Pipelayers
What is a Pipelayer?
Pipelayers are skilled construction workers who specialize in laying pipelines for various utilities, including water, gas, oil, and sewage. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that the pipes are installed accurately and efficiently according to specifications and regulations. This typically involves excavation, trenching, and preparing the soil for pipe installation, as well as handling large pipe sections and fittings. Pipelayers must work closely with other construction professionals, including engineers and surveyors, to determine the best layout and positioning of the pipes. They must also be familiar with safety standards and practices to prevent accidents and ensure compliance with local laws. Additionally, pipelayers may be involved in checking pipes for leaks, making repairs, and performing maintenance tasks on existing pipelines. Their work is critical in facilitating the flow of essential resources and maintaining infrastructure in urban and rural areas.
Tasks
- Install or use instruments such as lasers, grade rods, or transit levels.
- Cut pipes to required lengths.
- Connect pipe pieces and seal joints, using welding equipment, cement, or glue.
- Cover pipes with earth or other materials.
- Install or repair sanitary or stormwater sewer structures or pipe systems.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Word processing software
Tools Used
- Power grinders
- Water pumps
- Boring or sinking machinery
- Jacks
- Squares
Knowledge
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Skills
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Less than high school diploma
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Professional degree
Awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession
Work Activities
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Detailed Work Activities
- Position hand tools.
- Apply adhesives to construction materials.
- Cut metal components for installation.
- Spread sand, dirt or other loose materials onto surfaces.
- Weld metal components.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$35820.0 - $79150.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.