Pipelayer

Wharton-Smith, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Wharton-Smith, Inc. seeks a skilled Pipelayer to install and maintain water and sewer pipe systems across our Southeast projects. The role requires hands-on pipe layout, cutting, joining, testing, and alignment to project specs and safety rules.

Travel between job sites in North and South Carolina and nearby regions is expected. Candidates should have at least three years of construction experience and the ability to work in varying conditions and overtime as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related construction experience.
• Knowledge of basic pipe installation methods, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow construction plans, project specifications, and instructions.
• Ability to identify common types of pipe, fittings, and related installation materials.
• Proficiency in using hand tools and equipment required for pipe installation.
• Ability to establish and maintain proper pipe grade, alignment, and positioning during installation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with equipment operators, crew members, and supervisors.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a construction crew to complete assigned tasks efficiently.
• Commitment to following established safety procedures and maintaining a safe work environment.

Responsibilities

• Organize required tools and materials and ensure equipment is in good working condition.
• Select appropriate pipe, fittings, gaskets, bolts, and related materials according to project specifications.
• Inspect pipe and fittings for damage or defects before installation.
• Inspect the work area and identify potential obstructions or existing utilities.
• Locate and expose existing utilities through hand digging as required.
• Prepare pipe, fittings, and joints for installation.
• Cut and mark pipe as required for installation.
• Install and join pipes and fittings of various sizes and materials.
• Prepare bell holes and ensure gaskets, bells, and spigots are clean and properly positioned before installation.
• Install mechanical joint fittings and tighten bolts according to manufacturer specifications.
• Install manholes, catch basins, inlets, and other related systems and components.
• Grout joints and pipe penetrations as required.
• Build inverts and hand-grade and compact bedding and backfill materials for pipes and manholes.
• Communicate with equipment operators during excavation to ensure trenches are properly aligned, graded, and prepared for pipe installation.
• Use pipe lasers and other tools to establish and maintain proper grade.
• Direct equipment operators during pipe placement and installation.
• Install pipe plugs at the completion of daily pipe-laying operations.
• Prepare for and perform required pipe and manhole testing.
• Assist with pipe disinfection activities.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe and organized condition.
• Follow company and jobsite safety requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Pipe installation basics

Reading plans

Hand tools proficiency

Team communication

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Pipe lasers

Hand digging tools

Testing equipment

Grouting equipment

Job description

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a highly regarded General Contractor throughout the Southeast, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Pipelayer. We are currently seeking someone who is willing to work in W. Columbia, SC, Florence, SC, Sanford, NC, and Asheville, NC.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Pipelayer installs and maintains pipe systems for water mains, gravity sewer mains, force mains, and related infrastructure. This position performs pipe layout, preparation, assembly, installation, testing, and related construction activities while following project specifications, safety requirements, and established procedures.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Organize required tools and materials and ensure equipment is in good working condition.
• Select appropriate pipe, fittings, gaskets, bolts, and related materials according to project specifications.
• Inspect pipe and fittings for damage or defects before installation.
• Inspect the work area and identify potential obstructions or existing utilities.
• Locate and expose existing utilities through hand digging as required.
• Prepare pipe, fittings, and joints for installation.
• Cut and mark pipe as required for installation.
• Install and join pipes and fittings of various sizes and materials.
• Prepare bell holes and ensure gaskets, bells, and spigots are clean and properly positioned before installation.
• Install mechanical joint fittings and tighten bolts according to manufacturer specifications.
• Install manholes, catch basins, inlets, and other related systems and components.
• Grout joints and pipe penetrations as required.
• Build inverts and hand-grade and compact bedding and backfill materials for pipes and manholes.
• Communicate with equipment operators during excavation to ensure trenches are properly aligned, graded, and prepared for pipe installation.
• Use pipe lasers and other tools to establish and maintain proper grade.
• Direct equipment operators during pipe placement and installation.
• Install pipe plugs at the completion of daily pipe-laying operations.
• Prepare for and perform required pipe and manhole testing.
• Assist with pipe disinfection activities.
• Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in a safe and organized condition.
• Follow company and jobsite safety requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of related construction experience.
• Knowledge of basic pipe installation methods, materials, tools, and equipment.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow construction plans, project specifications, and instructions.
• Ability to identify common types of pipe, fittings, and related installation materials.
• Proficiency in using hand tools and equipment required for pipe installation.
• Ability to establish and maintain proper pipe grade, alignment, and positioning during installation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to coordinate effectively with equipment operators, crew members, and supervisors.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a construction crew to complete assigned tasks efficiently.
• Commitment to following established safety procedures and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to job site safety signs, instructions, alarms, and warnings.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, noise, and dust.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, climbing, crawling, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to safely navigate uneven surfaces, ladders, scaffolding, stairs, ramps, and elevated work areas.
• Ability to handle heavy or bulky construction materials and occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain balance, coordination, and awareness while performing construction activities.
• Availability to work a full-time, non-exempt schedule, with flexibility for overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays as project needs require.
• Willingness to travel to and between project job sites based on business needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).