This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
79% STARs in role.
Job Title: Underground Utility Pipe Layer
Job Description
This role focuses on installing and maintaining underground utility piping systems for water, sewer, storm, and drainage infrastructure on commercial and industrial construction projects. You will read and interpret blueprints and utility plans, prepare and work in trenches, install and test piping, and support safe, efficient operations across multiple job sites.
Responsibilities
- Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, utility plans, and grade stakes to determine pipe layout and installation requirements.
- Measure, cut, assemble, and install pipe for water mains, sewer lines, and storm and drainage systems.
- Set pipe to the proper line, grade, and slope to meet project specifications and industry standards.
- Work safely inside trenches in full compliance with OSHA trench safety standards.
- Assist with trench preparation, including excavation support, bedding placement, and backfilling activities.
- Locate, remove, and replace existing underground piping as required by project scope.
- Perform pressure testing on piping systems to verify proper installation and identify potential issues.
- Use hand tools, power tools, and construction equipment appropriately and safely during pipe installation and related tasks.
- Coordinate closely with equipment operators and crew members to ensure smooth, efficient workflow and safe operations.
- Support rough and fine grading activities as needed to prepare sites for pipe installation and restoration.
- Help operate or work around heavy equipment such as bulldozers and vibratory rollers in support of underground utility and grading work.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe job site, following jobsite best practices and safety procedures at all times.
- Communicate clearly with supervisors and team members about progress, issues, and safety concerns.
Essential Skills
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and utility plans.
- Strong measuring and layout skills for accurate pipe placement and alignment.
- Knowledge of pipe installation methods, fittings, and materials used for water, sewer, storm, and drainage systems.
- Ability to use hand tools and power tools safely and effectively in a construction environment.
- Understanding of trench safety requirements and jobsite best practices, including OSHA trench safety standards.
- Experience working on commercial, industrial, or underground utility construction projects.
- Familiarity with pipe laying for water mains, sewer lines, and storm drainage systems.
- Ability to work around heavy equipment and construction machinery in a safe and controlled manner.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability to identify and resolve issues during installation.
- Effective communication skills to work closely with operators and crew members.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with underground utility construction, including trenching, bedding, and backfilling.
- Recent civil construction and industrial site work.
- Exposure to fine grading and rough grading activities on construction sites.
- Experience working around or assisting with operation of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and vibratory rollers.
- Comfort using laser or other grade-checking tools to verify line, grade, and slope.
- Commitment to a safety-first mindset and adherence to established safety protocols.
Why Work Here?
You will join a long-established company with decades of stability and a strong track record of retaining its employees. The organization fosters a family-oriented culture where safety comes first and teamwork is highly valued. You can access comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, along with a 401(k) plan featuring a 10% company match. Vacation time begins accruing from your first day as a permanent employee, and you will receive seven paid holidays each year. At the five-year mark, you become fully vested in the retirement plan, supporting your long-term financial security.
Work Environment
This position is field-based on active construction sites within the Richmond metropolitan area, with job locations up to approximately 45 minutes from Chester, VA. You will typically work 40–50 hours per week, Monday through Friday, from about 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with some flexibility required for weather conditions and occasional weekend work. The role involves working outdoors in varying weather, inside trenches, and around heavy equipment such as bulldozers and vibratory rollers. You will support multiple job sites, requiring flexibility to travel between locations as needed. Work is physically demanding and centered on safe trench work, underground utilities, grading, and general construction activities, with an expectation of maintaining a clean, organized, and safety-focused job site at all times.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Virginia Beach, VA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Virginia Beach,VA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 8, 2026.
About Aerotek
We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006047504
