Utility Construction Laborer / Pipelayer

U.S. Water Services Corporation is a well-established and diverse water and wastewater utility organization specializing in utility maintenance, operations, engineering and construction services. U.S. Water is a fast paced and rapidly expanding company headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida with a staff of over 950 employees in twenty states.

The Underground Pipelayer is responsible for performing skilled manual labor and operating tools and equipment associated with the installation, repair, maintenance, and replacement of underground water and wastewater utility systems. This position works as part of a construction or utility maintenance crew and assists with the installation of water mains, sewer lines, force mains, services, valves, fittings, manholes, and related underground infrastructure.

The ideal candidate has experience working around underground utilities, construction equipment, and job-site environments and understands the importance of safety, quality, teamwork, and proper installation practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Install, repair, replace, and maintain underground water and wastewater pipelines and related utility infrastructure.
• Assist with the installation of water mains, sewer lines, force mains, service lines, valves, fittings, hydrants, manholes, and other utility components.
• Prepare trenches and pipe beds for proper pipe installation and grade.
• Perform digging, trenching, shoring, backfilling, grading, and compaction activities.
• Assist with setting and connecting pipe, fittings, valves, manholes, and other underground utility components.
• Measure, cut, align, level, and properly install various types and sizes of pipe.
• Assist equipment operators with excavation, trenching, lifting, and placement of materials.
• Use hand tools, power tools, compaction equipment, and other construction equipment as required.
• Identify and communicate potential underground utility conflicts or unsafe site conditions.
• Assist with locating and exposing existing utilities prior to excavation.
• Maintain proper grades and elevations using levels, measuring equipment, or other tools.
• Perform work around excavations, trenches, lift stations, pump stations, and wastewater collection systems.
• Assist with pressure testing, leak detection, flushing, disinfection, and other testing activities as required.
• Perform general labor duties including loading, unloading, transporting, and organizing materials and equipment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA requirements, traffic-control procedures, and excavation/trenching safety practices.
• Properly use required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, equipment operators, contractors, and customers as needed.
• Complete required paperwork, work orders, inspection documentation, and daily reports.
• Operate company vehicles and equipment when authorized and properly trained.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in underground utility construction, water/wastewater construction, pipeline installation, site work, or a related field preferred.
• Heavy equipment experience
• Water distribution and wastewater collection systems preferred.
• Ability to read and understand basic construction plans, utility drawings, and specifications preferred.
• Ability to safely work in and around trenches and excavations.
• Ability to use basic hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment as required.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Strong attention to safety and detail.
• Valid driver's license may be required depending on job assignment and company requirements.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check, motor vehicle record check, and pre-employment requirements as applicable.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and work in confined or uneven areas for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally heavier items with assistance or proper equipment.
• Ability to work in trenches and around heavy construction equipment.
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools.
• Ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and other weather conditions.
• Ability to wear required PPE, including hard hat, safety vest, safety glasses, gloves, and protective footwear.

Work Environment

This position primarily works outdoors at construction sites, utility facilities, roadways, and water/wastewater infrastructure locations. Employees may be exposed to traffic, heavy equipment, excavation hazards, noise, dust, mud, wastewater, chemicals, and changing weather conditions.

Strict adherence to excavation, trenching, confined-space, traffic-control, and personal protective equipment requirements is expected.

Preferred Experience

• Water main installation
• Sewer and force main installation
• Lift station construction or maintenance
• Utility service installation
• Manhole installation and repair
• Valve and hydrant installation
• Trenching and shoring
• Utility locating and exposure
• Construction grade/elevation experience
• Heavy equipment experience
• Underground utility construction
• Water and wastewater utility experience

Compensation and Benefits: Pay is commensurate with experience and market-reflective. US Water/USW Utility Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, paid time off, holiday pay and 401(k) with company match.

US Water/USW Utility Group offers competitive wages and benefits and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.