PIPELAYER SPECIALIST - STORMWATER

JOB DESCRIPTION

PIPELAYER SPECIALIST
(STORMWATER)
PUBLIC WORKS

Human Resources

Newport News, Virginia Department

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under limited supervision, this position is responsible for performing simple to complex pipelaying
work in support of repairing and installing public storm drain systems. May serve as a lead worker.
Reports to the Crew Supervisor C - Construction.

There are three (3) levels of Pipelayer distinguished by the level of work performed and the
qualifications of the employee.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Installs, repairs and maintains storm sewer pipes of various sizes; performs proper sealing of pipe and
structure joints and ensures precision line and grade of pipe systems utilizing transit levels, grade rods
and laser beam aligners; conducts and oversees excavation, shoring and lifting operations associated
with pipelaying; performs masonry work in constructing manholes; and storm drain system
components.



Reviews site plans and drawings; inspects the work of others, trains employees in equipment
operations; performs routine checks and preventive maintenance on equipment; identifies and reports
equipment malfunctions; cleans equipment as needed.

Operates equipment such as crew truck, tandem and single axle dump trucks, excavators, backhoes,
rollers, front end loaders, hand and power tools such as tamper and power saws and laser survey
instruments.

Ensures the safety of City equipment, private property, and others by following proper safety
procedures, watching for overhead utility lines, and checking for traffic and underground utilities;
oversees the traffic control plan to include setting out traffic cones and signs according the Manual of
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE STANDARD

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community
and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also
expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

PC# 70229, 70230, 70215
Page 1 of 3 Revised: 03/01/2022

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE


Pipelaying –Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures used in the installation,
maintenance, adjustment and repair of various storm drainage pipes. Knowledge of joining
materials and compounds and fitting of joints, gaskets and couplings. 

Equipment Operation - Knowledge of the proper procedures for operating, inspecting and
maintaining assigned equipment. 

Safety - Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safety regulations related to
equipment operation and general construction work. Knowledge of traffic laws and regulations
governing the operation of equipment.

REQUIRED SKILLS


Interpersonal Relationships/Customer Service – Develops and maintains cooperative and
professional relationships with employees, representatives from other departments and
organizations, and the public. 

Judgement/Decision Making – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate
situations and exercise good judgment to make appropriate decisions.

REQUIRED ABILITIES


Communication – Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented
verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and
diplomacy. 

Time Management – Ability to plan and organize daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the
completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. 

Plan Reading – Ability to interpret blueprints and engineering plans.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Pipelayer- Requires a high school diploma and 1-2 years of related pipe laying experience with
sanitary sewer assets or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Pipelayer, Senior - Requires a high school diploma and 3-5 years of related pipe laying experience
with sanitary sewer assets or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Pipelayer Specialist - Requires a high school diploma and 5-7 years of related pipe laying experience
with public storm drains systems and 2-3 years of lead worker or supervisor experience, or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires satisfactory results from a pre-employment medical evaluation, medical determination for
respirator use; pre-employment substance abuse testing and is subject to random alcohol and
controlled substance testing.

Requires a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

PC# 70229, 70230, 70215
Page 2 of 3 Revised: 03/01/2022

Must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) permit prior to employment and complete the
practical portion of the CDL test within 60 days of employment.

Must successfully complete the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) Incident
Command System Certifications and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Flagger and
Basic Work Zone Traffic Control Certifications within one year of employment.

The job is considered Essential Personnel and will be required to work during and following natural
disasters and emergency situations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding
work. 

Some combination of climbing and balancing to include climbing ladders, stooping, kneeling,
crouching, and crawling. 

May involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and
materials (20-50 pounds).

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS 

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues
or signals. 

Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as
dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, weather, fumes, temperature and noise extremes,
hazardous materials, machinery, vibrations, confined spaces, traffic hazards, toxic agents,
animals/wildlife, or water hazards.

PC# 70229, 70230, 70215
Page 3 of 3 Revised: 03/01/2022