Construction Worker

Position Title

Construction Worker

Alternate Titles

Construction Laborer, Equipment Operator, Rigger

Job Description

Many different construction workers are necessary during the construction, operation, and maintenance of hydropower plants. Different types of construction workers include: heavy equipment operators, vegetation maintenance workers, and many more.

Education and Training Description

While no formal education is required for some construction jobs, some employers or more specialized construction jobs do require a high school diploma and/or relevant vocational coursework or work experience.

Construction workers typically receive on-the-job training and work under more experienced construction workers. Construction workers can also enter the field through apprenticeship programs.

The Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) offers apprenticeship programs and certifications that can train construction workers to specialize in certain fields (such as masonry, landscaping, pipeline construction, environmental remediation, etc.) or help workers advance to positions that involve more complex tasks. Examples of more complex tasks include: welding, erecting scaffolding, operating heavy machinery like cranes, or finishing concrete. After gaining experience as a helper or in a supportive role, a construction worker can move into a craft occupation. For example, being a carpenter’s helper could lead to a carpentry apprenticeship.

Job Profile

Construction workers perform a wide variety of tasks in the construction, operation, and maintenance of hydropower plants. Construction workers help build and maintain hydropower infrastructure by performing physical labor, operating construction and heavy machinery (such as cranes and excavators), and assisting craftworkers to complete more complex construction-related tasks. Construction workers help craftworkers (such as electricians, carpenters, painters, pipelayers, etc.) by setting up necessary equipment, assisting the craftworker in completing the job, taking down equipment, cleaning up the site, and helping with any other craftworker needs. 

Construction laborers and helpers typically do the following:

• Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris and possible hazards
• Repair, resurface, or build roads for construction projects
• Load or unload building materials to be used in construction
• Build or take apart bracing, scaffolding, and temporary structures
• Dig trenches, backfill holes, or compact earth to prepare for construction
• Operate and maintain equipment and machines used in construction
• Operate heavy machinery or rig loads to be lifted by heavy machinery
• Follow construction plans, specifications, and instructions from supervisors or more experienced workers
• Assist craftworkers with their duties.

Job Skills

• Color vision. Construction workers may need to be able to distinguish colors to do their job. For example, an electrician’s helper must be able to distinguish different colors of wire to help the lead electrician.
• Math skills. Construction workers need to perform basic math calculations while measuring on job sites or assisting a surveying crew.
• Mechanical skills. Construction workers are frequently required to operate and maintain equipment, such as jackhammers.
• Physical stamina. Construction workers must have the endurance to perform strenuous tasks throughout the day. When repairing hydropower dams, for example, workers spend hours on their feet—often in hot temperatures—with few breaks, to repair the issue quickly.
• Physical strength. Construction workers must often lift heavy materials or equipment. For example, cement mason helpers must move cinder blocks, which typically weigh more than 40 pounds each.

More Information

For more information on construction and building inspectors see:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: Construction Laborers and Helpers