noun
high-rise construction worker; steeplejack; scaffolder
Refers specifically to construction workers who specialize in working at heights, such as on scaffolding, roofs, or steel frames. The term comes from the way they move nimbly like a kite (鳶).
彼は若い頃、鳶職として高層ビルの建設に携わっていた。
When he was young, he worked as a high-rise construction worker on skyscraper projects.
鳶職の
Scaffolders are very quick at assembling scaffolding.
noun
Historical term for firefighters in the Edo period, many of whom were also construction workers (tobi) who used their climbing skills to fight fires. Not used for modern firefighters.
江戸時代、鳶職は火消しとしても活躍した。
In the Edo period, tobi workers also served as firefighters.
From 鳶 (とび, 'kite bird') + 職 (しょく, 'occupation'), referring to the way these workers move nimbly at heights like a kite. The historical firefighter sense arose because Edo-period construction workers often doubled as firefighters.