ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Excavation Laborer Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

MEI Industrial Solutions

General Laborer

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

As a General Laborer you should have mechanical aptitude and desire to learn new skills and perform ... excavator, and skid steer. · Ability to communicate and work closely with co-workers and ...

New

South Kingstown, Town of (RI)

$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 ...

Hartford Paving Corp

Equipment Operator

Johnston, RI · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

Equipment OperatorWe are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, & hardworking laborer to join our ... Maintains and operate heavy equipment to perform excavation tasks as instructed.Greases machines on ...

Hartford Paving Corp

Equipment Operator

Johnston, RI · On-site

$38 - $40/hr

Equipment Operator We are looking for a reliable, enthusiastic, & hardworking laborer to join our ... Maintains and operate heavy equipment to perform excavation tasks as instructed. * Greases machines ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsExcavation Laborer JobsExcavation Laborer Jobs in Rhode Island

Excavation Laborer information

See Rhode Island salary details

$10

$22

$31

How much do excavation laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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.

More about Excavation Laborer jobs

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:

Excavation Laborer jobs near you
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

North Kingstown, RI • On-site

MEI Industrial Solutions

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about MEI Industrial Solutionsexternal

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Position Summary:

As a General Laborer you should have mechanical aptitude and desire to learn new skills and perform hands on tasks to assist with concrete services, rigging, and various operational functions in the field. Responsibilities will include designing and building forms, digging out or breaking up old concrete, pouring concrete, and spreading and smoothing concrete with various relevant tools to meet project specifications.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

· Build and install forms.

· Pouring and finishing concrete

· Tie in rebar to strengthen the concrete.

· Pour and level the concrete, screed, bull float, finish concrete using trowel and power trowel.

· Site work.

· Other tasks as assigned.

· 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.

· Select gear such as cables, pulleys, and winches, according to load weights and sizes, facilities, and work schedules.

· Control movement of heavy equipment through narrow openings or confined spaces, using chain falls, gin poles, gallows frames, and other equipment.

· Tilt, dip, and turn suspended loads to maneuver over, under, and/or around obstacles, using multi-point suspension techniques.

· Align, level, and anchor machinery.

· Manipulate rigging lines, hoists, and pulling gear to move or support materials such as heavy equipment.

· Attach pulleys and blocks to fixed overhead structures such as beams, ceilings, using bolts and clamps.

· Dismantle and store rigging equipment after use.

· Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles.

· Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles


Qualifications (Experience, Skills, and Education):

· High school diploma or G.E.D. preferred or industry related experience.

· Must be 18 years of age.

· Ability to lift 50lbs or 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.

· Well-developed safety skills

· Strong precision skills, as a concrete laborer must be able to mix, pour, and spread concrete in the proper proportion.

· Embraces our Values, Vision, Mission, and Company Culture

· Organizational, detail oriented and multi-tasking skills

· Demonstrated ability to work under deadlines and timeframes effectively with a customer service demeanor.


Preferred Skills

· General labor experience preferred; commercial construction and/or concrete laborer experience is a plus.

· Experience using hand and power tools; previous e

What MEI Industrial Solutions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply