Utilities/Pipelayer I

Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work for the installation, maintenance, and repair of underground utility (water, wastewater, and stormwater) systems.

• (This position is a temp. to hire position. If selected for a Utilities/Pipelayer position, employment will be setup with a temporary staffing agency the City is contracted with for 2024).

• City of Kingsport does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations.

• Performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled maintenance tasks using appropriate hand and power tools (shovels, rakes, drills, blowers, chainsaws, pipe saws, etc.); 

• Performs a variety of manual laboring tasks;

• Setup, maintain, and operate traffic control (including flagging) for work zones;

• Ensures all tasks are competed in a safe and efficient manner;

• Operates and maintains vehicles and small equipment (mowers, tractors, skid steer, trencher, asphalt rollers, concrete saws, pipe cleaning equipment, etc.);

• Install and maintain pressurized and gravity pipe in trench excavation, sometimes requiring use of trench shoring equipment;

• Performs work in confined spaces such as manholes, meter vaults, trenches, etc.;

• Performs tap installation using pipe tap machine;

• Assists in operation of high-pressure pipe cleaning equipment;

• Performs maintenance work on water and wastewater facilities (pump stations, plants, etc.);

• Maintains facilities (utility plants, pump stations, underground utility infrastructure, storage facilities, etc.); 

• Performs appropriate inspections and keeps equipment and vehicles clean and in safe working condition;

• Performs minor/maintenance/repairs to equipment and vehicles used;

• Keeps appropriate records of the tasks performed (pre-trip inspections, inventory control, etc.;

• Occasionally fills in for other positions when needed and assist in training other employees;

• Understand and comply with federal and state regulations regarding utility systems;

• Employee will be assigned to a specific after hours on-call schedule depending on assigned field;

• Attend training as needed to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements, as well as maintain required certifications;

• Assist in emergency operations as needed; 

• Mentor new employees; and

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work independently and make independent judgements:

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions for operating construction equipment;

• Knowledge in using hand and power tools in construction and maintenance work; 

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and materials used in various utility (water, wastewater, and stormwater) construction projects; 

• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and repair of relevant vehicles and equipment; 

• Knowledge of the elements of construction technology as they relate to the assigned construction, maintenance, and repair activities; 

• Skill in performing manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion and potential exposure to adverse weather conditions; 

• Skill in reading schematics and follow oral and written instructions; 

• Skill in communicating effectively orally and in writing including tactful and courteous communications with the public; 

• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers, other city personnel and the public.

• Up to and including some high school education required;

• Experience working in a team environment;  

• Valid TN or VA driver's license;

Valid State of Tennessee or Virginia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) - Learner's Permit within 6 months of hire.