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What Is an Excavation Laborer and How to Become One

Excavation Laborer

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.

How to Become an Excavation Laborer

To become an excavation laborer, you do not necessarily need a specific degree or license. Construction laborers and helpers typically learn through on-the-job training. At most, you need a GED certificate or high school diploma for this job. For machine operation, your employer may require certification or specific licensure. Removing hazardous materials from a job site often requires special training and licensing, and requirements vary by state. Overall physical health and stamina are crucial in excavation laborer roles, and color vision is also vital for safety with the machinery that you use to clean, remove, and transport debris or other material from a construction site.