Utility Laborer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Utility Laborer supports underground utility crews by performing hands‑on tasks related to excavation, trenching, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, compaction, material handling, traffic control, and jobsite safety. This role assists Pipelayers, Operators, Leadmen, and Foremen with underground utility construction activities involving water, sewer, storm drain, and related infrastructure systems. The Utility Laborer works under direct supervision and is expected to follow instructions, work safely around trenches and equipment, maintain awareness of underground hazards, and support efficient crew production.

This role requires physical stamina, reliability, attention to safety, and a willingness to develop underground utility construction skills.

• Assist underground utility crews with trenching, excavation support, pipe installation, bedding, backfill, compaction, and general utility construction activities.
• Stage, load, unload, carry, and organize underground utility materials, including pipe, fittings, trench protection components, copper connections, PVC, DI, SDR
  26, glue, tools, and related supplies.
• Support Pipelayers with pipe zone preparation, bedding placement, offset markings, basic layout, and proper positioning of pipe and materials.
• Cut, bevel, clean, and prepare pipe under direction using tools such as quickie saws, Z saws, impact guns, and other approved equipment when trained.
• Assist with trench protection setup, including trench boxes, shields, shoring jacks, ladders, and access points under the direction of the Foreman, Leadman, or competent person.
• Help maintain safe and dry trench conditions by assisting with bypass pumps, generators, dewatering equipment, hoses, and related setup as directed.
• Participate in potholing, utility locating support, and recognition of utility markings to help identify existing underground utilities.
• Use measuring tape, levels, laser levels, and basic layout tools under supervision to support trench grade, slope, flowline, and material placement.
• Operate compactors, tampers, jumping jacks, small rollers, and other small equipment when trained and authorized.
• Assist with traffic control setup, barricades, cones, signs, and safe flagging practices when assigned.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas by removing hazards, staging tools properly, and keeping materials clear of active trenches, equipment paths, and traffic areas.
• Follow all safety expectations related to PPE, trench safety, confined space awareness, silica exposure, traffic control, equipment spotting, and working near active utilities.
• Report unsafe conditions, damaged tools, trench concerns, utility conflicts, or equipment issues to the Foreman or Leadman immediately.
• Perform other underground utility labor‑related duties as assigned.

• 1–2 years of construction experience preferred, with underground utility, excavation, pipe, trenching, or heavy civil construction experience preferred.
• Ability to follow direction from Foremen, Leadmen, Pipelayers, Operators, and other experienced crew members.
• Basic understanding of underground utility materials, tools, and jobsite conditions preferred.
• Willingness to learn pipe types, fittings, trench safety, bedding, compaction, grade, utility markings, and safe work around excavation.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, small power tools, measuring tape, and layout tools under supervision.
• Strong awareness of safety, including PPE use, trench hazards, traffic control, confined space awareness, silica exposure, and equipment movement.
• Physical strength, stamina, reliability, teamwork, and willingness to work outdoors in demanding conditions.

Work is performed outdoors year‑round in active underground utility construction environments, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, rain, mud, dust, noise, vibration, live traffic, uneven terrain, open excavations, trenches, confined‑space‑related hazards, and moving equipment. Must be able to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, lift, carry, push, pull, shovel, compact material, handle pipe and fittings, and perform physically demanding tasks for…