Sewer Layer

Job Title: Sewer Layer

Company: Omaha Drain

Location: Omaha, NE (On-site, field-based)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)

Reports To: Install Lead

Travel: Local travel to residential and commercial job sites as assigned

Compensation: Competitive pay based on experience, skill level, and crew efficiency performance. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the hiring process.

Job Summary

Omaha Drain is seeking an experienced and dependable Sewer Layer to join our Sewer Install team. This hands-on role is responsible for installing sewer and water-service piping to the proper grade, ensuring secure and watertight connections, and preparing installations to pass inspection on the first attempt.

The ideal candidate has experience in underground utility or sewer installation, understands proper pipe grading and trench safety, and takes pride in delivering quality workmanship.

This position works as part of a 2–3 person excavation and installation crew and reports directly to the Install Lead. We are looking for someone who is safety-conscious, reliable, efficient, and committed to completing projects correctly while minimizing callbacks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Install sewer and water-service piping, including PVC SDR-35, Schedule 40, ABS, cast iron, and HDPE, according to proper slope and grade requirements.
• Use laser levels, grade rods, and pipe lasers to ensure accurate pipe alignment and drainage.
• Cut, connect, and secure piping using solvent welding, gaskets, couplings, and transition fittings.
• Install wyes, cleanouts, and other required pipe fittings.
• Prepare proper pipe bedding and complete backfilling and compaction according to specifications.
• Connect new sewer lines to city mains, existing stacks, and service connections.
• Verify that underground utilities have been properly located and marked through 811 before excavation begins.
• Follow OSHA trench safety requirements, including proper sloping, benching, shoring, and trench-box procedures.
• Operate or assist with excavation equipment, including excavators, skid steers, and trenchers, as assigned.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe job sites, vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Prepare completed installations for inspection and assist inspectors when necessary.
• Work efficiently with crew members to complete projects within scheduled labor hours.
• Take responsibility for installation quality and address workmanship concerns or callbacks when needed.
• Maintain dependable attendance, punctuality, and professional communication with team members and supervisors.

Required Qualifications

• Previous hands-on experience in sewer installation, underground utilities, or a closely related field.
• Working knowledge of sewer pipe installation, proper grading, slope, bedding, and backfilling.
• Understanding of OSHA excavation and trench safety requirements.
• Experience working with sewer piping materials, fittings, and installation tools.
• Ability to read and follow job prints, layouts, and installation specifications.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation to the company shop.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting 50 lbs., digging, bending, and kneeling.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.
• Dependable attendance, punctuality, and ability to work effectively with a small crew.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating excavators, skid steers, or trenchers, particularly in residential environments.
• Familiarity with city sewer connections, main taps, and local inspection requirements.
• OSHA 10 certification or competent-person trench safety training.
• Experience installing PVC, ABS, cast iron, and HDPE piping.
• Experience preparing sewer installations for municipal inspections.
• Previous experience working with excavation or underground utility crews.

Work Environment / Schedule

• Full-time, field-based position working at various job sites.
• Works as part of a 2–3 person excavation and installation crew.
• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions throughout the year.
• Regular exposure to construction equipment, excavation sites, and underground utilities.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, bending, kneeling, digging, and working around open trenches.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and compliance with all company safety procedures.
• Must be available and ready to begin work at the designated crew start time.
• Overtime may be required based on project schedules and operational needs.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive compensation based on experience, technical skills, and performance.
• Overtime eligibility in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws.
• Opportunity for additional earnings based on crew efficiency and monthly performance targets, subject to company compensation policies.
• Clear career advancement opportunities within the Sewer Install Department.
• Established advancement path: Helper → Sewer Layer → Install Lead.
• Opportunities to develop technical skills, equipment operation experience, and leadership capabilities.
• Specific pay terms and applicable benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.

Performance Expectations

Success in this role is measured through the following standards:

• Quality: Complete installations correctly the first time, maintaining proper pipe slope and preventing leaks, sags, or drainage issues.
• Safety: Consistently follow OSHA trench protection requirements and 811 utility locating procedures. Safety compliance is mandatory.
• Efficiency: Complete assigned work productively while meeting crew labor-hour and project efficiency targets.
• Reliability: Maintain consistent attendance, punctuality, and readiness for daily assignments.
• Accountability: Take ownership of workmanship, respond professionally to feedback, and support the resolution of installation concerns during the 90-day callback period.

EEO Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.