This post provides detailed information on the general construction laborer job description, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly do, as well as templates employers can use.
It also highlights the major requirements you may be expected to fulfill to be hired for the general construction laborer role.
What Does a General Construction Laborer Do?
The general construction laborer job description entails doing general tasks and maintenance work on a construction site.
It also involves doing all repairs and maintenance work on the building and making sure that all projects are done correctly.
The general construction laborer applies protective coatings to surfaces and painting, scraping, caulking, and repairing damaged areas on the building.
It is also their duty to clean the surface of the building by organizing trash and removing it from site.
Assisting in other outside projects too, such as mowing lawns, setting up scaffolding/towers and using hoists for lifting materials on high places or at great heights is another task they perform.
General construction laborers are expected to be in good physical condition as they have to lift heavy stuff under dangerous conditions sometimes.
This position assists the site carpenter in framing, laying out and aligning the materials during building projects.
Some of their other responsibilities include cutting plywood, insulation board and stock lumber to size, and installing them to complete the construction properly.
While doing their tasks they have to make sure that they follow all safety instructions regarding general construction safety.
The general construction laborer job description also includes operating forklift, tractors, mowers, chainsaws and other heavy machinery or equipment to complete the work.
It also involves operating electric hoists and trailers that are required to load and unload material from trucks or trains.
General construction laborers use mobile or stationary cranes or derricks for lifting building materials on high places for proper installation in the structure of buildings.
They also have to use the hand and power tools to produce sufficient number of carpentry projects.
Applying construction adhesive and sealants, painting, caulking and repairing damaged areas on the building is among their duties as well
General construction laborers use power tools such as electric drills, saws, sanders, chisels, screwdrivers or any other tools that are required for completing their task properly.
They lift heavy things like long boards with a long reach or an electric hoist at a height of 3 feet to 6 feet in order to install them on the structure of building.
General Construction Laborer Job Description Sample/Example/Template
The general construction laborer job description entails the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:
- Repair damaged building structures
- Operate heavy equipment
- Clear blocked storm drains, repair leaky pipes, and remove ice from hoses.
- Repair or replace damaged pavement or sidewalks
- Install fences, signs, and other structures on public property
- Construct barricades to prevent traffic accidents at construction sites
- Clean and maintain grounds to support construction activities
- Dispose of debris and garbage at construction sites
- Detain persons for questioning about public safety issues or disposing of dangerous objects
- Inspect construction sites for damage and water leaks, and report them to off-duty supervisors via telephone or portable radio immediately upon arrival on the property
- Give necessary direction to prevent or stop unsafe conditions or conditions that could cause injury, damage equipment, injure workers or cause property damage
- Provide other related services as required by job assignment under the general supervision of a foreman/supervisor
- Guide and counsel supervisors and workers on safety procedures, work-site hazards and other matters as required
- Operate and maintain equipment in a safe manner to prevent injury to employees, guests, and members of the public
- Maintain proper records of work at all times
- Keep off-duty supervisors informed of your whereabouts at all times during working hours; report your absence to the supervisor immediately upon their return.
General Construction Laborer Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
Here are major requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired for the general construction laborer role:
- Ability to work with others and accept supervision from supervisors and/or managers
- Concentration, physical effort (e.g., climbing, stooping, crouching, kneeling), coordination skills, manual dexterity and endurance as required by specific duties assigned by the employer or supervisor
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both oral and written English
- Must be able to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and maps
- Work in noise-resistant areas and areas of vibration with exposed equipment
- Must be able to lift minimum of 75 pounds of weight without assistance
- Ability to work in hot environments (up to 80 C) or in cold environments (below 5 C) with exposure to rain, sleet, snow or fog
- Work under stressful conditions
- Must be able to work in noisy environments from the noise of power saws, jackhammers, or other construction equipment and machinery
- Ability to work at heights of up to 50 feet or more with scaffolding or lifts as needed when repairs are being made on buildings or equipment.
General construction laborer Job Description Templates
Here are general construction laborer job description templates employers can simply edit and use in their job postings to attract the best talents to their companies:
TEMPLATE 1.
Position Title: General Construction Laborer
Reports To: Construction Foreman / Superintendent / Project Manager
Location: [Your Job Site or Company Location]
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Company Overview
[Your Company Name] is a respected construction company specializing in [residential, commercial, industrial, civil, or specialty trades] projects. We are committed to providing high-quality workmanship, maintaining safe job sites, and supporting professional growth for all employees. Our team values integrity, reliability, teamwork, and strong work ethic.
Position Overview
We are seeking a hardworking, safety-conscious, and dependable General Construction Laborer to join our construction team. The ideal candidate will assist skilled tradespeople, perform physical labor tasks, operate basic tools and equipment, and help maintain a safe and clean job site. This role is vital for supporting daily construction activities and contributing to successful project completion.
Key Responsibilities
Site Preparation & Cleanup
- Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris, loading/unloading materials, and setting up work areas.
- Assist in building temporary structures like scaffolding and barricades.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free job site.
Material Handling
- Deliver materials, tools, and equipment to designated work areas.
- Load and unload building materials from trucks or storage areas.
- Move heavy items using manual or mechanical methods.
Labor Support
- Assist carpenters, masons, electricians, plumbers, and other skilled trades as needed.
- Dig trenches, backfill holes, and compact earth.
- Mix, pour, or spread concrete and other construction materials.
- Perform demolition tasks such as removing walls, flooring, or fixtures.
Tool & Equipment Operation
- Safely operate basic hand tools (hammers, saws, drills, shovels) and power tools under supervision.
- Operate equipment such as wheelbarrows, compactors, or forklifts (if certified).
- Inspect tools and equipment regularly and report damages or malfunctions.
Safety Compliance
- Follow all OSHA safety regulations and company safety policies.
- Wear required PPE (hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, boots) at all times on site.
- Report hazards, incidents, or unsafe conditions immediately to supervisors.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with foremen, skilled trades, and other laborers to complete assigned tasks.
- Communicate clearly and follow instructions from supervisors.
- Support team efforts to meet project timelines and expectations.
Skills & Qualifications
- Previous construction or labor experience preferred but not required.
- Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting 50+ pounds.
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn.
- Basic understanding of construction tools, equipment, and job site safety.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project needs.
- Good communication skills and ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Valid driver’s license may be required depending on project.
Education & Experience Requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred, but not required.
- On-the-job training will be provided.
- OSHA 10 certification is a plus but not required.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer-sponsored work authorization now or in the future.
Work Environment
- Outdoor construction sites with exposure to weather, dust, noise, and heavy equipment.
- Frequent standing, bending, lifting, climbing, and moving materials.
- Work hours may vary depending on project deadlines, including early mornings, overtime, weekends, or travel.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[Your Company Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected category.
Additional Information
- This job description outlines the primary duties but may not include all responsibilities.
- Job duties may be modified based on project size, scope, and company needs.
- Reasonable accommodations can be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities.
- Pre-employment background checks, drug testing, or skills assessments may be required.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume or application to [Insert Email or Job Link].
TEMPLATE 2.
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: Full-Time
About Us
[Your Company Name] is a trusted construction company specializing in [residential/commercial/industrial] projects. We are seeking a hardworking General Construction Laborer to support daily job site operations.
Job Summary
The General Construction Laborer assists skilled trades, performs physical labor tasks, handles materials, and helps maintain a clean and safe job site. This role is essential for supporting project teams and completing construction tasks on schedule.
Key Responsibilities
- Clean and prepare construction sites; remove debris and assist with setup
- Load, unload, and move materials and tools
- Assist carpenters, masons, electricians, and other tradespeople
- Dig trenches, mix or pour concrete, and perform demolition tasks
- Operate hand tools and basic equipment safely
- Follow OSHA and company safety procedures
Qualifications
- Construction or labor experience preferred, not required
- Ability to perform physical work and lift 50+ lbs.
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and willingness to learn
- Basic knowledge of construction tools and safety practices
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions
Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your resume to [Insert Email or Application Link].
General construction laborer Job Description for Resume
If you have worked before in the position of a general construction laborer or are presently working in that role and are writing a new resume or CV, then you can apply the sample general construction laborer job description above in making the Professional Experience part of your resume.
You can highlight the general construction laborer duties and responsibilities from the above job description template in your resume’s Professional Experience.
This will show that you have been successful working as a general construction laborer, which can significantly boost your resume’s effectiveness and increase your chances of being hired, especially if the new job that you are seeking requires someone with some general construction laborer work experience.
(Learn how to make an effective resume applying the Employer-focused Resume Writing Technique)
Conclusion
This post is helpful to individuals interested in the general construction laborer career.
They will be able to learn all they need to know about the general construction laborer duties and responsibilities, and so be able to decide correctly if that is the career they want to get into.
It is also useful to recruiters/employers in making a detailed job description for the general construction laborer position in their companies.
They can apply any of the general construction laborer job description templates provided on this page.
