Construction Laborers
What is a Construction Laborer?
Construction laborers are essential workers in the building and construction industries, contributing to the physical work of constructing, renovating, and maintaining structures. Their tasks often involve a variety of duties, including loading and unloading materials, assisting skilled tradespeople, operating machinery, and performing basic construction tasks such as digging trenches, erecting scaffolding, and handling tools and equipment. These workers play a crucial role in ensuring that construction sites are safe and efficient, maintaining the workflow of construction projects from beginning to end. Construction laborers must be physically fit and capable of handling heavy materials, as the work often requires bending, lifting, and standing for extended periods. Laborers may also need to follow safety protocols and guidelines, as construction sites can be hazardous. Opportunities for on-the-job training are common, allowing individuals to gain experience and possibly advance to specialized roles within the construction industry.
Tasks
- 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.
- Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.
- Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.
- Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.
Technology Skills
-
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
-
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
-
Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
-
Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
-
Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Power saws
- Manlift or personnel lift
- Levels
- Water trucks
- Vacuum cleaners
Knowledge
-
Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
-
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
-
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
-
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
-
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
-
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Abilities
-
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
-
Static Strength
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
-
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
-
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
-
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Less than high school diploma
Work Activities
-
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
-
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess 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.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate pumps or compressors.
- Clean equipment or facilities.
- Maintain construction tools or equipment.
- Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning.
- Install plumbing or piping.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$31510.0 - $76010.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years and will have large numbers of openings.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.