Pipe Fuser - Natural Gas

Whitaker Construction; Pocatello (ID); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitaker Construction is seeking a Pipe Fuser to construct and install HDPE gas piping systems of all sizes by fusion. The role involves joining piping, installing and maintaining mains and services, and ensuring safe, efficient work alongside excavation crews.

You will measure, layout, QA test, and inspect for leaks, work around heavy equipment, and assist operators with digging and trenching. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED, valid license, and relevant certifications such

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED preferred; vocational training strongly desired.
• Experience in underground utility construction is preferred.
• Ability to detect unsafe or hazardous conditions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to work.
• DOT/IGC Energy Fusion Certification and OQ Certification required.

Responsibilities

• Construct, install, and maintain piping systems for natural gas utilities.
• Join polyethylene piping by fusion, electrofusion, or mechanical joints.
• Install and replace HDPE gas mains and services.
• Measure and mark pipes for cutting.
• Layout pipe, supports, and equipment per blueprints.
• Verify specifications by performing QA tests.
• Cover pipes with earth or other materials and compact with equipment.
• Work safely around backhoes, excavators, trenchers, and fusion equipment.
• Load and unload equipment and materials.
• Prepare construction sites to eliminate hazards.
• Assist operators by hand digging and locating obstructions.
• Work with line stop, tapping, and fusing equipment as needed.
• Inspect and test pipe systems for leaks.
• Assist the operator to dig trenches to required depths and slopes.
• Maintain documentation per customer requirements.
• Assist Construction Laborers with duties.
• Other duties as assigned by foreman or superintendent.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Hazard recognition

Blueprint reading

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Vocational training

Tools

DOT/IGC Energy Fusion Certification

OQ Certification

Job description

Pipe Fusers have the responsibility of constructing and installing HDPE or plastic gas piping systems of all sizes, by means of fusion. Pipe Fusers also modify, inspect, troubleshoot, repair, clean, and maintain new and existing underground gas distribution piping systems and related equipment, following specifications and using hand and power tools. The Pipe Fuser is essential in communicating with other team members regarding the excavating activities associated with installing the pipe, to ensure work is performed safely and efficiently.

RESPONSIBILITIES and DUTIES:

• Construct, install, and maintain piping systems, appurtenances, and equipment for natural gas utilities.

• Join plastic polyethylene piping by means of fusion, electrofusion, or mechanical coupled joints.

• Installation and replacement of existing HDPE gas mains & services.

• Measure and mark pipes for cutting.

• Layout of pipe, supports, and related equipment, following blueprints.

• Verify specifications by performing quality assurance tests.

• Cover pipes with earth or other materials, and compact using compaction equipment.

• Work safely around backhoes, excavators, trenchers, and dump trucks, and fusion equipment including heating irons.

• Load and unload equipment and materials.

• Clean and prepare construction sites to eliminate possible hazards.

• Assist equipment operators by hand digging, and locating underground obstructions as needed.

• Work with specialized equipment including line stop machines (Pinchers), tapping machines, fusing machines, and other necessary tools.

• Inspect and test pipe systems for leaks.

• Assist the equipment operator to dig trenches to desired or required depths, and proper slopes.

• Maintain documentation per customers’ requirements

• Assist Construction Laborers with labor duties.

• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned by crew Foreman, or project Superintendent.

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS:

• High School Diploma or GED preferred. Any vocational training is strongly desired.

• Knowledge and experience in underground utility construction work is preferred, but not required.

• Ability to detect unsafe or hazardous conditions of equipment and work environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

• Obtain DOT/IGC Energy Fusion Certification

• Obtain OQ Certification.

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to get to and from work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able and willing to work long hours including day, night, and weekend shifts as needed, and work outside of normal hours.

• Able to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, balance, climb, kneel, crouch, and lift up to 50 pounds frequently.

• Able to work in outside environments being subjected to weather changes, noise, vibrations, and job hazards.

• Ability to work around live natural gas lines.