JOB DESCRIPTION
Underground Utility Plumber / Pipe Layer
Department: Operations – Underground Civil Construction & Water Distribution Services
Reports To: Foreperson / Superintendent
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Alberta
Company: L & M Ditching Ltd.
Position Summary
The Underground Utility Plumber / Pipe Layer / Water Distribution Technician is responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, and testing of underground water distribution, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and municipal utility infrastructure. This position combines the skills of a plumber, pipe layer, hydrant technician, and underground utility installer to support municipal infrastructure construction, water distribution maintenance programs, hydrant inspections and repairs, emergency utility repairs, and water system commissioning.
Working as part of a civil construction crew, this role performs watermain installations, service connections, valve and hydrant maintenance, pressure testing, chlorination, utility tie-ins, grade verification, and underground infrastructure repairs while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities
Plumbing & Water Distribution Duties
- Install, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot municipal water distribution systems.
- Install and repair water services, curb stops, corporation stops, valves, hydrants, fittings, and related appurtenances.
- Perform watermain tie-ins, service connections, and utility upgrades.
- Conduct hydrostatic pressure testing, leakage testing, and system commissioning.
- Assist with watermain chlorination, flushing, sampling, and disinfection procedures.
- Locate and repair leaks within municipal water distribution systems.
- Operate and maintain water distribution valves and control infrastructure.
- Read and interpret utility drawings, as-built records, and municipal specifications.
- Respond to emergency watermain breaks and service disruptions.
- Assist municipalities with preventative maintenance programs for water distribution infrastructure.
- Ensure all plumbing and water distribution work complies with municipal standards, Alberta regulations, and project specifications.
Underground Utility Installation
- Install water mains, sanitary sewer mains, storm sewer systems, and utility services according to project drawings and specifications.
- Install PVC, HDPE, ductile iron, concrete, and specialty pipe systems.
- Set and connect manholes, catch basins, valve chambers, hydrants, and utility structures.
- Perform water, sewer, and storm service installations and tie-ins.
- Ensure proper pipe alignment, grade, and elevation using lasers, grade rods, and survey stakes.
- Install trench bedding, pipe zone material, and backfill according to project requirements.
- Assist with utility relocations, upgrades, and municipal infrastructure rehabilitation projects.
- Verify installation quality and compliance with municipal standards and project specifications.
Water Distribution System Maintenance & Hydrant Services
- Conduct fire hydrant inspections in accordance with municipal standards and maintenance programs.
- Perform hydrant repairs, maintenance, and component replacement including stems, gaskets, nozzles, caps, breakaway flanges, extension kits, operating nuts, valves, and related hardware.
- Assist with hydrant installation, removal, relocation, and commissioning.
- Perform hydrant flushing programs and document inspection results.
- Diagnose and repair leaks, operational deficiencies, and damaged hydrant components.
- Operate valves and isolation points to facilitate repairs and maintenance activities.
- Conduct flow testing and support municipal water distribution system testing programs.
- Complete maintenance records, inspection reports, and deficiency documentation.
- Respond to emergency watermain breaks and water distribution system failures as required.
Utility Repair & Mechanical Work
- Install, repair, and maintain water distribution infrastructure including valves, hydrants, fittings, and service connections.
- Perform excavation and exposure of existing utilities for repairs and maintenance.
- Complete pressure testing, hydrostatic testing, leakage testing, and commissioning activities.
- Assist with utility locating, troubleshooting, and emergency response activities.
- Perform repairs and maintenance on existing underground utility systems.
- Troubleshoot utility conflicts and field installation issues.
- Participate in emergency utility repairs and restoration activities.
Excavation & Construction Support
- Work safely in and around excavations, trenches, and heavy equipment.
- Assist equipment operators with trench preparation and pipe placement.
- Install trench protection systems including trench boxes, shielding systems, and shoring.
- Complete compaction and restoration activities following utility installation.
- Load, unload, and transport materials and equipment.
- Operate hand tools, power tools, compaction equipment, pumps, generators, and other construction equipment as required.
- Conduct pre-use inspections of tools, equipment, vehicles, and safety devices before use.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe worksite.
Team Collaboration
- Work closely with Forepersons, Equipment Operators, Surveyors, Superintendents, Project Managers, and municipal representatives.
- Communicate installation issues, grade concerns, and potential conflicts.
- Support crew productivity through efficient execution of assigned tasks.
- Assist with training and mentoring junior crew members when required.
- Represent the company professionally when working with clients, municipalities, subcontractors, and the public.
- Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive safety culture.
Health & Safety Commitment
L & M Ditching Ltd. is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace that promotes the physical, psychological, and social well-being of all employees. Safety is a core value of the organization and takes priority over operational productivity whenever necessary. Employees are expected to actively support and participate in all aspects of the company's Health and Safety Program.
Safety Responsibilities
- Follow all company health and safety policies, procedures, rules, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in daily hazard assessments, toolbox meetings, inspections, and safety initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation and company safe work practices.
- Follow Ground Disturbance and Utility Locate requirements.
- Utilize proper trenching, excavation, confined space, and traffic control procedures.
- Perform work in compliance with Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry, Arc Flash, and H2S safety procedures.
- Conduct and document pre-entry hazard assessments, atmospheric testing, and permit requirements when working in confined spaces.
- Maintain awareness of energized utility infrastructure and follow Arc Flash and electrical safety requirements when working around electrical equipment.
- Utilize fall protection systems whenever fall hazards exist.
- Wear and maintain required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Report unsafe acts, unsafe conditions, incidents, injuries, near misses, and property damage immediately.
- Cooperate fully in incident investigations and corrective action processes.
- Keep worksites free of hazards that may cause slips, trips, falls, or other injuries.
- Exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions present an imminent danger to workers, equipment, the public, or the environment.
- Promote health and safety awareness through active participation in the company's safety program.
Equipment & Asset Responsibility
- Maintain company vehicles, equipment, tools, mobile devices, and assigned assets in a clean and serviceable condition.
- Complete required inspection forms, maintenance records, and operational documentation.
- Immediately report equipment deficiencies, damage, or unsafe conditions.
- Operate company equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and company policies.
- Protect company property and ensure proper care of all tools, equipment, and materials.
Qualifications
Required
- Journeyman Plumber Certificate or minimum 3 years of verifiable experience in underground utility installation and water distribution systems.
- Experience installing and repairing municipal watermain, sewer, and storm infrastructure.
- Experience conducting hydrant inspections, maintenance, and repairs.
- Experience with watermain pressure testing, chlorination, flushing, and commissioning.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, grade sheets, utility plans, and municipal specifications.
- Knowledge of Alberta municipal construction standards and underground utility installation practices.
- Strong understanding of excavation safety and trenching practices.
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License with a clean driving record.
- Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred
- Alberta Journeyman Plumber Certification.
- Alberta Water Distribution Operator Certification.
- Experience operating small equipment and compaction equipment.
- Experience in municipal operations and maintenance contracts.
- Knowledge of Alberta municipal water distribution systems and standards.
Required Certifications
- CSTS 2020
- WHMIS
- Ground Disturbance Level II
- Standard First Aid / CPR
- Fall Protection
- Confined Space Entry & Monitor
- H2S Alive
- Arc Flash Awareness / Arc Flash Safety Training
- Valid Class 5 Driver's License
Preferred Certifications
- Alberta Journeyman Plumber Certification
- Alberta Water Distribution Operator Certification
- Air Brake Endorsement
- Traffic Control Person Training
- Pipe Fusion Certification
- Utility Safety Partner Training
- Heavy Equipment Operator Training
Physical Requirements
- Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs (23 kg) regularly.
- Ability to work in trenches, excavations, uneven terrain, confined spaces, and adverse weather conditions.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and work outdoors for extended periods.
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, emergency callouts, and varying schedules as operational requirements dictate.
- Ability to travel to various project locations throughout Alberta.
Employment Expectations
- Successfully complete a 90-day probationary period.
- Maintain all required certifications, licenses, and training throughout employment.
- Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and health and safety requirements.
- Maintain professional conduct and represent L & M Ditching Ltd. in a positive manner.
- Perform additional duties reasonably assigned by management to support operational objectives.
- Be willing to work flexible and irregular hours to meet project and client requirements.
Success in This Role
Successful team members demonstrate:
- A strong commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
- Reliability, accountability, and professionalism.
- Attention to detail and quality workmanship.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Respect for coworkers, clients, subcontractors, and the public.
- Pride in building and maintaining municipal infrastructure that serves communities for generations.
- Commitment to L & M Ditching Ltd.'s values of safety, teamwork, quality, and operational excellence.
About L & M Ditching Ltd.
Established in 1964, L & M Ditching Ltd. specializes in underground utility construction, municipal infrastructure installation, water distribution maintenance, hydrant inspection and repair programs, and civil construction services throughout Alberta. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace while delivering high-quality infrastructure solutions for municipalities, developers, and industry partners.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00-$90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Life insurance
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Do you have any leadership training?
Experience:
- Civil engineering: 3 years (preferred)
- Civil Construction: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- First Aid Certification (required)
- CSTS (required)
- WHMIS Certification (required)
- Fall Protection (required)
- Confined Space Certification (required)
- H2S Alive (required)
- Ground Disturbance (required)
Work Location: In person
