Job Description

The Dirt Laborer plays a critical role in supporting paving and roadway construction operations by performing a variety of manual labor tasks associated with site preparation, grading, excavation, base installation, utility adjustments, and asphalt paving activities. This position works closely with equipment operators, paving crews, foremen, and supervisors to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards, project specifications, and customer expectations.

The Dirt Laborer is responsible for preparing and maintaining work areas, assisting with the movement and placement of construction materials, supporting grade and slope establishment, performing hand-finishing work, and helping maintain a productive and safe job site environment. The position requires physical stamina, attention to detail, a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in changing outdoor conditions while supporting all phases of paving and site construction projects.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with site preparation activities, including clearing, grading, and general ground preparation for paving and construction projects.
• Perform manual labor associated with earthwork operations, including shoveling, raking, digging, spreading, leveling, and compacting materials.
• Support the establishment and maintenance of proper grades, slopes, elevations, and drainage patterns as directed by supervisors.
• Assist in the placement and preparation of subgrade, aggregate base, and other foundational materials prior to paving operations.
• Remove debris, vegetation, unsuitable materials, and other obstructions from work areas.
• Help identify and mark utilities, structures, and project boundaries as instructed.
• Assist paving crews during asphalt placement activities to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Perform hand work around structures, curb lines, utility castings, drainage structures, and other areas inaccessible to equipment.
• Rake, lute, shovel, and distribute asphalt materials to achieve specified thickness and surface consistency.
• Assist with adjusting manholes, valve boxes, and utility structures to final grade.
• Support compaction activities by preparing surfaces and assisting equipment operators as needed.
• Monitor material placement areas for quality concerns and communicate issues to supervisors.
• Perform routine cleaning, maintenance, and inspection of tools, equipment, and work vehicles. Ensure tools and materials are stored and secured at the end of each shift.
• Report damaged, malfunctioning, or unsafe equipment immediately to supervision.
• Load, unload, transport, and stage construction materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with traffic control setup, including placement and removal of cones, barricades, signs, and other traffic control devices.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work environment throughout the project.
• Assist other crew members with construction-related tasks as needed to support project completion.
• Strictly adhere to all Martin Marietta safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in daily safety meetings and job hazard assessments.
• Utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintain compliance with all safety expectations.
• Follow all OSHA, DOT, company, and project-specific safety requirements.
• Immediately report incidents, near misses, injuries, unsafe conditions, and property damage.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Class C driver’s license

Work Experience

1+ year of experience in Asphalt, Paving, or Construction.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Production equipment operation

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

OSHA compliance and regulation

Time management

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.

Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.

Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

Working Conditions

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

The hiring range for this position is $25 -$29 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position.

In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.

Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.