The posting
The Master Technician is Rangeline Tapping Services' highest field-technical classification and a hands-on leader for complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The role plans, executes, and provides technical direction for advanced wet tapping, line stopping, valve insertion, and related live-line work on pressurized systems. The Master Technician mentors developing technicians, resolves difficult field conditions, coordinates with Operations and Safety, and protects customer service continuity and work quality. Frequent regional and national travel, including emergency response, is required.
Key Responsibilities
Field Leadership and Mentorship • Serve as the senior technical lead on assigned jobs; direct field execution, coordinate crew activities, and communicate status, issues, and resource needs to the Operations Manager. • Coach, demonstrate, and assess safe setup and execution practices for technicians at all levels; contribute practical input to skills development and the technician qualification matrix. • Support technical troubleshooting across locations when requested; provide clear guidance and escalate conditions outside authorized procedures or equipment capabilities.
Essential Functions - Technical Execution • Plan and execute wet taps (hot taps on water and wastewater mains), line stops, temporary bypass and isolation work, and valve insertions using approved procedures and qualified equipment. • Demonstrate the advanced capabilities defined in Rangeline's Master Field Technician matrix, including 60-inch-and-larger tapping work and line stops up to 84 inches, when qualified and authorized for the specific equipment and application. • Interpret plans, as-builts, measurements, and site conditions; confirm pipe material, outside diameter, wall condition, connection details, service pressure, access, and operating constraints before setup. • Verify the proper selection, condition, assembly, alignment, installation, pressure testing, and operation of fittings, sleeves, valves, cutters, tapping machines, line-stop equipment, and support systems. • Lead pre-job planning, hazard reviews, site coordination, work sequencing, and completion checks with customers, contractors, utility personnel, and supporting crews. • Identify and troubleshoot technical problems involving pipe materials, live-line conditions, tooling, equipment performance, fitting installation, or isolation effectiveness; stop and escalate unsafe or unapproved conditions. • Protect potable-water system integrity and prevent avoidable releases, contamination, service interruptions, property damage, and equipment loss through proper controls and workmanship. • Complete accurate job documentation, including field measurements, equipment and material usage, work orders, test results, jobsite photographs, safety records, and technical exception reports. • Inspect, maintain, and account for specialized equipment, tools, vehicles, and supplies; report damage, defects, and readiness concerns. • Participate in scheduled, after-hours, weekend, and emergency response assignments, including travel and overnight stays as operational needs require.
Safety and Quality Responsibilities • Lead jobsite safety practices, including pre-task planning, required PPE, excavation and access considerations, lifting and rigging controls, pressure-related hazards, and customer/site requirements. • Follow applicable OSHA requirements, company procedures, manufacturer instructions, and project-specific engineering or utility requirements; coordinate with Safety on incidents and corrective actions. • Confirm critical steps and hold points before cutting into or isolating an active main; do not exceed approved equipment ratings, qualified methods, or job-specific authorization.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Required Skills/Abilities • Expert working knowledge of wet tapping, line stopping, valves, fittings, pressure testing, and common water infrastructure pipe materials (including ductile iron, cast iron, PVC, HDPE, steel, and concrete pressure pipe). • Ability to lead complex field work independently, read drawings and as-builts, measure pipe outside diameters accurately, and resolve technical issues using sound field judgment. • Strong mentoring, crew coordination, customer communication, documentation, and practical problem-solving skills. • Ability to operate and maintain specialized machines, power tools, rigging systems, and digital field reporting devices.
Qualifications and Education Requirements • High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or utility industry training is beneficial. • Minimum five years of relevant field experience in wet tapping, line stopping, water/wastewater utility infrastructure, or closely related live-line services; demonstrated mastery and documented qualification required for Master classification. • Advanced field competencies consistent with Rangeline's technician matrix; industry safety and equipment certifications appropriate to assigned duties. • Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record; Class A CDL preferred where job assignments require it.
Physical Demands / Environmental Factors • Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, handling tools and materials, and working around excavations and heavy equipment; may climb ladders up to 30 feet where authorized. • May lift and carry up to 75 pounds unassisted when safe and appropriate; team lifting or mechanical assistance is required for heavier or awkward loads. • Works outdoors in heat, cold, rain, dust, noise, and active construction environments, including pressure, electrical, and moving-equipment hazards; uses required protective equipment. • Regional and national travel by vehicle or air, overnight stays, irregular hours, and emergency callouts are essential to the role.
Benefits
- Up to $5,000 signing bonus, payable after 180 days of employment.
- Competitive compensation packages.
- Relocation assistance available.
- Competitive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
- 401(k) company match.
- Support for life on and off the job, including confidential coaching, mental-health resources, and family support
- Pet insurance option
- Continued technical education and advancement through Rangeline University.
- Opportunities to work on specialized projects across the country.
- Opportunity to mentor and develop the next generation of Rangeline technicians.
Disclaimer: This job description may not include every assigned duty, responsibility, or aspect of the job and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer.
Rangeline Group is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that fosters respect, fairness, and inclusion.
