Skilled Laborer

Location

Columbia, SC

The Skilled Laborer supports skilled craft personnel by assisting with essential construction tasks required to successfully complete projects. This position involves the safe operation of both hand tools and power tools, as well as performing rigging duties for crane and forklift operations. The role also includes deck hand responsibilities such as working on or near water, tying off dock lines, and operating small vessels, including crew boats.

• Grit and Resiliency – We dig deep to make things happen no matter how impossible it seems.
• Comradery and Inspirational – We celebrate wins and bring fun to work and play.
• Driven and Competitive – We love competition, win, and learn from loss.
• Trustworthy and Respectful – We value honesty, authenticity, and transparency.
• Ownership and Accountability – We challenge ourselves and others to be better.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Authorized to work in the United States

• Proficiency with standard laborer tools such as sledgehammers, shovels, brooms, vacuums, pressure washers, and general hand tools.
• Preferred boat operation and barge experience.
• Preferred carpentry skills.
• Prior general/skilled labor experience a plus.
• Preferred concrete experience.
• Experience rigging for cranes and forklifts.

• Honest, trustworthy, dependable.
• Punctual and arrive on time.
• Safety‑first attitude with strict adherence to safety requirements.
• Professional and courteous attitude toward co‑workers, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to work diligently under time restraints and accept change.
• Effective communication as part of a small team.
• Ability to give, receive, understand, respond to, and follow verbal and written instructions.

• Operate and care for construction equipment and machines.
• Prep construction sites by cleaning obstacles and hazards.
• Load, unload, or identify building materials, machinery, or tools and distribute them to appropriate locations.
• Measure, mark, or record openings or distances to layout areas for construction work.
• Dig ditches or trenches, backfill excavations, or compact and level earth to grade specifications.
• Mix, pour, or spread concrete using portable cement mixers.
• Tend pumps, compressors, or generators to provide power for tools, machinery, or equipment or to heat or move materials such as asphalt.
• Erect or dismantle scaffolding, shoring, braces, traffic barricades, ramps, or other temporary structures.
• Sweep and clean the project site.
• Carry lumber and supplies to carpenters.
• Help carpenters assemble concrete forms.
• Assist welders when needed.
• Work with cranes and rigging.
• Act as signal person for equipment operators.
• Chip, paint, sweep, and wash down equipment on the job site.
• Safely secure the work area to allow only authorized personnel onto the work zone.
• Load and unload materials from deck barges and miscellaneous equipment.
• Provide assistance to craft workers such as carpenters, plasterers, or masons.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Work is performed in the field and in all weather conditions.
• Must perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs, climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials up to 75 pounds.
• Must tolerate vibrations, heat, and high noise levels.
• Able to safely execute duties in and around heavy equipment/large machinery on marine dredging and marine construction job sites.
• Able to wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) required in various construction work environments.

• $25–$45 per hour
• Pay is commensurate with experience

Ballard offers a strong benefit package and provides a culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion. When you become eligible, benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401K with employer match, and more!

Ballard Marine Construction, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability. A reasonable accommodation will be considered for qualified individuals with a disability if it does not create an undue hardship for the Company, consistent with the ADA as amended.