Hdpe Pipe Machine Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Fusing Lead

Holland Pump Company is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Fusing Lead to oversee HDPE pipe fusion activities in support of dewatering, bypass pumping, water transfer, and other temporary pumping applications.

The Fusing Lead is responsible for coordinating field fusion activities, operating and maintaining fusion equipment, directing assigned crew members, and ensuring that HDPE piping systems are assembled safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project requirements and established fusion procedures.

This position serves as the working lead on the jobsite and is expected to set the standard for safety, workmanship, productivity, equipment care, and teamwork. The Fusing Lead will work closely with Service Managers, Field Technicians, Operations personnel, and other project team members to ensure each installation is completed safely and on schedule.

• Perform and oversee HDPE butt fusion, sidewall fusion, electrofusion, and other approved fusion methods as required by the project.

• Set up, operate, inspect, and maintain hydraulic and manual pipe fusion equipment.

• Verify proper pipe preparation, alignment, heating, fusion pressure, cooling time, and handling procedures.

• Ensure fusion joints are completed in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, project specifications, and applicable procedures.

• Visually inspect completed fusion joints and identify unacceptable joints or workmanship concerns.

• Cut, measure, align, stage, and assemble HDPE pipe and related fittings.

• Assist with installation and removal of temporary discharge piping, bypass systems, and dewatering systems.

• Confirm piping layouts and routing requirements with the project or operations team before installation.

• Protect fused pipe from unnecessary damage during handling, loading, installation, and demobilization.

• Serve as the working lead for assigned fusion crews.

• Assign daily work activities and clearly communicate expectations to crew members.

• Conduct pre-job discussions regarding the work plan, hazards, equipment needs, and jobsite conditions.

• Train and mentor employees in proper fusion techniques, equipment operation, pipe handling, and safe work practices.

• Monitor employee performance and provide immediate coaching when unsafe or improper work practices are observed.

• Maintain a productive work environment while ensuring that safety is never sacrificed for speed or production.

• Communicate staffing, equipment, training, or performance concerns to the appropriate manager.

• Promote teamwork, accountability, and professional conduct on every jobsite.

• Lead by example and reinforce Holland Pump's commitment to Everyone Home Safe.

• Conduct or participate in daily Job Safety Analyses, toolbox talks, and pre-task planning.

• Identify changing jobsite hazards and take appropriate corrective action before work continues.

• Ensure proper PPE is worn and maintained by all assigned crew members.

• Follow all Company, customer, OSHA, and jobsite safety requirements.

• Maintain awareness of hazards associated with:

  • Heavy equipment

  • Pressurized piping systems

  • Hot fusion surfaces

  • Pinch points

  • Rigging and lifting

  • Traffic and mobile equipment

  • Excavations and trenches

  • Confined spaces

  • Electrical equipment

  • Working around active construction operations

• Immediately stop work when an unsafe condition exists.

• Report incidents, injuries, property damage, hazards, and near misses in accordance with Holland Pump procedures.

• Participate in incident investigations and corrective-action discussions when required.

• Inspect fusion machines, heaters, facer assemblies, hydraulic systems, generators, trailers, tools, and related equipment before use.

• Ensure equipment is clean, functional, properly maintained, and ready for field deployment.

• Identify damaged or malfunctioning equipment and promptly report repair needs.

• Maintain proper care and control of company-owned tools and equipment.

• Verify that required pipe, fittings, equipment, adapters, generators, and supplies are available before mobilization.

• Assist with loading, unloading, staging, and securing pipe and equipment.

• Maintain organized fusion equipment and work areas at the branch and jobsite.

• Help control material waste and prevent unnecessary damage to pipe, fittings, and equipment.

• Ensure fusion equipment is appropriate for the pipe size and application.

• Verify heating surfaces and fusion equipment are in acceptable operating condition before beginning work.

• Confirm pipe ends are properly cleaned, faced, aligned, and prepared.

• Monitor fusion parameters throughout the fusion process.

• Document fusion activity when required by the customer, project specifications, or Company procedures.

• Immediately address questionable joints, improper fusion conditions, or equipment problems.

• Maintain consistent workmanship across the entire fusion crew.

• Coordinate daily fusion activities with Service Managers, Operations Managers, project supervisors, and other field personnel.

• Review project requirements before mobilization and communicate questions or concerns early.

• Assist with determining manpower, equipment, pipe, fitting, and logistical requirements for upcoming projects.

• Coordinate pipe placement and fusion sequencing to improve installation efficiency.

• Work closely with pump installation crews to ensure piping systems properly support overall project requirements.

• Monitor progress against the daily work plan and communicate delays, shortages, jobsite changes, or additional requirements promptly.

• Support emergency and after-hours projects when required.

• Maintain professional communication with customers, contractors, inspectors, and Holland Pump team members.

• Complete required daily field reports, equipment inspections, safety documentation, and fusion records accurately and on time.

• Ensure labor, equipment usage, materials, damage, and project information are properly communicated for accurate job costing and billing.

• Maintain accurate information in Company-required systems and applications as applicable.

• Provide management with updates on job progress, equipment issues, employee performance, and customer concerns.

• Assist with project closeout and ensure equipment and unused materials are accounted for when work is completed.

• High school diploma or GED, or equivalent relevant experience.

• Previous experience with HDPE pipe fusion, pipeline installation, bypass pumping, dewatering, underground utilities, or similar field operations.

• Demonstrated ability to safely operate HDPE fusion equipment.

• Ability to read measurements and understand basic piping layouts and project drawings.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.

• Ability to lead and direct field employees effectively.

• Ability to communicate clearly with employees, supervisors, customers, and contractors.

• Ability to work independently and make sound field decisions.

• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability and willingness to travel to customer jobsites as required.

• Ability to work overtime, nights, weekends, and emergency callouts when business needs require.

• Previous lead or supervisory experience in pipe fusion or field construction.

• Formal HDPE fusion training or manufacturer certification.

• Experience operating hydraulic fusion equipment such as McElroy or equivalent systems.

• Experience with large-diameter HDPE piping.

• Experience with temporary bypass pumping, dewatering, or water-transfer systems.

• OSHA 10- or OSHA 30-hour training.

• Forklift, skid steer, excavator, or other applicable equipment experience.

• CDL license or ability to obtain a CDL where required by the position.

The successful Fusing Lead should demonstrate:

• Strong safety awareness and leadership.

• Working knowledge of HDPE pipe fusion principles.

• Mechanical troubleshooting skills.

• Leadership and crew-development ability.

• Job planning and organizational skills.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Ability to recognize and correct quality concerns.

• Ability to manage changing field conditions.

• Effective verbal and written communication.

• Customer-service orientation.

• Ability to work effectively under schedule pressure.

• Accountability for equipment, materials, workmanship, and crew performance.

This is a field-based position that requires regular physical activity. The employee must be able to:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, push, and pull.

• Safely lift and carry tools, fittings, hoses, and other jobsite materials.

• Work around heavy equipment and construction operations.

• Work outdoors for extended periods.

• Perform work in hot, cold, wet, muddy, dusty, and other changing environmental conditions.

• Safely enter and work around construction sites, excavations, and uneven terrain.

• Wear required personal protective equipment for the duration of assigned work.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

The Fusing Lead primarily works in field and construction environments supporting Holland Pump customers and projects. Work may include exposure to weather, noise, moving equipment, traffic, water, mud, uneven ground, and active construction operations.

Travel between Holland Pump locations and customer jobsites may be required. Work schedules may vary based on project demands, including early mornings, nights, weekends, extended shifts, and emergency response situations.

Success in this position will be measured by the employee's ability to:

• Complete projects safely and without preventable incidents.

• Produce consistent, high-quality fusion joints.

• Maintain productive and well-organized crews.

• Properly care for Company equipment and materials.

• Reduce rework, waste, and avoidable equipment damage.

• Accurately complete required documentation.

• Communicate effectively with operations and project leadership.

• Meet project schedules without compromising safety or quality.

• Develop additional employees capable of safely performing HDPE fusion work.