Pipe Bursting Supervisor / Lead Operator / Underground Utilities

Pipe Bursting Supervisor / Lead Operator / Underground Utilities Superintendent 

About PURIS:

PURIS operates across North America as the largest independent trenchless rehabilitation provider with 900 employees dedicated to building lasting infrastructure with smart, sustainable resource management. The PURIS Family of Companies provide trenchless renewal solutions in the water, wastewater, and stormwater markets. Our environmentally friendly solutions work within the existing infrastructure to save time, minimize environmental impact, and cause fewer community disruptions. With an unrivaled toolbox of technologies, PURIS has the RIGHT solution for each project.

Pipe Bursting Supervisor / Lead Operator – Job Description

Position Summary

The Pipe Bursting Supervisor / Lead Operator is responsible for leading a pipe bursting crew in the field and performing the technical work required to complete trenchless sewer replacement projects. This role requires hands-on experience operating excavators, setting up and operating bursting equipment and winches, reading CCTV inspection reports, and performing HDPE pipe fusion.

The supervisor ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently, and according to project specifications.

Key Responsibilities

Crew Leadership

• Lead and direct a pipe bursting crew
• Assign daily tasks and ensure work is performed safely and efficiently.
• Coordinate daily work activities with the Superintendent and Project Manager.
• Maintain jobsite organization and productivity.

Equipment Operation

The supervisor must be able to personally operate and oversee the setup of key pipe bursting equipment including:

• Excavators (dig launch pits, receiving pits, service reconnects)
• Pipe bursting winch systems
• Bursting rods and pulling equipment
• Hydraulic bursting rigs
• Vacuum trucks when needed
• Fusion machines for HDPE pipe

Responsibilities include:

• Setting up bursting equipment
• Aligning bursting rods and pulling heads
• Monitoring winch loads during pulls
• Troubleshooting equipment issues during installation

Pipe Installation

• Perform HDPE pipe fusion including butt fusion and quality checks.
• Prepare and stage pipe strings before installation.
• Install pipe through bursting operations.
• Ensure pipe installation meets project specifications.

CCTV & Work Planning

• Read and interpret CCTV inspection reports (TV reports) to determine:
  • Line size
  • Pipe material
  • Service locations
  • Offsets or bends
  • Potential obstructions
• Identify proper launch and receiving pit locations.
• Coordinate service reconnections.

Jobsite Safety

• Enforce company and OSHA safety requirements.
• Ensure proper trench safety and shoring when required.
• Conduct daily safety discussions with crew.
• Maintain safe traffic control and site conditions.

Production & Reporting

• Track daily production footage.
• Communicate progress and issues to Superintendent or Project Manager.
• Report underground conflicts, utility crossings, or unexpected conditions.
• Ensure accurate documentation of completed work.

Required Skills

• Strong experience with pipe bursting operations
• Ability to operate excavators efficiently
• Experience setting up and running pipe bursting winches
• Ability to read and interpret CCTV sewer inspection reports
• Experience performing HDPE pipe fusion
• Knowledge of underground utilities and trenchless installation methods

Experience Requirements

• 5 years underground utility construction
• 3 years pipe bursting experience
• Proven experience operating excavators and bursting equipment
• Experience supervising a field crew

Preferred Qualifications

• OSHA 30 certification
• CDL license
• Experience working on municipal sewer rehabilitation projects

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to work in excavations and confined work areas

Benefits:

• Comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes medical/Rx, dental, vision, critical illness and accident insurance, and short-term disability.
• Several 100% company-paid benefits including:
  • Life Insurance 
  • Long-term disability
  • Employee assistance program
• Bonus program
• 401(k) savings plan with company match
• Generous PTO
• 10 paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Career advancement opportunities

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disabled.