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Construction Laborers

Careers / Construction Laborers

Summary Description


	Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction sites. May operate hand and power tools of all types: air hammers, earth tampers, cement mixers, small mechanical hoists, surveying and measuring equipment, and a variety of other equipment and instruments. May clean and prepare sites, dig trenches, set braces to support the sides of excavations, erect scaffolding, and clean up rubble, debris and other waste materials. May assist other craft workers.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Adz Worker

2.	Air Breaker Operator

3.	Air Drill Operator

4.	Air Gun Operator

5.	Air Hammer Operator

6.	Air Tool Operator

7.	Aluminum Pool Installer

8.	Asbestos Removal Worker

9.	Asphalt Distributor Tender

10.	Asphalt Heater Tender

11.	Asphalt Layer

12.	Asphalt Patcher

13.	Asphalt Paver

14.	Asphalt Raker

15.	Asphalt Smoother

16.	Asphalt Spreader

17.	Asphalt Tamper

18.	Asphalt Worker

19.	Auxiliary Equipment Tender

20.	Awning Hanger

21.	Awning Maker and Installer

22.	Axman

23.	Batch Dumper

24.	Beller

25.	Bellman

26.	Belter

27.	Beltman

28.	Biofuels Plant Construction Worker

29.	Black Top Raker

30.	Black Topper

31.	Bottom Man

32.	Bottom Worker

33.	Breast Worker

34.	Bridge Builder

35.	Broom Man

36.	Broom Worker

37.	Brush Cutter

38.	Building Cleaner

39.	Bull Float Finisher

40.	Burlap Man

41.	Burlap Worker

42.	Caisson Worker

43.	Carpenter

44.	Cement Based Materials Pump Tender

45.	Cement Breaker

46.	Cement Cutter

47.	Cement Finisher

48.	Cement Mixer

49.	Chuck Tender

50.	Cinder Crew Worker

51.	Circular Saw Operator

52.	Cleaner

53.	Column Precaster

54.	Concrete Building Assembler

55.	Concrete Buster Operator

56.	Concrete Curer

57.	Concrete Handler

58.	Concrete Layer

59.	Concrete Mixer

60.	Concrete Pourer

61.	Concrete Puddler

62.	Concrete Spreader

63.	Concrete Vibrator Operator

64.	Concrete Worker

65.	Connection Worker

66.	Construction Craft Laborer

67.	Construction Inspector

68.	Construction Laborer

69.	Construction or Leak Gang Laborer

70.	Construction Person

71.	Construction Pit Worker

72.	Construction Trench Digger

73.	Construction Worker

74.	Core-Drill Operator

75.	Culvert Installer

76.	Curb and Gutter Laborer

77.	Demolition Hammer Operator

78.	Demolition Specialist

79.	Demolition Worker

80.	Demolitionist

81.	Digger

82.	Dirt Shoveler

83.	Ditch Digger

84.	Ditch Repairer

85.	Ditch Rider

86.	Ditcher

87.	Dope Pourer

88.	Dopeman

89.	Doper

90.	Dowel Pin Man

91.	Dowel Pin Worker

92.	Drain Layer

93.	Drapery Hanger

94.	Dredge Pipe Operator

95.	Dredge Pipeman

96.	Drifter

97.	Driller Helper

98.	Drop Crew Laborer

99.	Dust Handler

100.	Earth Mover

101.	Fence Post Driver

102.	Fire Pot Operator

103.	Flare Man

104.	Flare Worker

105.	Form Carpenter

106.	Form Stripper

107.	Grade Checker

108.	Grade Tamper

109.	Grader

110.	Gravel Screener

111.	Grit Blaster

112.	Grommet Man

113.	Grommet Worker

114.	Ground Hand

115.	Ground Worker

116.	Groundman

117.	Groundsman

118.	Grout Machine Operator

119.	Grout Worker

120.	Groutman

121.	Grunt

122.	Handyman

123.	Helper

124.	High Man

125.	High Worker

126.	Hod Carrier

127.	Hole Digger

128.	Home Performance Laborer

129.	Hose Operator

130.	Hoseman

131.	House Mover Helper

132.	Hydraulic Jack Adjuster

133.	Hydraulic Jack Operator

134.	Hydroblaster

135.	Inserter

136.	Jackhammer Operator

137.	Jet Man

138.	Jet Worker

139.	Jetting Machine Operator

140.	Joint Filler

141.	Joint Sealer

142.	Kettle Firer

143.	Kettle Operator

144.	Kettle Worker

145.	Kettleman

146.	Laborer

147.	Land Clearer

148.	Lawn Sprinkler Installer

149.	Liquid Floor and Wall Applier

150.	Macadam Raker

151.	Maintenance Worker

152.	Manhole Stripper

153.	Mastic Man

154.	Mastic Worker

155.	Mat Man

156.	Mat Weaver

157.	Mat Worker

158.	Measurer

159.	Mesh Man

160.	Mesh Worker

161.	Mixer

162.	Mixer Tender

163.	Mixing Plant Dumper

164.	Mop Man

165.	Mop Worker

166.	Mortar Carrier

167.	Mortar Maker

168.	Mortar Man

169.	Mortar Mixer

170.	Mortar Worker

171.	Mud Jack Nozzleman

172.	Municipal Maintenance Worker

173.	Nozzle Operator

174.	Nozzleman

175.	Nuclear Plant Construction Worker

176.	Oil Heater Operator

177.	Oil Heaterman

178.	Paper Steamer

179.	Pick and Shovel Man

180.	Pick and Shovel Worker

181.	Pile Header

182.	Pile Trimmer

183.	Piling Setter

184.	Pin Puller

185.	Pipe Cutter

186.	Pipe Installer

187.	Pipe Line Repairer

188.	Pitman

189.	Plaster Machine Tender

190.	Playground Equipment Erector

191.	Plowman

192.	Plug Drill Operator

193.	Pneumatic Riveter

194.	Pole Setter

195.	Post Framer

196.	Pourer

197.	Powder Loader

198.	Power Washer

199.	Precast Concrete Products Installer

200.	Pressure Washer

201.	Puddler

202.	Pumper Helper

203.	Punch Out Crew Member

204.	Rail Layer

205.	Rail Setter

206.	Right-of-Way Clearer

207.	Right-of-Way Cutter

208.	Right-of-Way Man

209.	Right-of-Way Worker

210.	Riprap Man

211.	Riprap Worker

212.	Rivet Flunky

213.	Riveter

214.	Rock Worker

215.	Rockman

216.	Rod Placer

217.	Rod Puller

218.	Roughneck

219.	Roustabout

220.	Rubble Placer

221.	Sand Blaster

222.	Sand Hog

223.	Sandblast Operator

224.	Sandblaster

225.	Scoop Filler

226.	Service Line Layer

227.	Sewer Builder

228.	Sewer Digger

229.	Sewer Repairer

230.	Shoveler

231.	Sidewalk Repairer

232.	Signaler

233.	Skilled Laborer

234.	Skip Tender

235.	Sledger

236.	Slip Dumper

237.	Slip Filler

238.	Slip Injector and Applicator

239.	Slipman

240.	Snow Fence Erector

241.	Sounder

242.	Sprayer

243.	Steam Cleaning Machine Operator

244.	Steel Layer

245.	Steel Placer

246.	Steel Post Installer

247.	Stone Breaker

248.	Straightedge Man

249.	Straightedge Worker

250.	Straw Boss

251.	Stripe Marker

252.	Swimming Pool Installer and Servicer

253.	Tagman

254.	Tamper

255.	Tar Kettle Runner

256.	Tar Man

257.	Tar Pot Man

258.	Tar Pot Worker

259.	Tar Worker

260.	Track Repair Laborer

261.	Tuckpointer, Cleaner, Caulker

262.	Tunnel Man

263.	Tunnel Worker

264.	Turntable Man

265.	Turntable Worker

266.	Venetian Blind Installer

267.	Vibrator Operator

268.	Wagon Winder

269.	Wall Cleaner

270.	Wall Scraper

271.	Wall Steamer

272.	Wall Washer

273.	Wallpaper Cleaner

274.	Wallpaper Scraper

275.	Water Proofer

276.	Well Cleaner

277.	Whitewasher

Job Tasks

	Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.

	Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.

	Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.

	Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.

	Smooth or finish freshly poured cement or concrete, using floats, trowels, screeds, or powered cement finishing tools.

	Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments.

	Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications, using picks, shovels, pneumatic tampers, or rakes.

	Install sewer, water, or storm drain pipes, using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.

	Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.

	Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.

	Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications.

	Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.

	Transport or set explosives for tunnel, shaft, or road construction.

	Position or dismantle forms for pouring concrete, using saws, hammers, nails, or bolts.

	Provide assistance to craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons.

	Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.

	Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.

	Mop, brush, or spread paints, cleaning solutions, or other compounds over surfaces to clean them or to provide protection.

	Place, consolidate, or protect case-in-place concrete or masonry structures.

	Identify, pack, or transport hazardous or radioactive materials.

	Use computers or other input devices to control robotic pipe cutters or cleaners.

	Mix, pour, or spread concrete, using portable cement mixers.

	Operate jackhammers or drills to break up concrete or pavement.

	Grind, scrape, sand, or polish surfaces such as concrete, marble, terrazzo, or wood flooring, using abrasive tools or machines.

	Tend machines that pump concrete, grout, cement, sand, plaster, or stucco through spray guns for application to ceilings or walls.

	Mix ingredients to create compounds for covering or cleaning surfaces.

	Raze buildings or salvage useful materials.

	Spray materials such as water, sand, steam, vinyl, paint, or stucco through hoses to clean, coat, or seal surfaces.

	Apply caulking compounds by hand or caulking guns to protect against entry of water or air.

	Apply weather-stripping to reduce energy loss.

	Perform building weatherization tasks, such as repairing windows, adding insulation, or applying weather-stripping materials.

	Perform construction laborer duties at green building sites, such as renewable energy plants or wind turbine installations.

	Perform site activities required of green certified construction practices, such as implementing waste management procedures, identifying materials for reuse, or installing erosion or sedimentation control mechanisms.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.


		apply cleaning solvents

		apply adhesives, caulking, sealants, or coatings

		paint walls or other structural surfaces

		climb ladders, scaffolding, or utility or telephone poles

		cut, shape, fit, or join wood or other construction materials

		build or repair structures in construction, repair, or manufacturing setting

		erect scaffold

		install prefabricated building components

		install siding or sheeting

		move or fit heavy objects

		clean rooms or work areas

		prepare site or surfaces for concrete or masonry work

		prepare building surfaces for paint, finishes, wallpaper, or adhesives

		apply plaster, stucco or related material

		anchor or brace wooden structures, frameworks, or forms

		repair cracks, defects, or damage in installed building materials

		install insulating materials

		dig holes or trenches for foundations, posts, poles, or related items

		load, unload, or stack containers, materials, or products

		mix mortar, grout, slurry, concrete, or related masonry material

		move materials or goods between work areas

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.


		assemble and install pipe sections, fittings, or plumbing fixtures

		finish concrete surfaces

		mix paint, ingredients, or chemicals, according to specifications

		fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand

		assist mechanic, or extractive or construction trades craft worker

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.


		read tape measure

		read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.


		grade or redistribute earth for roads or other construction

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.


		signal directions or warnings to coworkers

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).


		control operation of compressors

		use hand or power woodworking tools

		operate power construction equipment

		operate power driven pumps

		use spray paint equipment

		use hand or power tools

		operate land or site surveying instruments

		use measuring devices in construction or extraction work

		use surfacing machine to polish terrazzo or concrete

		operate floor sanding machine

		operate pneumatic tamper to patch pavement or tamp earth

		operate jackhammer

		operate hoist, winch, or hydraulic boom

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.


		understand construction specifications

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.


		work as a team member

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.


		maintain or repair construction machinery or equipment

		lubricate machinery, equipment, or parts

		position, align, or level machines, equipment, or structures

		clean equipment or machinery

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.


		use basic carpentry techniques

		use concrete fabrication techniques

		use hazardous materials information

		use hazardous disposal techniques

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.


		adhere to safety procedures

		perform safety inspections in construction or resource extraction setting

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.


		measure and mark lay out for construction projects

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.


		verify levelness or verticality, using level or plumb bob

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Construction Laborers
	Construction laborers can be found on almost all construction sites, performing a wide range of tasks from the very easy to the hazardous. They can be found at building, highway, and heavy construction sites; residential and commercial sites; tunnel and shaft excavations; and demolition sites. Many of the jobs they perform require physical strength, training, and experience. Other jobs require little skill and can be learned quickly. Although most construction laborers specialize in a type of construction, such as highway or tunnel construction, some are generalists who perform many different tasks during all stages of construction. Construction laborers who work in underground construction, such as in tunnels, or in demolition are more likely to specialize in only those areas.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Construction Laborers
	Most construction laborers do physically demanding work. Some work at great heights or outdoors in all weather conditions. Some jobs expose workers to harmful materials or chemicals, fumes, odors, loud noises, or dangerous machinery. Some laborers may be exposed to lead-based paint, asbestos, or other hazardous substances during their work, especially when they work in confined spaces. Workers in this occupation experience one of the highest rates of nonfatal injuries and illnesses; consequently, the work requires constant attention to safety on the job. To avoid injury, workers in these jobs wear safety clothing, such as gloves, hardhats, protective chemical suits, and devices to protect their eyes, respiratory system, or hearing. While working underground, construction laborers must be especially alert in order to follow procedures safely and must deal with a variety of hazards.

	Read More >>

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