Hydrovac Operator Job Description
We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Hydrovac Operator to join our team. This role is responsible for operating specialized hydro-vacuum trucks to provide non-destructive excavation services for various industrial, municipal, and utility projects.
Core Responsibilities
- Equipment Operation: Safely operate high-pressure water and vacuum systems to excavate soil around sensitive underground infrastructure.
- Site Preparation: Set up and dismantle equipment, including hoses, wands, and safety barriers, at various job sites.
- Maintenance: Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections, ensuring the truck and equipment are clean and in good working order.
- Safety Compliance: Adhere to all federal, state, and company safety regulations, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and following "Call Before You Dig" protocols.
- Documentation: Maintain accurate logs of hours, fuel usage, and project completion reports.
Required Qualifications
- License: A valid Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a Tanker Endorsement.
- Experience:Operators need a minimum of 2 years of experience in hydrovac.
- Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., work in various weather conditions, and handle physically demanding tasks.
- Technical Skills: Basic mechanical knowledge to troubleshoot equipment issues on-site.
Preferred Skills
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with site supervisors and team members.
- A clean driving record and a commitment to "Zero Harm" safety cultures.
- Knowledge of underground utility locating and soil types.
Physical Requirements
- Manual Dexterity: Ability to manipulate high-pressure water wands and heavy vacuum hoses for extended periods.
- Heavy Lifting: Regularly lifting and carrying equipment, manhole covers, or debris weighing up to 50–80 lbs.
- Mobility: Frequent bending, kneeling, squatting, and climbing on and off the truck or into trenches.
- Visual & Auditory Acuity: Sharp vision for spotting underground utilities and clear hearing to monitor equipment sounds and verbal safety cues.
- Stamina: Capacity to perform repetitive physical labor for shifts that often exceed 10–12 hours.
Working Conditions
- Outdoor Exposure: Constant work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, freezing temperatures, rain, and snow.
- Noise Levels: Constant exposure to high-decibel noise from the truck engine and vacuum blower (hearing protection required).
- Hazardous Environments: Potential exposure to dust, mud, fumes, and hazardous materials or chemicals depending on the job site.
- Variable Shifts: Availability for early morning starts, night shifts, and on-call emergency response.
- Travel: Frequent travel to various remote or urban job sites, sometimes requiring overnight stays.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Operators are required to always wear industry-standard safety gear, including:
- Steel-toed boots (often metatarsal or waterproof).
- Hard hat and safety glasses/face shield.
- High-visibility (FR) clothing.
- Hearing protection and heavy-duty gloves.
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