Construction Laborers
Construction Laborer, Construction Worker, Equipment Operator (EO), Post Framer
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
- 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.
Knowledge
Engineering and Technology
- building and construction
- mechanical
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Skills
Basic Skills
- talking to others
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Hand and Finger Use
- hold or move items with your hands
- keep your arm or hand steady
Controlled Movement
- use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
- quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
Endurance
- exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Physical Strength
- lift, push, pull, or carry
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cooperation
- Integrity
- Stress Tolerance
- Concern for Others
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
Education
Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED or
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed
no high school diploma/GED
usually needed
Job Outlook
Bright
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
Explore More
- Brickmasons & Blockmasons
- Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers
- Excavating & Loading Machine & Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
- Paving, Surfacing, & Tamping Equipment Operators
- Pipelayers
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about construction laborers.