Make your impact on South Carolina!

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on your community? At J.C. Wilkie Construction, we’re not just building infrastructure, we’re shaping the future of South Carolina! As a leading, privately owned company specializing in water and sewer installation, storm drainage, and roadway construction, we’re on a thrilling growth trajectory, and we want YOU to be a part of it!

Why choose us? Here are just a few of the incredible benefits that come with being a member of our team:

Safety First: Your well-being is our top priority.
Health Coverage: Your health matters to us. That's why the company covers more than 80% of employee medical insurance costs.
Life Insurance: We’ve got you covered with company-paid life insurance.
Work-Life Balance: Benefit from Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays to recharge and enjoy life.
Secure Your Future: Our 401(k) plan includes a generous match—100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2%.
Profit Sharing: Share in the success of our company!

We can't wait to meet you and share the exciting opportunities that await at J.C. Wilkie Construction. Let’s build something great together!

Position Summary

The Pipe Layer is responsible for performing skilled underground utility installation work for storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and water distribution systems. Working under the direction of the Pipe Foreman, this position installs pipe, fittings, structures, and appurtenances while ensuring alignment, grade, quality, and safety standards are met.

The Pipe Layer is expected to work independently on routine utility installation tasks and assist in coordinating activities with laborers, operators, and other crew members. This position requires a strong understanding of underground utility construction methods, trench safety practices, blueprint interpretation, and utility installation procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Install storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and water distribution piping in accordance with plans and specifications.
Set and align pipe to required line and grade using lasers, grade rods, levels, and other layout tools.
Assist with trench preparation, bedding placement, and utility installation activities.
Install pipe fittings, valves, hydrants, manholes, catch basins, inlets, and related utility structures.
Verify proper pipe alignment, joint connections, and elevations throughout installation.
Direct equipment operators during excavation, pipe placement, backfilling, and material handling operations.
Assist in identifying and maintaining proper trench safety requirements, including shoring, trench boxes, and excavation protection systems.
Read and interpret utility plans, construction drawings, specifications, cut sheets, and grade stakes.
Perform utility tie-ins and field adjustments as required by project conditions.
Assist with pressure testing, infiltration testing, and other system testing activities.
Locate and work safely around existing underground utilities and structures.
Help maintain accurate installation tolerances to meet project requirements.
Inspect materials for defects and verify proper installation procedures.
Perform routine manual labor, including lifting, carrying, positioning materials, and hand excavation when necessary.
Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas.
Follow all company safety policies, OSHA regulations, and project-specific safety requirements.
Participate in safety meetings, training sessions, and project planning discussions.
Assist in mentoring and training entry-level Pipe Layers and Utility Laborers.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in underground utility construction, including pipe installation.
Experience installing storm drain, sanitary sewer, and water distribution systems.
Ability to read and interpret construction plans, grade stakes, cut sheets, and utility drawings.
Knowledge of pipe installation methods, utility construction practices, and trench safety requirements.
Ability to safely work in excavations and around heavy equipment.
Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Reliable attendance and strong work ethic.

Performance Expectations

Achieve and consistently demonstrate proficiency in all required competencies within the first 1–3 years in the role.
Install utility systems with minimal supervision while maintaining productivity and quality standards.
Maintain safety performance standards, including no preventable accidents, equipment damage or injuries.
Maintain satisfactory conduct and performance, with no disciplinary notices issued within the previous 12 months.
Demonstrate leadership by assisting with crew coordination and training of less experienced employees.

Preferred Qualifications

OSHA 10 certification.
Trench Safety Competent Person training.
Experience installing large-diameter storm drainage systems.
Experience with water and sewer utility testing procedures.
Experience working on municipal, commercial, and site development projects.
CPR/First Aid certification.

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds on a regular basis.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, and work in trenches for extended periods.
Ability to climb in and out of trenches, excavations, and construction equipment.
Ability to work on uneven terrain and in confined work areas.
Ability to perform physically demanding work throughout the workday.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Working Conditions

Outdoor construction environment on active site development and utility construction projects.
Regular exposure to trenches, excavations, underground utilities, dust, mud, vibration, noise, and changing weather conditions.
Work performed around heavy equipment, moving machinery, and active utility installation operations.
Frequent collaboration with operators, laborers, foremen, surveyors, inspectors, and subcontractors.
Overtime and weekend work may be required based on project schedules.

Key Competencies

Underground Utility Installation
Storm Drain, Sewer, and Water System Construction
Line and Grade Control
Blueprint and Plan Reading
Trench Safety Awareness
Utility Layout and Alignment
Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration
Problem Solving
Quality Control
Productivity and Efficiency
Dependability
Leadership and Crew Support

You can shape the infrastructure of our roadways in South Carolina today, let's chat!

J.C. Wilkie Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

J.C. Wilkie Construction, LLC

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