Construction Laborer

Construction Laborer - Excavation & Utilities

Company Overview

James E Fulton & Sons, Inc. is a family-owned excavating and trucking contractor serving Southwest Michigan. For decades, we’ve built our reputation on quality work, outstanding service, and a team that takes pride in doing the job right. Around Kalamazoo, people know our yellow-and-white fleet and the clean, well-maintained equipment that represents our name on every project.

We focus on excavation and underground utility work within roughly 50 miles of Kalamazoo, MI. Our crews are steady, local, and tight-knit, with a culture built on reliability, safety, and looking out for each other.

The Opportunity

We’re hiring Construction Laborers to join our excavation and utilities crews. This is hands-on field work: shoveling, compacting, staging materials, spotting equipment, and doing what it takes to keep the job moving safely and efficiently.

If you’re dependable, physically tough, and proud of a hard day’s work, this role gives you steady local work, the chance to learn underground utilities, and the opportunity to grow into more responsibility and equipment time over time.

What You'll Do

• Support excavation and underground utility crews on jobsites in and around Kalamazoo by performing general civil/construction labor.
• Shovel, rake, grade, and compact around pipe and structures, especially in tight or hard-to-reach areas where machines can’t go.
• Assist with pipe and utility installation by staging materials, preparing bedding, helping with backfill, and cleaning up to keep the site safe and organized.
• Load and unload tools, small equipment, and materials each day and help maintain a clean, well-ordered jobsite and laydown area.
• Spot equipment and help maintain safe work zones with strong awareness of traffic, pedestrians, and other site hazards.
• Operate small/basic equipment when qualified, such as skid steers, loaders, and rollers, under the direction of your foreman.
• Follow all safety rules, wear required PPE, and immediately communicate any unsafe conditions or incidents to the crew lead.
• Use a mobile app on a phone or tablet to enter your time and complete basic job documentation as directed.

What Success Looks Like

• Within your first 3 months, you are reliably on time, understand daily routines, and can independently handle core tasks like shoveling, grading, and staging materials without constant direction.
• Within 6 months, foremen trust you to safely spot equipment, maintain clean and safe work areas, and follow company safety practices every day.
• Within your first season, you can assist with basic pipe and utility installation steps (bedding, backfill, compaction) and operate at least one type of small equipment when needed.
• Your crew sees you as dependable: you show up prepared, communicate clearly, take care of company tools and equipment, and step in wherever help is needed.

What We're Looking For

• Hands-on construction experience (1+ year preferred), ideally in excavation, underground utilities, or pipeline work.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the ability to maintain dependable attendance for local projects.
• Physical ability to lift, shovel, climb in and out of equipment, and work outdoors in all weather for a full shift.
• A team-first attitude: you take direction from foremen, are honest and dependable, communicate clearly in basic English, and are willing to help wherever needed, including pre-employment and random drug testing as required.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay: $22 to $30 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
• Health insurance.
• 401(k).
• Full-time, W-2 employment with day-shift work, project-based start/end times, and seasonal overtime or occasional weekends (including snow/emergency work as needed).

How to Apply

If this sounds like the kind of crew you want to be part of, apply with your resume or a brief work history outlining your construction experience and contact information. Qualified candidates will be contacted to discuss next steps.