Universal Strength Civil & Mining is seeking a highly capable Qualified Drainer / Drainage Leading Hand. The

responsibilities below describe the standard USCM expects the successful employee to consistently perform in the role.

The position requires a hands-on drainer who can take ownership of a work front, lead a crew of approximately four people

and coordinate the labour, plant, materials, safety controls and technical requirements needed to complete drainage works

from initial planning through to testing, handover and close-out.

The employee will be expected to work closely with USCM management, project supervisors, engineers, surveyors, plant

operators, subcontractors, suppliers and clients. They must represent USCM professionally and deliver sewer, stormwater,

water-main and associated civil works safely, efficiently and to the required drawings, specifications and quality standards

across Perth, regional Western Australia and FIFO environments.

The responsibilities below describe the standard USCM expects the successful employee to consistently perform in the role.

The position requires a hands-on drainer who can take ownership of a work front, lead a crew of approximately four people and coordinate the labour, plant, materials, safety controls and technical requirements needed to complete drainage works from initial planning through to testing, handover and close out.

The employee will be expected to work closely with USCM management, project supervisors, engineers, surveyors, plant operators, subcontractors, suppliers and clients.

They must represent USCM professionally and deliver sewer, stormwater, water-main and associated civil works safely, efficiently and to the required drawings, specifications and quality standards across Perth, regional Western Australia and FIFO environments.Take day-to-day responsibility for leading, coordinating and mentoring a drainage crew of approximately four workers.

Allocate duties, explain the work sequence, monitor productivity, correct unsafe or poor-quality work and maintain a safe, respectful and positive team culture.

Review and understand engineering drawings, specifications, long sections, pit schedules, details, set-outs, grades,invert levels and drawing revisions before work begins. Convert the design information into a practical daily plan for labour, plant, materials, access and installation sequencing.

Personally undertake and oversee sewer, stormwater and water-main installation, including trench preparation, bedding,

PVC and other pipe laying, cutting, jointing, laser setup, grade and fall control, pits, lids, manholes, maintenance shafts, benching, connections, backfilling and compaction.

Plan and control trench excavation, access, battering, shoring boxes, trench support, exclusion zones, spoil placement, dewatering and safe entry. Ensure the crew works safely around live water, gas, communications, power and other underground services.

Complete accurate material take-offs from engineer drawings and drainage schedules. Identify and arrange the pipes,pits, lids, bends, junctions, couplings, reducers, valves, connectors,



concrete products, bedding materials and specialist fittings required for each stage of the job.

Coordinate supplier orders and delivery timing so materials arrive before the work front requires them. Check deliveries against drawings, quantities, purchase orders and approved product requirements, then immediately resolve shortages,damaged products, incorrect fittings or delivery delays.

Plan and coordinate excavators, loaders, rollers, moxies, watercarts, trucks, lifting attachments and support equipment.

Position plant and operators effectively so excavation, pipe installation, backfilling and compaction proceed without unnecessary delays or unsafe interaction.

Complete and verify plant pre-start inspections, monitor hour meters and condition, maintain service records and help coordinate preventative maintenance and service scheduling. Identify defects or breakdown risks early and arrange repairs or alternative plant before production is affected.

Inspect chains, slings, hooks, lifting clutches, spreader arrangements and D-shackles before use. Confirm identification tags, inspection status, working load limits and suitability for the lift, and ensure pipes, pits, lids, manholes and trench equipment are lifted using safe methods.

Lead and participate in SWMS reviews, SOP implementation, Take 5s, JHAs, task risk assessments, toolbox talks, permits and daily pre-starts. Stop and reassess work when conditions, services, weather, access, plant interaction or job scope change.

Use proactive thinking and practical problem-solving to identify clashes, incorrect levels, drawing conflicts, live-service risks, access restrictions, unstable or wet ground, material shortages and changing scopes. Present workable solutions to the supervisor or engineer before the issue causes delay, rework or risk.

Maintain quality throughout the installation by checking line, level, grade, fall, bedding, joint condition, compaction and finished structures. Complete daily records, measurements, as-built information, test documentation, delivery records and progress reporting accurately and on time.

Learn each job scope quickly and remain effective in fast-moving civil environments. Look ahead, anticipate what the crew will require next and adjust labour, plant, materials and sequencing to meet project priorities without compromising safety, quality or team wellbeing.

Own the assigned drainage work front and communicate immediately when drawings, resources, safety controls or site conditions prevent the work from proceeding correctly.

Plan at least one stage ahead so the crew has the correct information, fittings, plant, access and permits available when required.





Achieve productive daily outcomes while protecting workers, the public, existing services, plant, materials and completed works.

Build a safe and happy crew environment where workers communicate, support one another, raise hazards and take pride in the finished product.

Represent USCM professionally when dealing with clients, engineers, supervisors, suppliers, other contractors and members of the public.

Demonstrate reliability, accountability, proactive thinking and a willingness to assist outside narrow task boundaries when required to complete the job safely.

Coach less experienced employees in drainage methods, plant awareness, safe lifting, quality controls and correct use of SWMS, SOPs and Take 5 processes.

Maintain company plant, tools, lifting equipment and work areas in a clean, serviceable and inspection-ready condition.

Demonstrated experience as a qualified Drainer delivering below-ground sewer, stormwater and water-main works.

Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, levels, grades and drainage details.

Experience leading or coordinating a small drainage crew and supporting a cooperative, high-performance work environment.

Strong knowledge of pipe laying, trench safety, shoring, bedding, backfill, compaction, pits, manholes and live services.

Experience with materials planning, fittings identification, ordering and delivery coordination.

Practical understanding of SWMS, SOPs, Take 5s, risk assessments, JHAs and permit systems.

Plant awareness and experience coordinating or operating excavators, loaders, rollers, moxies and watercarts.

Good problem-solving skills, proactive thinking and ability to learn job scopes quickly in fast-moving civil environments.

Clear communication, reliability, professional conduct and commitment to safety and quality

Essential Tickets and Qualifications

Schedule 26 Supervisor certificate, Drainer qualification or recognised equivalent.

Construction White Card.

Current driver’s licence - HR-B or higher highly regarded.

PVC Pipe Laying competency - Sewer and Water Main competency.

First Aid certificate.

Quick Cut, Safe Lifting, Communications and Power Services tickets or equivalent competencies.

RIIMPO Excavator, Loader, Roller, Moxy and Watercart tickets, or verified equivalent competency.

Highly Regarded

Experience working to Water Corporation specifications.

Subdivision, main-roads, regional and FIFO experience.

Deep trench, shoring-box, dewatering and congested live-service experience.

Experience with drainage logistics, plant maintenance planning and lifting-equipment inspections.

What We Offer

Permanent full-time employment with a growing WA civil business.

Competitive salary based on qualifications and demonstrated experience.

Operating hours 45-50 hours per week

Superannuation and applicable allowances or project benefits.

Chance to lead crews and contribute to project planning and delivery.

Modern plant and a strong focus on safe, productive systems of work.

A team culture built around respect, capability, accountability and supporting one another.

📌 Qualified Drainer / Drainage Leading Hand - Sewer, Stormwater & Water Main (Perth)
🏢 Universal strength civil and mining
📍 Perth