Company Overview
Pessoa Construction Company (PCC) has been a leader in the construction industry for over 35 years, serving Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Delaware.
Position Overview
We are seeking a skilled, safety-conscious Wet Utility Pipelayer to join our field crews on heavy civil and underground utility construction projects in the Maryland / DMV / Baltimore region. This hands-on craft role focuses on the accurate installation of water mains, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems, with primary responsibility for verifying drawings for fittings and material needs, ensuring all required materials are on hand, and pre-assembling fittings and assemblies where practical prior to the start of pipe-laying work. The Pipelayer works under the direction of the Foreman, coordinates closely with excavator operators and laborers, and contributes directly to high-quality, efficient production while maintaining strict adherence to safety, grade, specification, and material-readiness requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Verify construction drawings, profiles, and material take-offs before each run; confirm all fittings, valves, adapters, gaskets, joint restraint, manhole components, and specialty items are identified, staged, and ready.
- Pre-assemble fittings, valve assemblies, and any pipe sections that can be prepared ahead of excavation so installation proceeds without delay once the trench is ready.
- Lay and join pipe (ductile iron, PVC, HDPE, RCP, CMP, and other materials) for water, sanitary sewer, and storm drain systems according to plans and specifications.
- Prepare trench bottoms, place bedding material, and set pipe to precise grade and alignment using laser levels, string lines, and GPS as directed.
- Make watertight joints, install fittings, valves, hydrants, manholes, catch basins, cleanouts, and related appurtenances per manufacturer and project requirements.
- Assist with excavation support, shoring, trench boxes, and safe trench entry/exit practices.
- Perform or assist with backfill, compaction, and testing support (pressure, leakage, mandrel, CCTV coordination) around installed pipe.
- Read and interpret construction drawings, cut sheets, and grade stakes for pipe runs, structures, and fitting locations.
- Operate or assist with small tools, compactors, lasers, and occasionally light equipment under supervision.
- Maintain a clean, organized work area; protect installed work from damage; stage materials for continuous production.
- Follow all OSHA, company, and site-specific safety rules; participate in daily briefings and hazard assessments.
- Communicate material shortages, drawing conflicts, grade problems, or quality issues promptly to the Foreman.
Required Qualifications
- 2+ years of hands-on experience laying water, sewer, and/or storm pipe on civil or utility projects (public works / municipal experience preferred).
- Proven ability to read drawings and identify fittings, valves, adapters, and material needs in advance of installation.
- Demonstrated skill setting pipe accurately to grade and alignment using laser, level, or GPS methods.
- Working knowledge of trench safety, shoring, and confined-space awareness.
- Physical ability to work in trenches, lift pipe sections and fittings, and perform outdoor work in varying weather.
- Valid driver’s license; reliable transportation to job sites in the Maryland / DMV / Baltimore area.
- Strong work ethic, attention to detail, material organization, and willingness to follow direction while contributing ideas for safer/more efficient methods.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with multiple pipe materials (DI, PVC, HDPE, RCP) and joint types, including restrained joints and mechanical couplings.
- Familiarity with manhole, catch basin, hydrant, and valve vault installation.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification; competent-person training for excavation.
- Ability to operate or assist with excavators, loaders, or compactors.
- Prior experience on Maryland / DMV public-works wet utility projects.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus on many crews.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pessoa Construction Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $26.00 - $34.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Retirement plan
Experience:
- Storm Drain Installation: 1 year (Preferred)
- Sewermain Installation: 1 year (Preferred)
- Pipe Installation: 1 year (Required)
- Watermain Installation: 2 years (Required)
- Reading Construction Drawings: 1 year (Preferred)
Language:
Shift availability:
- Day Shift (Preferred)
- Night Shift (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Capitol Heights, MD 20743 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Capitol Heights, MD 20743: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
