What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hydrovac Operator position at BC Excavating Ltd?
Hydrovac Operator
Civil Excavation & Site Work | BC Excavating | Rockbridge, OH — $32.00 - $38.00 OT | CDL Required | Travel Required
POSITION SUMMARY
BC Excavating is seeking an experienced Hydrovac Operator to join our civil excavation team. You will operate vacuum excavation equipment on substation and utility corridor projects across Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. This role requires a strong understanding of hydrovac systems, safe potholing and daylighting practices, and the ability to work in and around energized utility zones. You will work alongside crews on active civil sites, operate your machine with precision, and uphold BC Excavating's safety standards on every job.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
- Operating hydrovac equipment safely and efficiently in active utility corridors, energized zones, and substation environments.
- Daylighting and potholing to specification with zero utility strikes or safety incidents.
- Completing pre-shift vehicle and equipment inspections, DTHA forms, and participating in the morning job briefing.
- Maintaining the hydrovac truck in clean, operational condition and flagging mechanical issues to the foreman immediately.
- Working effectively alongside excavation operators and laborers as part of a coordinated crew.
OBJECTIVES
- Operate hydrovac truck to excavate, daylight, and pothole underground utilities safely and accurately on civil and substation project sites.
- Perform pre-trip inspections, daily equipment checks, and all required DTHA documentation at the start of each shift.
- Work within energized areas and utility corridors following all applicable safety protocols and company safe-digging procedures.
- Coordinate with site foreman, utility locators, and crew members to ensure safe and efficient excavation around buried infrastructure.
- Maintain cleanliness and operational readiness of the hydrovac truck dispose of spoils appropriately per site requirements.
REQUIREMENTS
Required:
- Valid CDL (Class A or B) with clean driving record
- 1 year of hydrovac or vacuum excavation operating experience
- Experience daylighting and potholing in and around underground utilities (gas, electric, fiber, water, sewer)
- Knowledge of safe digging practices and utility strike prevention protocols
- Willingness to travel across OH, IN, and WV for project work (overnight stays, per diem provided)
- Ability to labor on-site when not operating (non-union shop)
Preferred:
- Experience working on substation, transmission line, or utility-scale civil projects
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification
• Familiarity with vacuum truck maintenance, water pressure systems, and debris tank management
• Experience working with GPS or digital grade control systems
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Pay Rate
$32.00 - $38.00/hr | Overtime common | CDL premium applies | Travel Time Paid (Specific Job Parameters).
Schedule
Monday–Thursday | 4×10-hour days | Overtime as required by project
Health Insurance
65% of premium covered | Effective after 90 days
401(k)
Company match | 100% vested after 5 years
Per Diem
$115–$140/day based on distance zone from Rockbridge, OH
PTO
1 week paid vacation after 1 year
Work Location
Meet on job site | Travel required OH / IN / WV
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32.00 - $38.00 per hour
Work Location: On the road
Salary : $115 - $140