Make your impact on South Carolina!
Are you ready to make a lasting impact on your community? At J.C. Wilkie Construction, we’re not just building infrastructure, we’re shaping the future of South Carolina! As a leading, privately owned company specializing in water and sewer installation, storm drainage, and roadway construction, we’re on a thrilling growth trajectory, and we want YOU to be a part of it!
Why choose us? Here are just a few of the incredible benefits that come with being a member of our team:
- Safety First: Your well-being is our top priority.
- Health Coverage: Your health matters to us. That's why the company covers more than 80% of employee medical insurance costs.
- Life Insurance: We’ve got you covered with company-paid life insurance.
- Work-Life Balance: Benefit from Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays to recharge and enjoy life.
- Secure Your Future: Our 401(k) plan includes a generous match—100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2%.
- Profit Sharing: Share in the success of our company!
We can't wait to meet you and share the exciting opportunities that await at J.C. Wilkie Construction. Let’s build something great together!
Position Summary
The Pipe Apprentice is an entry-level position responsible for assisting in the installation of underground storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and water distribution systems on site development and civil construction projects. This role is intended for individuals with little or no previous utility construction experience who are interested in developing a career in underground utility construction.
Under the direct supervision of foremen, pipe layers, and equipment operators, the Pipe Apprentice performs basic labor tasks while learning industry standards, construction techniques, trench safety requirements, and utility installation practices. The successful candidate must be willing to perform physical labor, follow instructions, work safely, and learn the skills required to advance within the utility construction trade.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist pipe crews with the installation of storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and water utility systems.
- Load, unload, transport, and organize pipe, fittings, valves, tools, and construction materials.
- Assist with laying, aligning, and joining underground utility pipe under supervision.
- Prepare pipe bedding and assist with backfilling operations.
- Clean and prepare trenches, utility structures, and work areas.
- Assist in the installation and removal of trench safety systems, including trench boxes and shoring.
- Safely use hand tools and small power tools.
- Support efforts to locate, expose, and protect existing underground utilities.
- Maintain job site cleanliness and organization.
- Follow grade stakes, utility markings, and instructions provided by supervisors.
- Work safely around excavators, loaders, compactors, and other heavy equipment.
- Participate in safety meetings, training programs, and apprenticeship activities.
- Follow all company safety policies and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Report safety hazards, incidents, and equipment concerns immediately.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- No prior utility construction experience required.
- High school diploma or GED preferred.
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work.
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly.
- Ability to work in and around trenches, excavations, mud, and uneven terrain.
- Reliable transportation to and from project sites.
- Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
- Strong work ethic and willingness to learn.
- Commitment to safe work practices.
Achieve and consistently demonstrate proficiency in all required competencies within the first 1–3 years in the role.
Maintain safety performance standards, including no preventable accidents, injuries, or equipment damage.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in construction, landscaping, general labor, or related outdoor work environments.
- OSHA 10 certification or willingness to obtain certification.
- Interest in pursuing a long-term career in site development and underground utility construction.
Performance Expectations
- Achieve and consistently demonstrate proficiency in all required competencies within the first 1–3 years in the role.
- Maintain safety performance standards, including no preventable accidents, equipment damage or injuries.
- Demonstrate leadership by assisting with crew coordination and training of less experienced employees.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, and lifting.
- Ability to work outdoors in hot, cold, wet, muddy, dusty, and humid conditions.
- Ability to safely perform repetitive physical tasks throughout the workday.
- Ability to work around active excavation operations and heavy construction equipment.
Working Conditions
- Primarily outdoor work on active site development and utility construction projects.
- Exposure to varying weather conditions, dust, noise, vibration, and construction traffic.
- Work performed around trenches, excavations, underground utilities, and heavy equipment.
- Overtime and weekend work may be required based on project schedules.
Key Competencies
- Safety Awareness
- Dependability
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Initiative
- Attention to Detail
- Positive Attitude
- Willingness to Learn
- Strong Work Ethic
