Underground Construction/Utility Pipe Welder

Who We Are

Cleveland Thermal has been keeping downtown Cleveland warm since 1894 - and cool since 1993. As one of the few district energy systems of its kind in the U.S., we supply steam heat and chilled water to residential, commercial, government, and institutional customers across the city. It's infrastructure that most people never see, but depend upon.

We're part of Corix, which delivers reliable and sustainable energy solutions to communities across North America.

About the Opportunity

This is a field role for someone who likes variety, takes pride in hands-on work, and wants to be part of a small, skilled crew doing something genuinely unique. You'll be working on underground steam and chilled water infrastructure beneath a major city - troubleshooting problems, making repairs, operating equipment, and keeping critical systems running year-round.

No two days look the same. You might spend a morning diagnosing an issue in a manhole, an afternoon running equipment on a construction site, and your next shift doing pipework. If that kind of variety appeals to you, this role is a good fit.

You'll spend about 95% of your time outdoors. Physical, hands-on work is the core of the job.

What You'll Do

• Maintain and repair underground steam and chilled water distribution piping networks
• Inspect, repair, and document underground manholes and components
• Troubleshoot distribution and HVAC systems, including valves, steam traps, and pressure-reducing valves
• Set up job sites and work alongside crew members on underground excavation and utility repairs
• Operate heavy equipment, blowers, pumps, air compressors, and jack hammers
• Respond to emergency call-outs in a calm, professional manner
• Report leaks, damaged infrastructure, or any safety concerns promptly
• Provide daily reports, vehicle inspections, confined space entries, and manhole logs to the Energy Infrastructure Manager
• Step into the Energy Infrastructure Lead role when directed
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment across vehicles, the shop, and job sites
• Follow all company safety policies and procedures - always

What We're Looking For

We're not looking for a full-time shop welder - this role is broader than that. We're looking for a capable, curious, hands-on person who has some welding or pipefitting exposure and is excited to keep building their skills in a field setting.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent

• Mechanical aptitude and some construction or field experience - you're comfortable working with your hands and figuring things out

• Preferred: 3+ years in underground utility construction

• Some experience or exposure in at least one of the following (we'll help you grow in the others):

• Welding / pipefitting - hands-on experience with pipe welding or fitting; 6G certification is a plus, but not required

• Heavy equipment - comfortable operating construction equipment

• HVAC / mechanical systems - familiarity with threaded pipe, valves, steam traps, or similar

• Valid Ohio driver's license; ability to operate manual transmission vehicles

• Strong communication skills - you can stay clear-headed and communicate well under pressure

• Reliable and safety-conscious; you spot hazards and take them seriously

• Team-oriented and comfortable taking direction as well as stepping up when needed

Schedule & Availability

This is a critical infrastructure role - our systems run 24/7, and so does our team on a rotating basis. There will be times when you are asked to work outside regular hours, including call-outs, overtime, weekends, and holidays. When you do, you'll be compensated accordingly.

Growth & Development

We invest in our people. If you come in with foundational skills and a willingness to learn, we support your development - including opportunities to pursue certifications and expand into new technical areas over time.

The anticipated pay range for this position is $27-$33 per hour, based on relevant experience and qualifications. This position is eligible for overtime.