Construction Laborers :: Job Description

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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.	Cement Based Materials Pump Tender

44.	Cement Breaker

45.	Cement Cutter

46.	Cement Mixer

47.	Chuck Tender

48.	Cinder Crew Worker

49.	Circular Saw Operator

50.	Cleaner

51.	Column Precaster

52.	Concrete Building Assembler

53.	Concrete Buster Operator

54.	Concrete Curer

55.	Concrete Handler

56.	Concrete Layer

57.	Concrete Mixer

58.	Concrete Pourer

59.	Concrete Puddler

60.	Concrete Spreader

61.	Concrete Vibrator Operator

62.	Concrete Worker

63.	Connection Worker

64.	Construction Coordinator

65.	Construction Craft Laborer

66.	Construction Inspector

67.	Construction Laborer

68.	Construction or Leak Gang Laborer

69.	Construction Person

70.	Construction Pit Worker

71.	Construction Trench Digger

72.	Construction Worker

73.	Core-Drill Operator

74.	Culvert Installer

75.	Curb and Gutter Laborer

76.	Demolition Hammer Operator

77.	Demolition Specialist

78.	Demolition Worker

79.	Demolitionist

80.	Digger

81.	Dirt Shoveler

82.	Ditch Digger

83.	Ditch Repairer

84.	Ditch Rider

85.	Ditcher

86.	Dope Pourer

87.	Dopeman

88.	Doper

89.	Dowel Pin Man

90.	Dowel Pin Worker

91.	Drain Layer

92.	Drapery Hanger

93.	Dredge Pipe Operator

94.	Dredge Pipeman

95.	Drifter

96.	Driller Helper

97.	Drop Crew Laborer

98.	Dust Handler

99.	Earth Mover

100.	Fence Post Driver

101.	Fire Pot Operator

102.	Flare Man

103.	Flare Worker

104.	Form Stripper

105.	General Laborer

106.	Grade Checker

107.	Grade Tamper

108.	Grader

109.	Gravel Screener

110.	Grit Blaster

111.	Grommet Man

112.	Grommet Worker

113.	Ground Hand

114.	Ground Worker

115.	Groundman

116.	Groundsman

117.	Grout Machine Operator

118.	Grout Worker

119.	Groutman

120.	Grunt

121.	Handyman

122.	Helper

123.	High Man

124.	High Worker

125.	Hod Carrier

126.	Hole Digger

127.	Home Performance Laborer

128.	Hose Operator

129.	Hoseman

130.	House Mover Helper

131.	Hydraulic Jack Adjuster

132.	Hydraulic Jack Operator

133.	Hydroblaster

134.	Inserter

135.	Jackhammer Operator

136.	Jet Man

137.	Jet Worker

138.	Jetting Machine Operator

139.	Joint Filler

140.	Joint Sealer

141.	Kettle Firer

142.	Kettle Operator

143.	Kettle Worker

144.	Kettleman

145.	Labor Operator

146.	Labor/Excavator

147.	Laborer

148.	Laborer-Demolition

149.	Laborer-Operator

150.	Laborer/Grade Check

151.	Laborer/Key Man

152.	Land Clearer

153.	Lawn Sprinkler Installer

154.	Liquid Floor and Wall Applier

155.	Macadam Raker

156.	Maintenance Worker

157.	Manhole Stripper

158.	Mastic Man

159.	Mastic Worker

160.	Mat Man

161.	Mat Weaver

162.	Mat Worker

163.	Measurer

164.	Mesh Man

165.	Mesh Worker

166.	Mixer

167.	Mixer Tender

168.	Mixing Plant Dumper

169.	Mop Man

170.	Mop Worker

171.	Mortar Carrier

172.	Mortar Maker

173.	Mortar Man

174.	Mortar Mixer

175.	Mortar Worker

176.	Mud Jack Nozzleman

177.	Municipal Maintenance Worker

178.	Nozzle Operator

179.	Nozzleman

180.	Nuclear Plant Construction Worker

181.	Oil Heater Operator

182.	Oil Heaterman

183.	Paper Steamer

184.	Pick and Shovel Man

185.	Pick and Shovel Worker

186.	Pile Header

187.	Pile Trimmer

188.	Piling Setter

189.	Pin Puller

190.	Pipe Cutter

191.	Pipe Installer

192.	Pipe Line Repairer

193.	Pitman

194.	Plaster Machine Tender

195.	Playground Equipment Erector

196.	Plowman

197.	Plug Drill Operator

198.	Pneumatic Riveter

199.	Pole Setter

200.	Post Framer

201.	Pourer

202.	Powder Loader

203.	Power Washer

204.	Precast Concrete Products Installer

205.	Pressure Washer

206.	Puddler

207.	Pumper Helper

208.	Punch Out Crew Member

209.	Rail Layer

210.	Rail Setter

211.	Right-of-Way Clearer

212.	Right-of-Way Cutter

213.	Right-of-Way Man

214.	Right-of-Way Worker

215.	Riprap Man

216.	Riprap Worker

217.	Rivet Flunky

218.	Riveter

219.	Rock Worker

220.	Rockman

221.	Rod Placer

222.	Rod Puller

223.	Roughneck

224.	Roustabout

225.	Rubble Placer

226.	Sand Blaster

227.	Sand Hog

228.	Sandblast Operator

229.	Sandblaster

230.	Scoop Filler

231.	Screed Person

232.	Screedman

233.	Screedman/Laborer

234.	Service Line Layer

235.	Sewer Builder

236.	Sewer Digger

237.	Sewer Repairer

238.	Shoveler

239.	Sidewalk Repairer

240.	Signaler

241.	Skill Labor

242.	Skilled Laborer

243.	Skip Tender

244.	Sledger

245.	Slip Dumper

246.	Slip Filler

247.	Slip Injector and Applicator

248.	Slipman

249.	Snow Fence Erector

250.	Sounder

251.	Sprayer

252.	Steam Cleaning Machine Operator

253.	Steel Layer

254.	Steel Placer

255.	Steel Post Installer

256.	Stone Breaker

257.	Straightedge Man

258.	Straightedge Worker

259.	Straw Boss

260.	Stripe Marker

261.	Swimming Pool Installer and Servicer

262.	Tagman

263.	Tamper

264.	Tar Kettle Runner

265.	Tar Man

266.	Tar Pot Man

267.	Tar Pot Worker

268.	Tar Worker

269.	Track Repair Laborer

270.	Tuckpointer, Cleaner, Caulker

271.	Tunnel Man

272.	Tunnel Worker

273.	Turntable Man

274.	Turntable Worker

275.	Union Laborer

276.	Venetian Blind Installer

277.	Vibrator Operator

278.	Wagon Winder

279.	Wall Cleaner

280.	Wall Scraper

281.	Wall Steamer

282.	Wall Washer

283.	Wallpaper Cleaner

284.	Wallpaper Scraper

285.	Water Proofer

286.	Well Cleaner

287.	Whitewasher

Job Tasks

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

	Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards. Clean work sites.

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

	Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities. Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.

	Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools, distributing them to the appropriate locations, according to project plans or specifications. Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction. Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.

	Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed. Measure work site dimensions. Mark reference points on construction materials.

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

	Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments. Test air quality at work sites.

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

	Mix ingredients to create compounds for covering or cleaning surfaces. Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.

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

	Mix, pour, or spread concrete, using portable cement mixers. Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities. Pour materials into or on designated areas. Spread concrete or other aggregate mixtures.

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

	Provide assistance to craft workers, such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons. Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel.

	Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools. Clean equipment or facilities. Maintain construction tools or equipment.

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

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

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

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

	Spray materials such as water, sand, steam, vinyl, paint, or stucco through hoses to clean, coat, or seal surfaces. Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities. Apply paint to surfaces. Apply sealants or other protective coatings.

	Apply caulking compounds by hand or caulking guns to protect against entry of water or air. Apply sealants or other protective coatings.

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

	Mop, brush, or spread paints, cleaning solutions, or other compounds over surfaces to clean them or to provide protection. Clean surfaces in preparation for work activities. Apply paint to surfaces.

	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. Install green structural components, equipment or systems.

	Operate jackhammers or drills to break up concrete or pavement. Break up rock, asphalt, or concrete.

	Identify, pack, or transport hazardous or radioactive materials. Prepare hazardous waste for processing or disposal.

	Raze buildings or salvage useful materials. Remove worn, damaged or outdated materials from work areas.

	Place, consolidate, or protect case-in-place concrete or masonry structures. Protect structures or surfaces near work areas to avoid damage. Install masonry materials.

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

	Perform construction laborer duties at green building sites, such as renewable energy plants or wind turbine installations. Install green structural components, equipment or systems.

	Transport or set explosives for tunnel, shaft, or road construction. Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed. Prepare explosives for detonation.

	Use computers or other input devices to control robotic pipe cutters or cleaners. Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Construction Laborers and Helpers
	Construction laborers and helpers perform many tasks that require physical labor on construction sites.

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Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Construction Laborers and Helpers
	Most construction laborers and helpers work full time and do physically demanding work. Some work at great heights or outdoors in all weather conditions. Construction laborers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.

	Read More >>

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Interesting Fact

The average work commute in the U.S. is 25.5 minutes each way.

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