What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hydrovac Operator position at Desert Services International?
Hydrovac Operator
Location: Phoenix & Goodyear, AZ
Pay Range: $27–$30 per hour (DOE)
Job Type: Full-Time
About Desert Services International
Desert Services International is a trusted provider of industrial, environmental, and civil construction support services throughout Arizona. We partner with contractors, municipalities, and utility companies to deliver safe, precise, non-destructive excavation solutions. Our work supports underground utilities, infrastructure improvements, site development, and municipal projects. Safety, reliability, and teamwork are at the core of everything we do.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Hydrovac Operator who will be responsible for driving the hydrovac truck and performing all field excavation duties. This is a hands-on role requiring experience in civil construction environments, underground utility work, and non-destructive excavation. The ideal candidate is safety-focused, dependable, and comfortable working independently and as part of a crew on active construction sites.
Key Responsibilities
- Drive and operate hydrovac trucks to and from job sites
- Perform non-destructive hydrovac excavation for underground utilities
- Safely expose gas, water, sewer, electrical, and telecom lines
- Conduct potholing, daylighting, trenching, and utility location work
- Operate high-pressure water and vacuum systems safely and efficiently
- Set up and maintain safe work zones, traffic control, and jobsite safety measures
- Assist with general civil construction and labor tasks as needed
- Perform pre- and post-trip inspections and basic equipment maintenance
- Maintain clean, organized, and compliant job sites
- Communicate effectively with supervisors, contractors, inspectors, and team members
- Complete all required logs, reports, and job documentation
- Follow all company policies, OSHA standards, and PPE requirements
- Represent Desert Services International professionally at all times
Qualifications
- CDL preferred – Class A or Class B
- Valid driver’s license with an insurable driving record
- Minimum 1 year of Hydrovac operating experience preferred
- Experience in civil construction or underground utility environments
- Experience or exposure working in SRP or APS power plants strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of excavation safety, traffic control, and utility locating
- Ability to read jobsite plans and utility markings
- Physically capable of lifting 50–90 lbs and performing demanding outdoor work
- Comfortable working in extreme heat and changing weather conditions
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and safety-first mindset
- Ability to pass pre-employment drug test, background check, and physical
- Tanker endorsement, OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid, and Fall Protection are a plus
What We Offer
- Competitive pay: based on experience
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid holidays and advancement opportunities
- Ongoing training and long-term career growth
- Safety-first culture with strong leadership support
Salary : $27 - $30