The duties and responsibilities of a laborer are all geared toward maintaining a clean, safe and efficient construction site while also supporting the overall project. The list of duties and responsibilities for a laborer on any given day may include the following: Cleaning and preparing construction sites. Loading and unloading materials and equipment. Building and taking down scaffolding and temporary structures. Digging trenches, compacting earth and backfilling holes. Light operating, and tending machinery and equipment. Following instructions from supervisors and implementing construction plans. Assisting skilled tradespeople in their duties. Operating a tractor ( after proper training)