Job Family

Construction and Extraction

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The Construction and Extraction job family encompasses a wide range of roles focused on building, repairing, and extracting resources from the earth. This sector is crucial for infrastructure development and natural resource management, offering various opportunities for job seekers interested in hands-on work and project management.

Roles in the Construction and Extraction Job Family

  • Construction Laborers: Perform physical tasks on construction sites, including digging, lifting, and cleaning.
  • Carpenters: Construct, install, and repair structures made of wood and other materials.
  • Electricians: Install and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
  • Heavy Equipment Operators: Operate machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, and excavators to move materials and complete construction tasks.
  • Mining Engineers: Design and develop mines, ensuring efficient extraction of minerals while minimizing environmental impact.
  • Surveyors: Measure land and assess construction sites to provide accurate data for building projects.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities and Required Skills

Typical responsibilities vary by role but often include:

  • Reading blueprints and project plans to understand specifications.
  • Collaborating with team members to ensure safety and efficiency on-site.
  • Maintaining tools and equipment to ensure they are in good working condition.
  • Conducting inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes.

Key skills required in this job family include:

  • Technical skills: Proficiency in using tools and machinery relevant to the specific role.
  • Problem-solving abilities: Quickly addressing issues that arise during construction or extraction.
  • Physical stamina: Ability to perform manual labor and work in various weather conditions.

Education requirements can range from a high school diploma for entry-level positions to specialized training or degrees for roles like engineering or surveying.

Growth Potential in the Industry

The construction and extraction sectors are expected to grow significantly, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and resource demands. Job seekers can advance by:

  • Gaining certifications in specialized skills (e.g., welding, electrical work).
  • Pursuing further education in areas such as construction management or civil engineering.
  • Taking on supervisory roles or project management positions as experience is gained.

With the right skills and dedication, a career in the Construction and Extraction job family can be both rewarding and lucrative.

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Careers in Construction and Extraction

61 occupations

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades & Extraction Workers
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Solar Energy Installation Managers
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Boilermakers
Brickmasons & Blockmasons
Stonemasons
Carpenters
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Carpet Installers
Floor Layers
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Floor Sanders & Finishers
Tile & Stone Setters
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Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers
Terrazzo Workers & Finishers
Construction Laborers
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Paving, Surfacing, & Tamping Equipment Operators
Pile Driver Operators
Operating Engineers & Other Construction Equipment Operators
Drywall & Ceiling Tile Installers
Tapers
Electricians
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Glaziers
Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, & Wall
Insulation Workers, Mechanical
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Painters, Construction & Maintenance
Paperhangers
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Pipelayers
Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters
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Solar Thermal Installers & Technicians
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Plasterers & Stucco Masons
Reinforcing Iron & Rebar Workers
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Roofers
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Sheet Metal Workers
Structural Iron & Steel Workers
Solar Photovoltaic Installers
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Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, & Tile & Marble Setters
Helpers--Carpenters
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Helpers--Electricians
Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, & Stucco Masons
Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters
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Helpers--Roofers
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Construction & Building Inspectors
Energy Auditors
Elevator & Escalator Installers & Repairers
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Fence Erectors
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Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Highway Maintenance Workers
Rail-Track Laying & Maintenance Equipment Operators
Septic Tank Servicers & Sewer Pipe Cleaners
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Segmental Pavers
Weatherization Installers & Technicians
Derrick Operators, Oil & Gas
Rotary Drill Operators, Oil & Gas
Service Unit Operators, Oil & Gas
Excavating & Loading Machine & Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Earth Drillers
Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, & Blasters
Continuous Mining Machine Operators
Roof Bolters, Mining
Loading & Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Rock Splitters, Quarry
Roustabouts, Oil & Gas
Helpers--Extraction Workers