What Does a General Laborer Do?

If you’re browsing temporary jobs, you’ll likely come across a lot of positions labeled “general laborer” - this is a common manufacturing job. If you’re curious about what a general laborer does, what education/experience is needed and how to find jobs - read on! This article will cover everything you need to know.

What is a General Laborer?

A general laborer is someone who takes on supporting tasks in a warehouse, construction site or factory. This description is broad because the job is often broad - it can vary depending on the job. Below, you’ll find most of the typical responsibilities that a general laborer is tasked with.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of a general laborer can include the following:

• Loading and unloading materials
• Transporting materials or tools across a site
• Digging trenches
• Cleaning job sites of debris and clutter
• Operating equipment - most jobs will offer on-the-job training
• Handling hazardous materials - if you are tasked with handling hazardous materials, most jobs will offer and require specialized training
• Following instructions and assisting as directed

Do You Have to Have a GED to be a General Laborer?

In most cases, you will not need a GED to apply for a general laborer position. Instead, skills like stamina, ability to follow directions and ability to work with others are most critical. Likewise, you typically do not need any college education or specialized training to apply for general laborer positions.

The low entry point makes general labor positions an excellent job for those looking to get started with temporary jobs.

Finding a General Laborer Job

Looking for general laborer jobs? Strom hires seasonal, temporary, and long-term employees for top companies in manufacturing. 

Strom Engineering is a national staffing and recruitment agency, with a particular focus on manufacturing, engineering, assembly, and other trade positions. We match skilled candidates to temporary or project staffing positions. Learn more about how it works and check out our case studies for more information.