The number of general labor jobs is increasing as a result of the high levels of activity in the manufacturing, logistics, construction, and other industries. Many job seekers will find these positions a fantastic opportunity to make a living. So what exactly is general labor, and how does it differ from skilled labor? While some advanced roles necessitate specialized training, general labor positions typically don’t demand these same conditions. What you should know about working as a general laborer, including wages, general responsibilities, and career prospects, is provided below.
How to get a general labor job
The steps required to obtain a position within the general labor field can differ due to the wide variety of jobs available. Here are the basic steps for becoming a general laborer:
1. Gain high school experience
High school is a great place to learn new things and develop your general job skills. Consider enrolling in a welding, physics, or mechanical drawing class depending on your area of interest. Additionally, taking math classes can benefit your career as a general laborer.
2. Earn your high school diploma
Although there aren’t usually minimum education requirements for general laborer positions, some employers do favor applicants with a high school diploma or GED. To increase your chances of landing a job in this field, finish either.
3. Improve your skills
Spend some time honing your skills in this industry before applying for jobs by practicing them or taking online classes. Particularly if you have specialized skills, you might find it easier to get a job. Here are some common skills for general laborers:
4. Gain experience
You may find it easier to advance in your field as you gain experience. Think about volunteering for a group that specializes in the general labor you’re interested in.
Once you land a job, you’ll probably go through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, which typically lasts a few weeks to a few months. You can increase your knowledge of your craft and sharpen your skills for the future through training and an apprenticeship. Additionally, you can gain experience by learning a particular trade or skill through an apprenticeship program or vocational training course that is not offered by your potential employer.
5. Get certified
To gain experience, you can also become certified as a laborer. Although it is not necessary, a certification can make your resume more appealing to hiring managers by showcasing your skills and credentials. Additionally, obtaining a certification can help you advance in your career. The Certified Construction Manager and National Association of Safety Professionals certifications are a couple of worker credentials.
6. Create a resume and apply for a job
Create a resume that highlights your education, skills, and any experience you have once you’ve found a position you’re interested in. If you lack professional experience, you can still list volunteer work that is pertinent to the position you’re applying for. Use the keywords from the job description and the job posting. Submit your application once you’ve found a job and made a resume specifically for it. A hiring manager might contact you for an interview if they are considering you as a candidate.
What is general labor?
Employees in this profession may work in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments. As a result, the duties of a general laborer will vary depending on their workplace. A general laborer employed in a warehouse, for instance, might be required to move and unload boxes; a general laborer employed on a construction site, might be required to use tools and erect structures; and a landscaper employed in various gardens, might be required to cut grass, plant flowers, or rake leaves.
General labor jobs
Since there are many roles in the general labor field, it is crucial to understand what many of them are and what each job entails. 22 general labor positions are listed below, along with the national average salaries and main responsibilities for each:
Custodians, also known as janitors, are responsible for keeping buildings clean using a variety of techniques, such as sweeping, mopping, picking up trash, and vacuuming. Additionally, they maintain restroom cleanliness and ensure building security by locking doors and windows. Brooms and mops are just a couple of the tools that custodians use to help them with their work.
A packer’s main responsibilities include labeling, packing, and cleaning shipping containers. Packers use their organizational skills and attention to detail to pack items into the correct shipping containers and handle packages with care. Other duties they have include stacking items, adhering to rules, and cleaning shipping containers.
Farm laborers’ main responsibilities include caring for animals and crops by carrying out a variety of tasks. They have duties like fertilizing, plows, inspecting, and picking crops. Additionally, farm laborers run farm equipment, apply fertilizer, and transport vegetation with tractors or wheelbarrows.
Gardeners’ main responsibilities include caring for, designing, cultivating, and maintaining gardens. Trimming trees, mowing lawns, watering plants, weeding gardens and lawns, and maintaining debris-free walkways are among their duties. Gardeners strive to maintain beautiful greenery by maintaining its upkeep.
Primary duties: Production workers operate factory or warehouse equipment. Additionally, they ensure that all the equipment is maintained and prepare materials for distribution. Production personnel do this by inspecting equipment, product parts, and their functionality.
Forklift operators’ main responsibilities include driving industrial trucks that load and unload cargo. Then, these items are moved to a variety of locations, such as loading docks and storage facilities. Forklift operators also stack and count merchandise.
Landscape technicians, also known as groundskeepers, have the primary responsibility of caring for and maintaining outdoor areas like gardens or parks and indoor areas with indoor plants, like greenhouses. They also carry out a variety of gardening duties, such as watering plants, fertilizing lawns, or picking up trash.
Primary responsibilities include loading and unloading boxes onto and from delivery trucks at warehouses. Package handlers lift, push, and handle packages of all weights using their physical strength. They handle packages with care and adhere to company policies using their attention to detail.
Pool technicians’ main responsibilities are to keep public swimming pools clean and safe by cleaning the water and filters and checking the pools for damage. Additionally, they monitor stock records, fix pool lights, report water quality issues, and assess the performance of their staff.
Primary responsibilities: Within a warehouse facility, warehouse workers complete a variety of tasks. They process incoming products, enter data, ship orders, and arrange various stock using their inventory control skills.
Primary duties: Construction workers build various structures on construction sites. Among their other duties, they operate tools and machinery like saws and concrete mills, clear construction sites of debris, unload supplies, assemble scaffolding, and support other workers like painters and contractors.
Maintenance specialists’ main responsibilities include upkeep and repair of machinery, buildings, and equipment. They carry out a variety of tasks using their understanding of building systems, such as fixing electrical systems, doing plumbing work, and maintaining air conditioning systems.
The main responsibilities of irrigation technicians are to install and maintain irrigation systems and associated machinery like pumps and valves. They are responsible for keeping outdoor areas, like parks or gardens, properly hydrated.
A welder’s primary responsibilities include using machinery to combine different materials. They also use their math skills to decipher blueprints and various sketches, plan layouts, test welding surfaces, assemble metal structures, and plan layouts.
Primary responsibilities: Arborists are knowledgeable about different tree species and how to maintain them. They work to maintain their health by pruning and trimming the trees and shrubs. Additionally, arborists design park layouts and are knowledgeable about cable-bracing and various repair methods.
Primary responsibilities: To climb a tree, tree climbers use a variety of tools like climbing hooks and ladders. Once they arrive at their worksite, they use climbing and rigging techniques to cut excess or dead branches and remove branches from power lines.
Crew foremen’s main responsibilities include organizing the efforts of numerous workers to locate water lines and meters that require maintenance or installation. They also prepare staff members for projects, schedule their work, and make sure deadlines and requirements are met.
Carpenters’ main responsibilities include building and installing a range of structures and building materials. Their work may involve constructing kitchen cabinets, bridges, or highways. Throughout their shift, a carpenter uses their physical stamina and manual dexterity to lift and cut various materials.
Installing plumbing systems for sewage, drainage, or potable water purposes is a plumber’s main responsibility. They also interpret blueprints, follow building regulations, and make sure these systems are functioning properly. Installing water heaters, pipe systems, and dishwashers are some of their additional duties.
Industrial electricians’ main responsibilities include installing and maintaining industrial electrical equipment and associated controls. They conduct inspections and follow electrical and safety codes. Industrial electricians must be adept at problem-solving, analysis, and critical thinking in order to perform their duties.
A shop foreman’s primary responsibilities include organizing, planning, and managing shop or plant operations. Additionally, they monitor work progress, place supply orders, and hire new personnel. Shop foremen make sure new hires are properly trained after being hired.
Primary duties: Electrical foremen are electricians with supervisory responsibilities. They supervise personnel, keep an eye on large electrical projects, read blueprints, and guarantee that quality standards are met. Electrical foremen also handle customer relations.
General Labor
FAQ
What is general labor in a warehouse?
When on duty, a “general laborer” typically performs more strenuous, manual labor. For instance, jobs that require no specialized training in the fields of construction, packaging, maintenance, and warehouses are all categorized as general laborer positions.
What are the skills of general worker?
Key Takeaways. Work is the effort put forth by people physically, mentally, and socially to produce goods and services in an economy. It provides the knowledge, resources, and assistance required to transform raw materials into finished goods and services.
What is considered manual labor?
- Tool operation. The use of tools, such as hammers, drills, handsaws, and staplers, is necessary for many general labor jobs.
- Unloading and loading. …
- Following instructions. …
- Forklift operation. …
- Snow removal. …
- Demolition. …
- Debris removal. …
- Communication.
