GENERAL LABORER SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: Jun 9, 2025 - The General Laborer performs repetitive yet essential tasks by following broad work instructions and established standards to ensure accuracy and quality. This role requires strong attention to detail, the ability to meet tight deadlines, and adaptability in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment. The laborer supports both independent and team-based efforts to achieve production goals while continuously improving work efficiency.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a General Laborer Resume
- Floor Cleaning
- Material Labeling
- Screen Handling
- Meat Preparation
- Tool Operation
- Equipment Setup
- Product Packaging
- Machine Operation
- Inventory Management
- Safety Inspection
- PPE Compliance
- Safety Awareness
- Instruction Following
- Team Participation
- Work Accuracy
- Task Scheduling
- Issue Reporting
- Site Cleanliness
- Company Representation
- Work Safety


Summary of General Laborer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BA in Environmental Science with 3 years of Experience
- Able to lift, stand and sit for long periods, carry up to 30 lbs, coordinate job orders, read, write and communicate effectively
- Ability to get to work on time daily
- Great time management skills
- Ability to work/communicate well with others
- Experience in a manufacturing/production environment in a private, public, government, or military environment
- Able to work overtime, weekends and holidays as business needs demand
- Able to work rotating shifts- 1st, 2nd, 3rd shift
- Able to work in areas where the environment is hot, cold, humid, dry, dusty, or dirty
2. BA in Industrial Technology with 2 years of Experience
- Previous experience in the aggregate or construction industry
- Knowledge of Best Practices
- Knowledge of general principles and practices of industrial maintenance, construction, or aggregate production
- Must be able to work overtime and extended hours, depending on customer and company demands
- Must be able to work outside in all types of weather conditions and tolerate being exposed to loud noises
- Must have some knowledge of industrial tools, their uses, and maintenance
3. BA in Engineering Technology with 1 year of Experience
- Must be able to self-direct, such as rotating jobs and participation in daily stretches, and complying with break and lunch policy
- Able to lift a maximum of 25 pounds at waist level and 25 pounds from the floor to the waist and push/pull 50 pounds
- Ability to lift 50 pounds consistently throughout the day
- Experience in a manufacturing or warehouse environment
- Ability to work rotating shifts, work any job, and work overtime
4. BA in Environmental Science with 3 years of Experience
- Ability to comprehend and interpret instructions, short correspondence, and memos and ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
- Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, co-workers, and/or supervisors
- Ability to calculate simple figures such as percentages
- Ability to understand and carry out general instructions in standard situations
- Ability to solve problems in standard situations
- Basic skills with Microsoft Office Outlook
- Must have physical abilities, including stooping, standing, walking, and climbing stairs/ladders
- Ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more
5. BA in Construction Management with 4 years of Experience
- Ability to understand and communicate in English (verbal/written)
- Ability to lift a maximum of 50 pounds
- Must be able to understand work directions and communicate effectively with job site foremen, supervisors and fellow employees
- Must be able to work eight (8) to ten (10) hours per day, performing work outdoors in all types of weather, including extreme heat
- Must possess manual dexterity to handle and carry generators, lumber, forms, power and hand tools, and other types of construction materials
- Willingness and ability to perform manual work
- Working experience in a labor-type position
- Ability to continually lift/push/ and pull repeatedly throughout an 8-hour shift
- Experience operating equipment
- Ability to work in all weather conditions throughout the entire shift
6. BA in General Studies with 3 years of Experience
- Experience in running sand machinery and operating hand machinery
- Experience in a similar type of industry
- Comfortable in a Hot, Dusty and Noisy environment
- Ability to frequently lift heavy materials of up to 50 lbs
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work with all levels of employees
- Must be a team player
- Must be self-directed and prepared to take on additional responsibilities when asked
- Willingness to work overtime
- Flexibility to work various schedules
7. BA in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of Experience
- Ability to display good attendance
- Ability to work in various production departments and production lines, processing poultry products
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Able and willing to lift between 40 and 70 lbs
- Ability to stand for long periods
- Ability to work in extreme cold/hot environments
- Able to perform strenuous work in wet/damp environments
- Ability to work overtime and weekends
- Ability to follow the instructions of supervision
- Ability to use knives, scissors, equipment, and other tools
- Must have competent skills using a variety of tools
- Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritize tasks in a self-directed work environment and maintain high levels of productivity without direct supervision
- Able to work in a team environment and take direction
- Able to stand and exert fast-paced mobility for an entire shift
- Able to maintain balance, lift, bend, kneel, stoop, and wipe
8. BA in Safety and Health with 2 years of Experience
- Previous experience in a construction or building materials yard
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds without a mechanical assist
- Mechanical aptitude and strong technical capabilities
- Strong communication and comprehension skills
- Good attendance and punctuality
- Be willing/able to work overtime
- Be able to maintain a safe and clean work environment
9. BA in Agricultural Technology with 1 year of Experience
- Experience using a wide range of hand tools
- Ability to read/write/speak English
- Ability to follow written and oral instructions
- Ability to work as part of a team and as an individual contributor
- Must be able to stand for long periods, and lift to 60 lbs
10. BA in Facilities Management with 5 years of Experience
- Knowledge of methods, tools, and equipment used in construction work is sufficient to carry out detailed work
- Ability to understand and follow verbal directions sufficient to interpret, communicate and carry out verbal assignments, safely, efficiently, and independently
- Possess the ability to perform heavy physical labor sufficient to complete assignments
- Strength and ability necessary to bend, lift, dig, reach and load heavy materials
- Should possess general knowledge of Safety and Health Guidelines
- Must have endurance to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions, such as heat, cold, rain and wind
- Human relations skills are sufficient to maintain good morale and a working relationship with other members of the crew
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to understand survey equipment including the operation of digital level equipment, personal computers and GPS receivers
- Experience with Microsoft Office suite applications such as Excel and Word
- Previous experience as a General Laborer or Student Worker
11. BA in Environmental Health with 4 years of Experience
- Knowledge of different types of flooring is sufficient to determine proper methods of maintenance and appropriate cleaning methods, materials and equipment
- Knowledge of chemical cleaning agents such as ammonia, bleaches, scouring agents and soaps sufficient to appropriately select the agent(s), handle and apply and dispose of safely
- Knowledge of methods, tools and equipment used in maintenance sufficient to use effectively and operate safely and to make minor repairs
- Knowledge and application of basic math - add, subtract, multiply, and divide
- Knowledge of hazardous material/waste handling and disposal
- Knowledge of general janitorial skills
- Knowledge of methods, tools, and equipment used in lawncare and general building maintenance work is sufficient to carry out detailed work directions
- Possess the ability to perform heavy manual labor sufficient to complete assignments
- Capacity to obtain Industrial Powered Truck certification (forklift), Skid steer operator, pesticide and herbicide applicator and various other certifications
- Possess certifications or skills in Boiler Operations, HVAC Maintenance, Machine Shop Trades, Carpentry, Plumbing, Painting, Electricity, and Combustion Engines
- Experience in equipment maintenance and minor equipment repairs
12. BA in Safety and Health with 2 years of Experience
- Willing and able to work any day or shift as we are a 24/7 operation
- Demonstrated attention to detail
- Must be able to repetitively lift to 50 lbs
- Ability to operate a manual/powered pallet jack or lift product
- Working experience in the beverage industry
- Ability to lift at least 50 pounds
- Ability to handle exposure to all temperature changes, high noise levels, and safely work around moving equipment
13. BA in Construction Management with 4 years of Experience
- Working experience in a warehouse
- Ability to read, do basic mathematics, understand and respond to written and verbal instructions in English for safety, work instructions, policies, etc.
- Ability to input data into several WMS computer systems
- Ability to learn to operate powered industrial truck(s), such as stand-up and sit-down forklifts, cherry pickers, pallet jacks, etc, including how to operate and maintain (change battery, recognize common mechanical issues)
- Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of buildings and other structures
- Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
- OSHA knowledge and understanding of safety requirements
- Ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects
- Ability to use abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing
- Ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down
- Ability to quickly move the hand, hand together with arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects
14. BA in Environmental Science with 3 years of Experience
- Have good Mechanical skills/aptitude
- Self-motivated and willing to learn and adapt to a variety of situations
- Good planning skills and attention to detail
- Good communication skills (oral and written)
- Must possess the ability to learn and be trained on new processes/procedures
- Must be able to identify problems and assist in solving
- Ability to work in noisy areas and exposure to heat, cold and dust
- Must wear personal protective equipment while working
- Previous Food Manufacturing experience
15. BA in Environmental Health with 4 years of Experience
- Experience working in a construction or outside environment
- Must be able to follow instructions both verbally and in writing
- Working experience in Manufacturing Precast Concrete
- Must have a safety-first attitude
- Able to work in dust and outside environmental conditions (i.e, rain, wind)
- Standing, walking, and stooping throughout the shift
- Ability to keep up with manufacturing requirements
- Ability to meet the attendance schedule with dependability and consistency
- Ability to use equipment and tools properly and safely
- Ability to lift heavy objects, walk and stand for long periods and perform strenuous physical labor under adverse field conditions
16. BA in Machine Tool Technology with 5 years of Experience
- Ability to read and follow written and verbal instructions
- Ability to accurately read a tape measure
- Ability to communicate problems or needs to departmental supervision
- Ability to lift to 50 pounds from the ground to shoulder height or higher
- Must be physically able to stand for long periods (length of shift) in an open-air environment
- Must have a high awareness of safety at all times
- Must be a person of passion and integrity who has the drive to excel and deliver exceptional results
- Previous experience in a galvanizing position
- Previous experience with hand tools and gauges including impact wrenches, air grinders, drills, taps, oxygen acetylene torches, and mill gauges
- Previous experience operating a bridge crane
- Ability to communicate and interact with coworkers in a positive manner
- Ability to pay attention to detail and follow work instructions
17. BA in Industrial Maintenance with 6 years of Experience
- Be passionate about maintaining a safe work environment
- Must be able to work overtime and weekends
- Must be willing to work the first and second shift
- Must have a good attendance record
- Experience in a packaging or other manufacturing environment
- Possess an understanding that temperatures and volumes of work may vary
- Must be willing to work closely on a day-to-day basis with other production personnel
- Ability to share ideas with others to solve problems of essential importance
- Able to thrive in a cross-functional team environment
- Work with a sense of urgency to reduce the downtime of machines
- Strong verbal communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple requests simultaneously
18. BA in Forestry and Land Management with 5 years of Experience
- Previous general labour experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Basic degree of proficiency in MS Office Suite, Outlook and Internet applications
- Basic analytical, prioritizing, interpersonal, problem-solving, presentation, budgeting, project management (from conception to completion), and planning skills
- Basic verbal and written communication skills (including analysis, interpretation, and reasoning)
- Basic understanding and application of mathematical concepts
- Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with peers and colleagues across the organization, as well as internal and external clients
- Ability to work well autonomously and within a team in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment
- Ability to work with and influence peers and management
- Self-motivated with critical attention to detail, deadlines and reporting
- Possess a mechanical aptitude
- Ability to use a large variety of hand tools and basic knowledge of power tools, forklifts, welding equipment, and cutting torches
19. BA in Electrical Systems with 6 years of Experience
- Must be willing and able, with Company support, to upgrade knowledge and skills to hold relevant PM licenses
- Previous experience working with the installation of tanks
- Knowledge of service station equipment including dispensers and suction systems and fuel handling equipment and related tank gauging
- Physically able to move and handle loads up to 50 lbs
- Able to complete tasks effectively with minimal supervision
- Previous related experience in the construction field
- Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos
- Ability to write correspondence and memos
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed, but uninvolved, written or oral instructions
- Ability to work well with others in a group or one-on-one setting
- Knowledge of Inventory and Order processing systems
- Able to use job-specific computer system for ticketing and two-way radio for communications
20. BA in Industrial Technology with 2 years of Experience
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
- Ability to work with others
- Experience working in a manufacturing environment
- Experience operating a forklift, especially experience operating an industrial forklift
- Ability to work with cutting torches
- Knowledge and ability to operate machinery
- Ability to climb in and out of machines
- Ability to be on feet most of the day
- Must be able to work independently as well as part of a team
- Must have and maintain a clean driving record
21. BA in Environmental Science with 3 years of Experience
- Experience operating heavy equipment
- Able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Willing and able to work overtime and rotate shifts
- Communicate effectively in both verbal and written form
- Prior warehouse/production/equipment service experience
- Ability to operate a manual / powered pallet jack or lift product
- Demonstrated attention to detail
- Ability to obtain Transfer Station/Landfill Operations Certification
- Ability to stand, sit, walk, use hands and fingers, reach, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, climb, balance, taste, and smell
- Must be able to frequently lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/push/pull up to 50 pounds
22. BA in Occupational Safety with 2 years of Experience
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the job (standing for long periods, lifting heavy loads of up to 40 pounds etc.)
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Prior working experience in construction
- Familiarity with power tools and machinery is a plus
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Must be dependable and able to work a rotating Midnight, Afternoon, and Day shift (MAD)
- Ability to use a tape measure and other hand tools
- Must be physically and mentally active and alert
- Working experience in manufacturing
23. BA in General Studies with 3 years of Experience
- Ability to work any shift
- Basic reading, writing, and mathematical skills
- Ability to follow written instructions and procedures
- Must be available to work any shift
- Ability to work within a teamwork environment with regular and predictable attendance
- Ability to operate a pendant control crane
- Ability to operate a forklift
- Ability to read blueprints and standard measurements
- Previous work experience in an industrial environment
24. BA in Safety and Health with 2 years of Experience
- Ability to perform basic math calculations
- Good verbal and written comprehension skills are a must, including communication proficiency in English
- Good mechanical aptitude, ability to read, understand and follow binder guides
- Ability to train and direct crew, self-motivated
- Excellent attendance record and satisfactory job performance
- Excellent safety record and work habits, positive attitude and team player
- Able to work any shift and work overtime
25. BA in Physical Education with 3 years of Experience
- Previous experience in manufacturing
- Previous experience working on truck bodies
- Construction or assembly experience
- Ability to stand for 8+ hours per work shift
- Ability to bend, twist, squat and reach
- Ability to lift up to 75 lbs throughout the work shift
- Ability to work as a team and help motivate others
- Must have an excellent attendance history with a work ethic to match
- Must have the drive to learn several departments and work throughout different areas of the shop
26. BA in Occupational Safety with 2 years of Experience
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test and physical
- Ability to complete work tasks under various adverse weather conditions including heat over 100 degrees, cold, rain, and snow
- Ability to operate equipment in adverse weather conditions and on steep and rough terrains
- Ability to repeatedly walk up and down steep and rough terrain carrying construction materials
- Basic knowledge of welding and using a cutting torch
- Must be a team player who is willing and able to learn
27. BA in Environmental Health with 4 years of Experience
- Experience from a similar environment
- Demonstrated ability to work with broad job-related instructions as duties are straightforward, repetitive and involve different but related processes and methods
- Demonstrated accountability for quality, accuracy and adherence to work instructions with occasional checking
- Demonstrated ability to follow established standards and processes
- Ability to work collaboratively as a team and independently to execute production targets and departmental goals
- Ability to perform manual tasks with a steady hand and strong attention to detail
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Ability to work effectively while making improvements to work more efficiently
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, physically demanding warehouse/assembly environment
28. BA in Heavy Equipment Operation with 3 years of Experience
- Willing and able to work various shifts in a 24/7 operation
- Working conditions require moderate to frequent lifting up to 50 lbs
- Working conditions will be hot/cold environments, inside/outside working conditions, with exposure to cleaning solutions
- Above-average level of mechanical aptitude
- Must be able to climb stairs, work at elevated levels and wear all required personal protective equipment
- Solid record of safety and continuous improvement in an industrial setting
- Ability to read and use a tape measure
- Ability to lift material and place it on the assembly table (up to 75lbs)
- Ability to safely use saws, pneumatic nail guns, and hand tools
- Ability to see and discern when the panel is not built to specifications and to make modifications
- Ability to report to work on time and regularly
- Working experience in rough carpentry