Company Overview
L & M Ditching Ltd. has built a strong reputation in the civil construction industry since 1964, specializing in sewer and water repair and replacement. Committed to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, our team is dedicated to delivering expert solutions with integrity.
Summary
We are seeking a skilled Sewer and Water Installation & Rehabilitation Pipelayer to join our team in Alberta. The successful candidate will be responsible for installing, repairing, and rehabilitating underground water and sewer pipelines using both traditional open-cut and advanced trenchless technologies, including horizontal boring and cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods. This role requires experience in municipal infrastructure projects and working in a fast-paced, safety-focused environment.
Responsibilities
The Pipe Layer / Underground Utility Technician is responsible for the safe installation, repair, maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement of underground water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and utility infrastructure. This position works alongside equipment operators, foremen, hydrovac operators, plumbers, electricians, and other construction personnel to complete municipal, commercial, industrial, and residential underground construction projects.
The successful candidate demonstrates excellent workmanship, prioritizes safety above all else, communicates professionally, and contributes positively to the L & M Ditching team environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Underground Utility Installation
- Install sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water mains, water services, hydrant leads, force mains, and underground utility infrastructure.
- Install PVC, HDPE, concrete, ductile iron, steel, and other pipe materials.
- Prepare pipe bedding and backfill in accordance with municipal and engineering specifications.
- Maintain proper line, grade, alignment, and elevations using laser levels, transits, GPS equipment, and grade rods.
- Install fittings, valves, valve boxes, curb stops, hydrants, catch basins, manholes, and associated appurtenances.
- Perform tie-ins to existing municipal infrastructure.
- Assist with water main commissioning and disinfection procedures.
- Perform pressure testing and leak testing of newly installed water infrastructure.
- Install tracer wire, detectable warning tape, and grounding systems where required.
- Complete reinstatement activities following installation.
Water Distribution Responsibilities
- Install and repair municipal water services.
- Install and repair fire hydrants.
- Perform hydrant inspections and preventative maintenance.
- Assist with emergency water main repairs.
- Replace valves, valve boxes, curb stops, and service connections.
- Assist with hydrant flow testing and commissioning.
Sewer Infrastructure Responsibilities
- Install sanitary sewer mains and services.
- Install storm sewer mains and services.
- Install manholes and catch basins.
- Perform sewer service replacements.
- Assist with CCTV inspections.
- Assist with root cutting and sewer cleaning operations.
- Complete sewer rehabilitation work.
Trenchless Construction Responsibilities
Assist with trenchless rehabilitation methods including:
- Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP)
- Pipe Bursting
- Horizontal Directional Drilling
- Auger Boring
- Pipe Pulling
- Pipe Ramming
- Utility Crossings
Responsibilities include:
- Preparing liners
- Resin handling
- Liner inversion
- Steam curing
- Hot water curing
- UV curing
- Service reinstatements
- Final CCTV inspection
- Equipment setup and maintenance
Excavation Responsibilities
- Work safely inside excavations.
- Install trench boxes and shoring systems.
- Follow Alberta excavation regulations.
- Assist with utility exposure.
- Hand expose utilities when required.
- Maintain excavation safety zones.
- Assist equipment operators with safe excavation activities.
- Monitor trench conditions continuously.
Equipment Responsibilities
Safely operate, when authorized:
- Compaction equipment
- Cut-off saws
- Pumps
- Generators
- Plate tampers
- Jumping jacks
- Pipe lasers
- Dewatering equipment
- Pipe fusion equipment
- Small skid steers
- Service trucks
- Light-duty company vehicles
Assist operators working with:
- Excavators
- Backhoes
- Hydrovac trucks
- Loaders
- Directional drills
- Boring equipment
Site Responsibilities
- Read engineered drawings and specifications.
- Interpret utility locates.
- Complete field measurements.
- Verify elevations.
- Protect existing utilities.
- Install erosion and sediment controls.
- Maintain organized work areas.
- Protect public safety.
- Install traffic control devices when required.
- Maintain positive relationships with customers, inspectors, municipalities, consultants, subcontractors, and utility owners.
Safety Responsibilities
Every Pipe Layer shall:
- Complete Daily Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs).
- Complete daily equipment inspections.
- Follow all L & M Ditching Safe Work Practices and Safe Job Procedures.
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Exercise Stop Work Authority whenever unsafe conditions exist.
- Immediately report hazards, incidents, injuries, property damage, and near misses.
- Participate in toolbox talks and monthly safety meetings.
- Maintain all required safety certifications.
- Follow Alberta Occupational Health & Safety legislation.
- Protect coworkers, subcontractors, customers, and the public.
Documentation Responsibilities
- Complete daily time sheets.
- Record installed materials.
- Report quantity changes.
- Document deficiencies.
- Assist with as-built information.
- Complete inspection reports.
- Maintain accurate job documentation using company systems.
- Report equipment defects immediately.
Equipment Care
Employees are expected to:
- Maintain clean vehicles.
- Maintain clean tools.
- Inspect equipment before use.
- Report damaged equipment.
- Fuel equipment as directed.
- Return all tools to designated storage locations.
- Assist with preventative maintenance.
Customer Service Expectations
Every employee represents L & M Ditching Ltd.
Employees are expected to:
- Communicate professionally.
- Be courteous to homeowners and customers.
- Avoid foul or inappropriate language.
- Maintain a professional appearance.
- Respect private property.
- Keep work sites clean.
- Address customer concerns respectfully and refer issues beyond their authority to the Foreman or Superintendent.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years' experience installing underground utilities.
- Experience with water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer systems.
- Experience reading construction drawings.
- Understanding of Alberta municipal specifications.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a crew.
- Strong communication skills.
- Excellent work ethic.
- Physically capable of performing demanding construction work.
Required Certifications
Mandatory:
- Valid Class 5 Driver's Licence
- CSTS 2020
- WHMIS 2015
- Ground Disturbance Level II
- Confined Space Entry
- Standard First Aid with CPR
- H2S Alive
- Fall Protection
- TDG (where applicable)
Assets:
- Class 3 Driver's Licence with Air Brakes
- Class 1 Driver's Licence
- HDPE Fusion Certification
- Water Distribution Level I
- Traffic Accommodation
- Excavator Competency
- Skid Steer Competency
- Hydrovac Experience
- Arc Flash Awareness
Physical Requirements
The Pipe Layer must be capable of:
- Frequently lifting up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Occasionally lifting heavier materials with assistance or mechanical equipment.
- Working outdoors in extreme heat, cold, rain, snow, and varying weather conditions.
- Standing, kneeling, bending, crouching, climbing, and walking for extended periods.
- Working in confined spaces, trenches, excavations, and active construction zones.
- Performing repetitive physical tasks safely throughout the workday.
Work Environment
Employees regularly work:
- Outdoors year-round.
- In active construction zones.
- Around heavy equipment.
- Near underground utilities.
- In confined spaces.
- Around wastewater and potable water systems.
- During emergency repair situations.
- Overtime, weekends, and on-call shifts when operational requirements dictate.
Performance Expectations
Employees will be evaluated on:
- Safety performance.
- Attendance and punctuality.
- Quality of workmanship.
- Productivity.
- Teamwork.
- Initiative.
- Equipment care.
- Documentation accuracy.
- Customer service.
- Communication.
- Professional conduct.
- Compliance with company policies and procedures.
Core Values
At L & M Ditching Ltd., every employee is expected to demonstrate:
- Safety First
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Respect
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Quality Workmanship
- Reliability
- Continuous Improvement
- Pride in Our Work
Pay: $24.88-$36.88 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
Work Location: In person
