Who We Are
Downrite Engineering is an established underground utility and sitework contractor delivering deep sanitary sewer, water main, and storm drainage systems across South Florida. Our crews build the infrastructure behind residential communities, logistics parks, and commercial developments. We are looking for a dependable, safety-focused team member to join our pipe crews.
The Role
The Pipe Layer is the skilled hand who sets pipe to exact line and grade in deep trenches. Working in the cut, you'll prepare bedding, make up joints, set structures and manholes, tie in services, and verify grade — the craft work that determines whether the system passes inspection and testing.
Key Responsibilities
- Set gravity sewer, water main, force main, and storm pipe to precise line and grade in deep trenches.
- Prepare and check bedding; verify invert elevations and slope using laser, grade rod, and lamping.
- Make up joints correctly for PVC, DIP (ductile iron), RCP, and HDPE materials.
- Set and connect manholes, inlets, junction boxes, valves, fittings, and service laterals.
- Work safely inside trench boxes and shoring; follow confined-space procedures for structures.
- Support pressure, vacuum, mandrel/deflection, and air testing; correct deficiencies before backfill.
- Coordinate with the excavator operator and foreman to maintain production and grade.
- Keep the trench clean and the work to specification and inspection standards.
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years laying pipe on underground utility crews, including deep sewer/water/drainage work.
- Strong understanding of line and grade, invert elevations, and slope.
- Hands-on experience with PVC, DIP, RCP, and/or HDPE joints and structures.
- Comfortable working in deep trenches within trench boxes and shoring.
- Reliable, safety-focused, and detail-oriented.
Preferred Qualifications
- Confined Space Entry training (manhole/structure work).
- Trench Safety / OSHA 10/30 awareness.
- Experience with laser and GPS grade control.
- Familiarity with WASD, county utility, and FDOT standards and testing requirements.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Physical Requirements
- Able to work in deep excavations and confined spaces in South Florida heat year-round.
- Able to lift and maneuver pipe, fittings, and materials and work on uneven ground.
- Comfortable on active jobsites with heavy equipment and open trenches.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay based on experience.
- [Health insurance / PTO / other benefits].
- Steady backlog of work across active utility and sitework projects.
- Opportunity to grow with a respected South Florida contractor.
Pay: $22.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
