What are the responsibilities and job description for the Shop Supervisor position at Columbia Energy?
Position: Shop Supervisor
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
About Columbia Energy
Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business with a strong track record of delivering comprehensive solutions in engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services. With expertise in fixed-price design/build/test projects, we serve both federal and commercial clients, consistently delivering high-quality results through innovation and technical precision.
Our collaborative and experienced team is committed to providing practical, client-focused solutions tailored to address a wide range of challenges. With a growing presence in Idaho Falls, ID, we continue to expand our capabilities while maintaining our reputation for quality, safety, and integrity.
Why Join Columbia Energy?
At Columbia Energy, we foster a supportive and solutions-driven environment where team members are empowered to lead, innovate, and grow. We value initiative, craftsmanship, and a dedication to getting the job done right. If you thrive in a fast-paced fabrication setting and enjoy leading teams, solving problems, and delivering exceptional results, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Shop Supervisor to join our Idaho Falls team. This hands-on leadership role is responsible for overseeing day-to-day shop operations, ensuring safety, quality, and on-time delivery of fabricated components and assemblies.
The ideal candidate is a skilled welder/fabricator with a strong understanding of welding processes, fabrication practices, and shop management. You’ll guide a team of fabricators, promote safe work practices, support project planning, and ensure each job is executed according to engineering plans, codes, and customer requirements.
Essential Responsibilities & Duties
Leadership & Team Management
- Lead daily shop floor operations, coordinating workflow and assigning tasks based on skill, availability, and project needs
- Provide on-the-job training and mentoring to develop team skills and support employee growth
- Promote a positive, safety-conscious, and productive work environment
- Participate in interviewing, hiring, evaluations, and development of fabrication staff
Project & Schedule Oversight
- Interpret and apply engineering drawings and blueprints to fabrication work
- Prepare and maintain fabrication schedules to meet project milestones
- Monitor progress to ensure tasks are completed according to project timelines, quality standards, and customer specifications
- Reassign personnel and adjust plans as needed to accommodate shifting priorities
Quality & Safety Compliance
- Ensure all work follows established welding procedures, fabrication methods, and quality standards
- Lead efforts to identify and resolve quality issues and prevent rework
- Conduct inspections for accuracy and conformance to specifications
- Promote and enforce safe working practices and use of PPE
Operational Support
- Coordinate material usage, minimize waste, and request tools, equipment, and consumables as needed
- Communicate with project management, engineering, QA/QC, and drafting to ensure alignment and smooth execution
- Support technical inquiries and assist in quality assurance investigations
- Maintain required documentation, including weld records and production tracking
Required Qualifications
- Extensive experience in fabrication and welding (pipe, plate, structural steel, and stainless)
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a fabrication environment
- Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and specifications
- Deep knowledge of welding processes and fabrication techniques
- Proven track record of promoting safety, mentoring team members, and driving high-quality results
- Must pass background check, employment verification, and drug screening
- Due to government contract requirements, applicants must be U.S. citizens
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working under NQA-1 and/or ASME Section VIII programs
- Familiarity with government contracts and associated documentation
- Experience with tight-tolerance stainless steel fabrication
- Background in process improvement or welding automation technologies
Key Success Attributes
- Team-Oriented: Builds trust and fosters collaboration among shop personnel
- Positive Attitude: Contributes to a constructive and respectful work environment
- Self-Starter: Highly motivated and able to drive results independently
- Detail-Focused: Committed to quality, precision, and continuous improvement
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.)
- Regular use of hands and arms to operate tools, equipment, and controls
- Ability to climb ladders and work at heights using fall protection
- Work in hot, cold, and damp environments as needed
- Required use of PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, and steel-toed boots
Working Conditions
This role is based in a dynamic fabrication shop with a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. Attention to safety, quality, and operational excellence is critical. Collaboration across disciplines is a daily part of the job, and employees are expected to follow all company safety policies and shop protocols.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Columbia Energy is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
If you're ready to bring your fabrication expertise and leadership skills to a company that values integrity, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement, we encourage you to apply and join our growing team!