What are the responsibilities and job description for the PIPE INSTALLER position at Strong Excavation & Construction?
Company Overview:
We’re a Utah-based excavation and civil construction company that builds projects from the ground up. Our work covers site development, earthwork, underground utilities, and concrete for commercial, municipal, and infrastructure jobs across the region.
What we do is the foundation everything else sits on. If we don’t get it right, nothing else will. That’s why we hold the line on quality, precision, and doing the job the right way every time.
We’re a crew of hardworking people who take pride in tough jobs. The work isn’t easy, and it’s not for everyone. We work side by side with project managers, contractors, and clients to keep jobs moving, stay safe, and deliver results that hold up.
Around here, reliability matters. Skill matters. Showing up and pulling your weight matters. Everyone on the team is expected to take ownership of their work and contribute to getting the job done right.
Job Summary:
The Pipe Layer is responsible for the safe and accurate installation of underground utility pipe for civil construction projects. This position works as part of a pipe crew installing water, sewer, storm drain, and other underground utility systems according to project plans, specifications, and required grades.
The role requires the ability to work in and around trenches, properly prepare pipe bedding, set and connect pipe, maintain required line and grade, and communicate closely with the Foreman, Equipment Operators, Laborers, and grade personnel. The Pipe Layer is also responsible for recognizing potential hazards, protecting installed utilities, maintaining a clean work area, and following all company safety policies and OSHA requirements.
This position plays a key role in ensuring underground utility systems are installed correctly, efficiently, and to project specifications.
Essential Functions:
- Install underground utility pipe, including water, sewer, storm drain, and related systems
- Prepare and maintain proper pipe bedding and trench conditions for installation
- Set, align, and connect pipe according to project plans, specifications, and required grades
- Use hand tools and pipe-laying equipment safely and effectively
- Read and understand plans, specifications, grade stakes, and direction from Foremen or grade checkers
- Use pipe lasers, levels, and other tools to help maintain proper line and grade
- Inspect pipe, fittings, structures, and connections before and during installation
- Properly install fittings, manholes, structures, valves, and other underground utility components as directed
- Work closely with Equipment Operators to maintain proper trench dimensions, bedding, and installation conditions
- Communicate clearly with Equipment Operators, Foremen, grade checkers, and other crew members using hand signals, radios, or direct communication
- Maintain awareness of existing utilities, trench conditions, equipment movement, and other job site hazards
- Follow trench safety requirements and stay alert to changing soil and excavation conditions
- Assist with preparing, moving, and securing materials and tools needed for pipe installation
- Ensure pipe and materials are handled carefully to prevent damage during installation
- Assist with backfilling, compaction, cleanup, and other tasks as needed to complete the installation
- Maintain a clean and organized work area to support crew productivity and job site safety
- Adjust to changing job conditions, including soil types, weather, groundwater, and site constraints
- Follow all company safety policies and OSHA requirements at all times
- Help out with general labor tasks when needed to keep the job moving
- Perform other tasks as needed to support crew productivity and project progress
Supervisory Responsibility:
This role will not supervisor other crew members.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED) or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 2 years of experience working as a Pipe Layer or in underground utility construction preferred
- Demonstrated ability to install and work with underground utility pipe
- Basic understanding of water, sewer, storm drain, and underground utility installation practices
- Ability to read and follow plans, specifications, grade stakes, and verbal direction from supervisors or grade checkers
- Ability to understand and maintain proper pipe line and grade
- Familiarity with pipe lasers, levels, and other tools used for utility installation preferred
- Ability to safely work in and around trenches and active excavation areas
- Knowledge of basic trench and excavation safety practices and hazard awareness
- Ability to properly handle pipe, fittings, tools, and other construction materials
- Ability to work effectively with Equipment Operators, Laborers, Foremen, and other crew members
- Effective communication skills and ability to work as part of a crew
- Ability to follow directions and work independently when appropriate
- Valid driver’s license preferred
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods of time
- Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull materials weighing up to 50–75 pounds
- Stand, walk, and work on uneven terrain for the duration of the workday
- Repeated bending, kneeling, squatting, and climbing in and out of trenches and equipment areas
- Ability to use hands and arms for handling tools, materials, and equipment controls
- Work in outdoor conditions in all weather, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow
- Tolerate exposure to dust, mud, noise, and vibration from heavy equipment
- Maintain awareness and physical coordination while working around moving machinery and active job sites
- Ability to wear and properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE)
Work Environment:
- Work is performed primarily outdoors on active construction and excavation job sites
- Regular exposure to moving heavy equipment, machinery, and vehicle traffic
- Environment includes uneven ground, open excavations, trenches, and changing site conditions
- Frequent exposure to dust, dirt, mud, and loud noise levels
- Work takes place in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow
- Job sites may vary in location, requiring travel within the region
- Work is performed as part of a crew, requiring close coordination and communication with others
- Fast-paced environment with changing priorities based on project needs and site conditions
- Requires strict adherence to safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times