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Excavation Laborer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

General Laborer

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Ability to operate equipment such as jackhammer, laser level, mini-excavator, and skid steer ... Manual labor experience preferred; commercial construction and/or concrete laborer experience is a ...

Experience in environmental remediation, demolition, excavation, dredging, utility work, or landfill cap and closure projects. * General labor and environmental labor experience on construction sites.

New

Experience in environmental remediation, demolition, excavation, dredging, utility work, or landfill cap and closure projects. * General labor and environmental labor experience on construction sites.

New

Be Seen First

General handtool labor: assisting the excavator in shaping a hole, raking and shoveling around work site * Reading grades, elevations, and layout * General construction, site work, and cleanup

New

Be Seen First

General handtool labor: assisting the excavator in shaping a hole, raking and shoveling around work site * Reading grades, elevations, and layout * General construction, site work, and cleanup

New

$54K - $58K/yr

... manual labor for extended periods of time under sometimes unfavorable weather conditions when ... Bulldozer or track loader to level, spread and excavate materials Mechanical street sweeper Road ...

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Excavation Laborer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10

$22

$31

How much do excavation laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for excavation laborer in Rhode Island is $22.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an excavation laborer?

Excavation laborers are workers who assist in digging, moving, and preparing earth or soil for construction projects, such as building foundations, roads, or utility installations. Their responsibilities often include operating hand and power tools, setting up safety barriers, and helping to load or unload materials. They work closely with equipment operators and other construction professionals to ensure that excavation tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Physical fitness and attention to safety protocols are important in this role.

What does an excavation laborer do?

An excavation laborer works on a construction site running heavy machinery and performing manual labor to prepare the job site. You clean the work area and remove debris, transport material to and from the site, operate machines and trucks, and execute tasks as part of a team. As an excavation laborer, your duties span site preparation like digging trenches, grading, drilling, excavating for water features or sewers, hauling dirt and other discarded materials, and transporting equipment and crew members. Responsibilities vary widely based on the job site and project, but you generally work outside and in a variety of weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an excavation laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Excavation Laborer, you need a solid understanding of construction site safety, physical stamina, and basic knowledge of excavation techniques, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating heavy equipment, using tools like shovels and jackhammers, and OSHA safety certifications are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and reliability help individuals excel in this physically demanding role. These skills are vital to ensure safe, efficient excavation work and to maintain project timelines and site safety standards.

What are some common challenges faced by excavation laborers on a typical job site?

Excavation Laborers often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment safely, and navigating uneven or hazardous terrain. Coordinating with equipment operators and other construction team members requires clear communication to prevent accidents and ensure projects stay on schedule. Adapting to changing site conditions and maintaining awareness of underground utilities are also key parts of the role. Safety training and teamwork are essential to successfully overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Excavation Laborer vs Construction Laborer?

AspectExcavation LaborerConstruction Laborer
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operationOSHA safety training, general construction skills
Work EnvironmentUnderground, outdoor, excavation sitesVarious construction sites, including buildings and infrastructure
Job DutiesDigging, trenching, site preparationMaterial handling, site cleanup, assisting trades

Excavation Laborers focus on digging and preparing sites for construction, often working with heavy machinery in outdoor, underground environments. Construction Laborers perform a broader range of tasks across different construction projects. While both roles require safety training and physical stamina, excavation laborers specialize in excavation-related tasks, making their skills more specific to site preparation and earthmoving.

What are popular job titles related to Excavation Laborer jobs in Rhode Island?

For Excavation Laborer jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Excavation Laborer jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Excavation Laborer jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Excavation Laborer jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Excavation Laborer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Excavation Laborer jobs in RI?

For Excavation Laborer jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Excavation Laborer job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,613 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

General Laborer

MEI Industrial Solutions

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


MEI Industrial Solutions rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Summary:

A General Laborer performs a variety of duties involving physical labor or manual tasks to support job site requirements and/or work projects. A General Laborer will use a variety of hand or power tools, clean or prepare job sites, set bracing, erect scaffolding, or remove rubble, debris, or unwanted materials. May assist with concrete setting or services, rigging, and various operational functions in the field. 


Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Build and install formsfor framing, concrete, ortobrace /supportitemsbeing readied for transport.
  • Spot, signal,or verbally direct workers engaged in hoisting and moving loads, in order to ensure safety of workers and materials.
  • Test rigging to ensure safety and reliability.
  • Attach loads to rigging to provide support or prepare them for moving, using hand and power tools. 
  • Selectthe appropriategear such as cables, pulleys,orwinches, according to load weights and sizes,job or site restrictions,or assignedwork. 
  • May assist with the controlledmovement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces.
  • Clean or prepare work sites per job specifications or as directed.
  • Assist with the control oftraffic (vehicle andpeople) on or nearwork areas.
  • Load, unload, or identify materials, machinery, equipment or tools,anddistribute to appropriate crewsor projects.Appropriately account for tools and/or equipment return.
  • Erect or dismantle scaffolding,shoring, braces, barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.
  • May assistwith the alignment, leveling, or anchoringmachinery.
  • Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gearas directedto move or support materials such as heavy equipment. 
  • Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures such as beamsorceilings.
  • Dismantle, clean,and store rigging equipment after use.
  • May operate motorizedvehicles,mechanizeddevices, orequipment(some equipment requires certification to operate).
  • Assist craft workerswith carpentry, fabrication,or material handling tasks as requested or directed.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned or necessary. Tasks may vary fromjob site to job site. 


Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):

  • High school diploma orequivalentpreferred,or industry related experience.
  • Must be 18 years of ageor older.
  • Ability to liftand/or move50poundsor more.
  • Ability to operate equipment such as jackhammer, laser level, mini-excavator, and skid steer.
  • Ability to communicate and work closely with co-workers and contractors.
  • Learn, know and follow all safety requirements.
  • Embraces our Values, Vision, Mission, and Company Culture.
  • Must be organized,detail oriented,andableto perform a variety of tasks.
  • Demonstrated ability to work under deadlines and timeframes effectively with a customer service demeanor.
  • Demonstrate a mechanical aptitude; understandtooluse andidentify needed equipment.
  • Be willing to take direction fromvarious leadership, use time efficiently,and desire to learn new skills.

Preferred Skills

  • Manual labor experience preferred; commercial construction and/or concrete laborer experience is a plus.
  • Experience using hand and power tools; previous experience using forklifts and other construction experience is a plus
  • Punctuality, dependability, and strong work ethic are an absolute must.
  • Be willing to trainothersas needed.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

This is a very physical, hands-on position. The General Laborer will perform General Physical Activities — physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving your whole body such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, or stooping. Will lift and/or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Work may be performed in a non-climate-controlled environment with exposure to high noise or low-lit areas. Work outdoors with exposure to inclement weather or traversing uneven terrain.


Additional Requirements:

Work with a Top-of-Mind Awareness for the safety of yourself and everyone at the job site. Must be able to work in a high functioning team environment. Display the highest levels of honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Take pride in your work and in the company. Communicate openly and strive for peak performance in daily tasks. Know and deliver the quality service MEI’s customers have come to expect.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to summarize the type and level of work performed by a General Laborer and is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and/or requirements. MEI reserves the right to change or modify this job description or the essential duties of the job, as necessary.


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