Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Gravel Shoveler Assistant

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hardworking, physically capable individual ready to be the backbone of our construction and landscaping projects? We are actively seeking a dedicated Gravel Shoveler Assistant to join our dynamic team. In this essential, hands-on role, you will be responsible for a wide range of manual tasks that are critical to project success, from site preparation and material handling to assisting skilled tradespeople. If you thrive in an active, outdoor environment and take pride in seeing a project come to life from the ground up, we want to hear from you. This is more than just a job; it's a chance to build a solid foundation for a successful career in the construction industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer / Construction Helper
Warehouse Associate
Recent High School or Trade School Graduate

Advancement To:

Equipment Operator (Skid Steer, Compactor, etc.)
Construction Crew Leader or Foreman
Site Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

Concrete Finisher Assistant
Landscaping Crew Member
Asphalt Paving Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Load and unload gravel, sand, asphalt, and other aggregate materials from dump trucks and stockpiles, ensuring efficient and safe material handling.
Utilize shovels, rakes, and lutes to manually spread and level gravel and other base materials for driveways, pathways, foundations, and drainage systems.
Assist senior crew members in the precise grading of surfaces to meet project specifications, ensuring proper slope for water drainage and a stable base for paving or construction.
Operate small-engine power equipment such as plate compactors, jumping jacks, and power tampers to compact gravel, soil, and asphalt, creating a firm and durable surface.
Perform comprehensive site preparation duties, including clearing debris, rocks, vegetation, and other obstructions from the work area prior to material application.
Dig trenches for utilities or drainage and assist with backfilling and compaction operations using shovels and other hand tools as directed by the site supervisor.
Provide crucial support to heavy equipment operators by acting as a spotter, using hand signals to guide machinery movement safely and prevent accidents in congested areas.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site by sweeping loose materials, collecting and disposing of refuse, and properly storing tools and equipment at the end of each shift.
Perform routine cleaning and basic preventative maintenance on hand tools, power tools, and small equipment to ensure they remain in good working condition and are ready for use.
Adhere strictly to all company and OSHA safety protocols, including the consistent and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and high-visibility vests.
Assist in the setup and teardown of work zones, including the strategic placement of traffic cones, barricades, and warning signs to ensure public and crew safety.
Mix, pour, and help spread other materials like concrete or cold-patch asphalt under supervision, contributing to various repair and installation tasks.
Transport materials and tools across large job sites using wheelbarrows, hand trucks, or by carrying them, ensuring timely delivery to specific work areas.
Monitor the quality of materials being used, identifying and immediately reporting any inconsistencies, contamination, or substandard products to the crew leader.
Support final landscaping efforts by spreading topsoil, mulch, or decorative stone as part of the project finishing touches, requiring a keen eye for detail.
Assist skilled tradespeople, such as masons or pipefitters, by fetching tools, holding materials, and performing other general support tasks as needed.
Conduct water control tasks on site, which may include setting up water pumps, digging temporary drainage swales, or bailing water to keep the work area dry and workable.
Actively participate in daily safety briefings and "toolbox talks" to stay informed about potential site-specific hazards and safety procedures for the day's tasks.
Communicate clearly and effectively with crew members and supervisors to coordinate tasks, report progress, and ask clarifying questions to ensure work is completed correctly.
Perform strenuous physical labor in a variety of challenging outdoor weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and direct sunlight, for extended periods.
Check and maintain fluid levels, such as gas and oil, for small-engine equipment to ensure uninterrupted operation throughout the workday.

Secondary Functions

Assist with weekly inventory checks of consumable materials and tools.
Contribute to site efficiency by suggesting improvements in workflow or material staging.
Collaborate with other trade crews (e.g., electricians, plumbers) to ensure a smooth, coordinated workflow.
Participate in daily huddles and planning meetings to understand the day's objectives and priorities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Hand Tool Proficiency: Mastery of shovels, rakes, pickaxes, wheelbarrows, and other manual implements.
Power Tool Operation: Basic experience operating plate compactors, power tampers, concrete saws, and other small construction equipment.
Job Site Safety: Strong knowledge of construction safety procedures. An OSHA 10 certification is highly preferred.
Material Handling: Skill in safely and efficiently loading, unloading, and moving heavy and bulky materials.
Basic Measurement Skills: Ability to use a tape measure and assist in basic site layout and measurement tasks.
Grade Recognition: Ability to understand and work with grade stakes and level indicators for site preparation.

Soft Skills

Physical Stamina & Strength: Ability to lift over 50 lbs repeatedly and perform physically demanding tasks for 8-10 hours per day.
Strong Work Ethic & Reliability: Punctual, dependable, and committed to completing tasks with a positive attitude.
Teamwork & Collaboration: Works well with others, actively supporting crew members to achieve common goals.
Effective Communication: Ability to listen to, understand, and follow verbal instructions precisely and ask questions when necessary.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous in spreading materials evenly, cleaning the site, and ensuring quality in all tasks performed.
Adaptability: Capable of working effectively in changing weather conditions and adapting to shifting project priorities.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or trade school in a construction-related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Construction Trades
General Labor Studies

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of experience in a related field.

Preferred: 1+ year of verifiable experience working in general construction, roadwork, paving, or landscaping is highly desirable. A demonstrated history of safe work practices is a significant plus.