Pipe layer

Take day-to-day responsibility for leading, coordinating and mentoring a drainage crew of approximately four workers. Allocate duties, explain the work sequence, monitor productivity, correct unsafe or poor-quality work and maintain a safe, respectful and positive team culture.

Review and understand engineering drawings, specifications, long sections, pit schedules, details, set-outs, grades, invert levels and drawing revisions before work begins. Convert the design information into a practical daily plan for labour, plant, materials, access and installation sequencing.

Personally undertake and oversee sewer, stormwater and water-main installation, including trench preparation, bedding, PVC and other pipe laying, cutting, jointing, laser setup, grade and fall control, pits, lids, manholes, maintenance shafts, benching, connections, backfilling and compaction.

Plan and control trench excavation, access, battering, shoring boxes, trench support, exclusion zones, spoil placement, dewatering and safe entry. Ensure the crew works safely around live water, gas, communications, power and other underground services.

Complete accurate material take-offs from engineer drawings and drainage schedules. Identify and arrange the pipes, pits, lids, bends, junctions, couplings, reducers, valves, connectors, concrete products, bedding materials and specialist fittings required for each stage of the job.

Coordinate supplier orders and delivery timing so materials arrive before the work front requires them. Check deliveries against drawings, quantities, purchase orders and approved product requirements, then immediately resolve shortages, damaged products, incorrect fittings or delivery delays.

Plan and coordinate excavators, loaders, rollers, moxies, watercarts, trucks, lifting attachments and support equipment. Position plant and operators effectively so excavation, pipe installation, backfilling and compaction proceed without unnecessary delays or unsafe interaction.

Complete and verify plant pre-start inspections, monitor hour meters and condition, maintain service records and help coordinate preventative maintenance and service scheduling. Identify defects or breakdown risks early and arrange repairs or alternative plant before production is affected.

Inspect chains, slings, hooks, lifting clutches, spreader arrangements and D-shackles before use. Confirm identification tags, inspection status, working load limits and suitability for the lift, and ensure pipes, pits, lids, manholes and trench equipment are lifted using safe methods.

Lead and participate in SWMS reviews, SOP implementation, Take 5s, JHAs, task risk assessments, toolbox talks, permits and daily pre-starts. Stop and reassess work when conditions, services, weather, access, plant interaction or job scope change.

Use proactive thinking and practical problem-solving to identify clashes, incorrect levels, drawing conflicts, live-service risks, access restrictions, unstable or wet ground, material shortages and changing scopes. Present workable solutions to the supervisor or engineer before the issue causes delay, rework or risk.

Maintain quality throughout the installation by checking line, level, grade, fall, bedding, joint condition, compaction and finished structures. Complete daily records, measurements, as-built information, test documentation, delivery records and progress reporting accurately and on time.

Learn each job scope quickly and remain effective in fast-moving civil environments. Look ahead, anticipate what the crew will require next and adjust labour, plant, materials and sequencing to meet project priorities without compromising safety, quality or team wellbeing.

Performance and Conduct Expectations

Own the assigned drainage work front and communicate immediately when drawings, resources, safety controls or site conditions prevent the work from proceeding correctly.

Plan at least one stage ahead so the crew has the correct information, fittings, plant, access and permits available when required.

Achieve productive daily outcomes while protecting workers, the public, existing services, plant, materials and completed works.

Build a safe and happy crew environment where workers communicate, support one another, raise hazards and take pride in the finished product.

Represent USCM professionally when dealing with clients, engineers, supervisors, suppliers, other contractors and members of the public.

Demonstrate reliability, accountability, proactive thinking and a willingness to assist outside narrow task boundaries when required to complete the job safely.

Coach less-experienced employees in drainage methods, plant awareness, safe lifting, quality controls and correct use of SWMS, SOPs and Take 5 processes.

Maintain company plant, tools, lifting equipment and work areas in a clean, serviceable and inspection-ready condition.

Required Skills and Experience

Demonstrated experience as a qualified Drainer delivering below-ground sewer, stormwater and water-main works.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, levels, grades and drainage details.

Experience leading or coordinating a small drainage crew and supporting a cooperative, high-performance work environment.

Strong knowledge of pipe laying, trench safety, shoring, bedding, backfill, compaction, pits, manholes and live services.

Experience with materials planning, fittings identification, ordering and delivery coordination.

Practical understanding of SWMS, SOPs, Take 5s, risk assessments, JHAs and permit systems.

Plant awareness and experience coordinating or operating excavators, loaders, rollers, moxies and watercarts.

Good problem-solving skills, proactive thinking and ability to learn job scopes quickly in fast-moving civil environments.

Clear communication, reliability, professional conduct and commitment to safety and quality.

Essential Tickets and Qualifications

Section 44 Drainer qualification or recognised equivalent.

Construction White Card.

Current driver’s licence - HR-B or higher highly regarded.

PVC Pipe Laying competency.

Sewer and Water Main competency.

First Aid certificate.

Quick Cut, Safe Lifting, Communications and Power Services tickets or equivalent competencies.

RIIMPO Excavator, Loader, Roller, Moxy and Watercart tickets, or verified equivalent competency.

Highly Regarded

Experience working to Water Corporation specifications.

Subdivision, main-roads, regional and FIFO experience.

Deep trench, shoring-box, dewatering and congested live-service experience.

Experience with drainage logistics, plant maintenance planning and lifting-equipment inspections.

Pay: $45.00 – $55.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Company car
• Gym membership
• Salary packaging

Work Location: On the road