Installs, maintains and designs below-ground drainage systems and associated sewerage or effluent disposal systems.

Studies drawings and specifications to determine the layout of plumbing systems and materials required; installs sewerage and effluent pumping equipment and disposal systems; installs below-ground drainage systems and associated ground support systems.

• Works predominantly outdoors in almost all but extreme weather conditions. May work occasionally indoors when connecting sewerage systems to new buildings. Frequently works in awkward or confined spaces.
• Worksites are frequently wet, dirty and smelly and may be contaminated with sewerage.
• Protective clothing may be utilised as appropriate.

• The physical demand is up to very heavy.
• Standing is occasionally required. Sitting is not required.
• Walking is frequently required about the worksite to move equipment, supplies and carry out various tasks.
• Stretching up and across is frequently required.
• Squatting, crouching, kneeling is frequently necessary especially when accessing awkward spaces and working in sewerage drainage pipes.
• Climbing may be required occasionally, getting in and out of holes and ditches.
• Bending is frequently required.
• Twisting of the body or neck is frequently required.
• Lifting and carrying drainlaying materials and equipment is frequently required.
• Repetitive movements are occasionally required especially in the use of hands and arms for digging and for cutting, screwing and joining fixtures together.
• Driving to worksites is frequently required but extended driving is not a significant component of the job.
• Drainlayers frequently use a range of hand, power and machine tools including hammers, hacksaws, clamps, pipe-cutters, wrenches and flame producing cutting or metal heating equipment.
• Mental skills necessary include practical, problem-solving and organisational skills.

A New Zealand Register Level 4 qualification or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 3). In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification. For entry-level positions on-the-job training may be sufficient. Registration or licensing is required.

There are opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.