercial waste
- Ability to travel between offices, as required
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
- Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
- Must be able to read and speak the English language
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Education
Preferred High School or better
General Education Diploma or better
Technical/other training or better in Relevant field
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Welder Job Roles in Kentucky
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Search Welder Jobs in KentuckyWelder Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for welders in Kentucky?
Kentucky's manufacturing-heavy economy includes several employers with documented H-2B visa and H-1B visa sponsorship histories for skilled trades. Toyota Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown, Nucor Steel in Ghent, and various industrial contractors supporting the automotive and metals sectors have sponsored foreign workers in welding and fabrication roles. Smaller fabrication shops and defense contractors near Fort Knox also appear in Department of Labor disclosure data for skilled trades positions.
Which visa types are most common for welder roles in Kentucky?
Most welders in Kentucky are sponsored under the H-2B visa, which covers temporary non-agricultural workers in occupations with a demonstrated U.S. labor shortage. Welders with advanced certifications or supervisory responsibilities may qualify under the H-1B if the role meets specialty occupation criteria, though this is less common. Some positions at large manufacturers may also be filled through EB-3 immigrant visa petitions for skilled workers requiring at least two years of training.
Which cities in Kentucky have the most welder sponsorship jobs?
Louisville and the surrounding Jefferson County area lead the state for industrial employment, including welding, given its concentration of manufacturing plants and steel fabricators. Georgetown and Lexington benefit from Toyota's large assembly and supplier network, generating consistent demand for skilled tradespeople. Elizabethtown and Bowling Green also see regular openings tied to automotive parts suppliers and distribution facility construction projects.
How to find welder visa sponsorship jobs in Kentucky?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers looking for visa sponsorship roles. You can filter by state and occupation to see welder positions in Kentucky from employers with sponsorship history. Because sponsoring a skilled trades worker involves filing fees and DOL compliance steps, focusing your search on employers already familiar with the process, as Migrate Mate helps you do, saves significant time.
Are there any state-specific considerations for welders seeking visa sponsorship in Kentucky?
Kentucky does not require a state-specific welding license, but many employers expect AWS (American Welding Society) certification, particularly for structural and pipe welding roles in the automotive and energy sectors. The Department of Labor sets prevailing wage levels for welding occupations in each Kentucky metro area, and any sponsoring employer must attest to meeting those rates when filing an H-2B or H-1B petition. Union affiliation is common at larger manufacturing sites, which can affect the hiring and onboarding timeline.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored welder jobs in Kentucky?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.