Construction Laborers

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials, such as asphalt.84
• Lubricate, clean, or repair machinery, equipment, or tools.81
• Signal equipment operators to facilitate alignment, movement, or adjustment of machinery, equipment, or materials.80
• Position, join, align, or seal structural components, such as concrete wall sections or pipes.76
• 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.75
• Control traffic passing near, in, or around work zones.74
• Install sewer, water, or storm drain pipes, using pipe-laying machinery or laser guidance equipment.74
• Read plans, instructions, or specifications to determine work activities.73
• Operate or maintain air monitoring or other sampling devices in confined or hazardous environments.73
• Smooth or finish freshly poured cement or concrete, using floats, trowels, screeds, or powered cement finishing tools.73
• Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas where construction work will be performed.72
• Clean or prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.72

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Speaking56

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Active Listening53

  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.

• Coordination53

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Operation and Control53

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring50

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Complex Problem Solving44

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Critical Thinking44

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Reading Comprehension44

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• Equipment Selection41

  Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Monitoring41

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Social Perceptiveness41

  Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Equipment Maintenance38

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Building and Construction75

  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 Security54

  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.

• Mechanical51

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Customer and Personal Service45

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Education and Training34

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Administration and Management32

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Design31

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Mathematics30

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Engineering and Technology27

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• English Language27

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Production and Processing23

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

• Transportation21

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Manual Dexterity72

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Static Strength69

  The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

• Multilimb Coordination66

  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 Steadiness63

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Control Precision56

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Near Vision56

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Comprehension56

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Oral Expression56

  The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

• Problem Sensitivity56

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Trunk Strength56

  The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.

• Dynamic Strength53

  The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.

• Extent Flexibility53

  The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials94

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

• Getting Information85

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

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings85

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Controlling Machines and Processes84

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events80

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

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems79

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work79

  Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

• Handling and Moving Objects77

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment77

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment75

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

• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge74

  Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People73

  Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability73

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Perseverance58

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Cautiousness50

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Stress Tolerance49

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Attention to Detail42

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Cooperation40

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Integrity32

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Self-Control28

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Achievement Orientation27

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Adaptability24

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Optimism20

  A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

• Self-Confidence19

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  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.

• Conventional44

  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.

• Investigative28

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic6

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising6

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social4

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day97%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day81%
  • Once a week or more but not every day19%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day81%
  • Once a month or more but not every week19%

• Spend Time Standing

  • Continually or almost continually68%
  • More than half the time29%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others58%
  • Contact with others most of the time38%

• Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

  • Once a week or more but not every day19%
  • Once a year or more but not every month16%

• Telephone Conversations

  • Every day42%
  • Once a week or more but not every day53%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Once a year or more but not every month16%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • About half the time16%
  • Less than half the time16%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Very important46%
  • Important19%

• Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

  • Every day49%
  • Once a week or more but not every day32%
  • Once a year or more but not every month19%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• 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

• Computer aided design CAD software

  Autodesk Revit

• Project management software

  Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• American Subcontractors Association
• Associated Builders and Contractors
• Associated General Contractors of America
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
• Laborers' International Union of North America
• LIUNA Training and Education Fund
• National Center for Construction Education and Research

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Cement Masons, Concrete Finishers, and Terrazzo Workers
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Structural Iron and Steel Workers
• Brickmasons, blockmasons, stonemasons, and reinforcing iron and rebar workers
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Helpers, Construction Trades
• Carpenters
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
• Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Insulation Workers
• Crushing, Grinding, Polishing, Mixing, and Blending Workers
• Sheet Metal Workers
• Machine Feeders and Offbearers
• Miscellaneous construction workers, including solar photovoltaic installers, septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners
• Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• 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.
• Position structural components.
• Install green structural components, equipment or systems.
• Direct vehicle traffic.
• Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
• Finish concrete surfaces.
• Test air quality at work sites.
• Clean work sites.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Construction Craft Laborer
• Maintenance Tech Municipal
• Maintenance Technician
• Pointer, Cleaner, Caulker
• Pool Installer Technician
• Tuckpointer, Cleaner, Caulker