HELP WANTED: City of New Bedford is seeking to fill a Pipefitter position

LEVEL: GRADE 7 $13.78hr – $19.91hr
DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

FUNCTION: Fabricates and installs all related piping as pertaining to water distribution and sewage collection systems.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the immediate supervision of a Foreman.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Directs subordinate employees, as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Cuts, bends, threads, assembles and joins water piping and fitting made of copper, brass, lead, cast iron, steel, plastic or other composition; threads pipe using threading machine; cuts pipe using pipe saw, joins piping and fixtures by means of threaded, caulked, wiped, bell and spigot, soldered, brazed or cemented joints; installs and checks valves, hydrants and other wastewater and water system accessories.
  • Installs manholes, catch basins, shoots grade utilizing pipe lasers and related survey tools to establish a grade.
  • Taps water mains 4” to 48” in size with a small tapping machine from ¾” to 2”; repairs hydrants, gate valves;
    performs other work in connection with the maintenance, construction and repairs of the distribution system and collection system. Installs water meters, operates gate valves and service shutoffs.
  • Capable of reading service cards, gate and hydrant location books and plans. Performs semi-skilled manual work in the construction, operation and maintenance of distribution and collection systems, including work on reservoirs, treatment plants, pump stations and water gates.
  • Cuts, lays and caulks water pipes using machine or hand tools forcing sealing compound into joints to make them watertight; pumps water from trenches; digs, braces and backfills excavations for the purpose of locating pipe leaks or preparing areas for laying pipes.
  • Reads water meters and checks for over and under registration when necessary. Replaces worn and broken parts in distribution and collection systems. Operates motor equipment.
  • May work with private contractors to help them avoid hitting utilities during construction and excavation.
  • Performs related duties as required.
  • Subject to call 7 days per week, 24 hours per day for emergency work, to fill in on emergency watch, holidays, sickness and vacations.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience: Vocational or high school graduate or GED equivalent.Experience in excavation and pipe installation preferred. Possession of a D-1 certification and knowledge of collection systems preferred.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must be knowledgeable in the proper use of various pipes in a sewer system. Must possess general masonry skills and have a general knowledge of low pressure systems. Ability to obtain a distribution and/or collection system certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Massachusetts driver’s license and good driving record. Mandatory CORI (Criminal Offender Record Investigation) background check per City Council Ordinance effective May 14, 2013.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED: Motorized vehicles such as a one-ton or pickup, hand tools, cutoff saws, shoring equipment, tapping machines and any other equipment necessary to perform the tasks of a Pipefitter.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to operate objects, tools and controls. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, smell, observe, listen, speak and climb.

Frequent periods requiring sustained uncomfortable physical conditions, regular and sustained periods of strenuous physical exertion, requiring the ability to lift, carry and position heavy objects utilizing proper body mechanics and techniques. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift up to 100 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS: Employee often works outside and is subjected to all weather conditions and extremes. Works near mechanical parts, the operation of this equipment causes loud noise levels and high vibrations. This employee is occasionally exposed to fumes, airborne particles, various risks, toxins, and hazardous wastes associated with the treatment process and collection system. The operation of equipment or handling of chemicals requires the exercise of caution.

SELECTION GUIDELINES: Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; and job-related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.