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Hydro Excavator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Follow all safety protocols and company policies outlined in the Geo-Hydro Safety and Health Manual ... excavating with hand tools. Driving Requirements * Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Follow all safety protocols and company policies outlined in the Geo-Hydro Safety and Health Manual ... excavating with hand tools. Driving Requirements * Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Follow all safety protocols and company policies outlined in the Geo-Hydro Safety and Health Manual ... excavating with hand tools. Driving Requirements * Possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Operations Supervisor

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Valuable employee training program(s) About Us Badger Infrastructure Solutions is the industry leader in non-destructive hydro-excavation (hydrovac) services. Since 1992, Badger has been innovating ...

Badger Infrastructure Solutions is the industry leader in non-destructive hydro-excavation (hydrovac) services. Since 1992, Badger has been innovating cutting-edge technology and providing services ...

Hydro Excavator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do hydro excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydro excavator in Raleigh, NC is $25.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.01 and $27.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydro excavator?

A hydro excavator is a specialized operator who uses high-pressure water and a powerful vacuum system to safely and efficiently excavate soil or other materials. This non-destructive process, known as hydro excavation, is often used for digging around sensitive underground utilities, pipelines, or in areas where traditional excavation methods could cause damage. Hydro excavators are commonly employed in construction, utility maintenance, and environmental cleanup projects. Their work helps ensure precise excavation with minimal risk to existing infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydro excavator?

To thrive as a Hydro Excavator, you need experience with heavy equipment operation, a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), and a basic understanding of utility line locations and excavation safety protocols. Familiarity with hydro excavation trucks, vacuum systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These qualifications and skills ensure safe, precise excavation work that avoids utility damage and maintains compliance with safety regulations.

What are some common safety challenges hydro excavators face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Hydro Excavators frequently work around underground utilities, heavy equipment, and in varying weather conditions, all of which introduce unique safety challenges. To mitigate risks, teams emphasize thorough site assessments, regular safety training, and strict adherence to operating procedures. Personal protective equipment (PPE) and real-time communication with crew members are mandatory to ensure everyone's well-being. Additionally, Hydro Excavators often collaborate closely with utility locators and site supervisors to prevent accidental damage and maintain a safe work environment.

What is the difference between Hydro Excavator vs Vacuum Excavator?

AspectHydro ExcavatorVacuum Excavator
Primary MethodUses high-pressure water to loosen soilUses suction to remove debris and soil
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, utility workConstruction, excavation, debris removal
CredentialsOperator certification, safety trainingOperator certification, safety training
Industry UsageUtility installation, potholingDebris removal, excavation

Hydro Excavator and Vacuum Excavator are often used together but serve different functions. Hydro Excavators use pressurized water to safely expose underground utilities, while Vacuum Excavators remove debris and loosened soil. Both require operator certification and are common in construction and utility industries, but their primary methods and applications differ.

What job categories do people searching Hydro Excavator jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydro Excavator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Hydro Excavator jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Hydro Excavator job openings:

Infographic showing various Hydro Excavator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,889 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

About Vecta Environmental Services
Vecta Environmental Services, LLC is a leading provider of industrial cleaning, hydro excavation, waste management, and environmental services supporting refineries, petrochemical facilities, manufacturing plants, and industrial operations across the Gulf Coast and surrounding regions.
Vecta is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality industrial services while maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence, environmental responsibility, and workforce safety. Our success is driven by our people, our strong safety culture, and our focus on building long-term partnerships with our customers.
At Vecta, we believe in developing our employees, creating growth opportunities, and fostering a culture built on accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Position Summary
The Hydro Excavation Account Manager is a strategic revenue leader responsible for market expansion, enterprise account growth, and long-term relationship development within the hydro excavation division. This role operates at the intersection of commercial strategy and operational execution, driving profitable revenue while strengthening the company’s footprint across industrial, municipal, energy, and infrastructure markets.
This position is accountable not only for sales growth, but for client lifecycle management, market intelligence, cross-selling opportunities, and margin performance. The Account Manager serves as a trusted advisor to clients and a strategic partner to operations leadership.
Key Responsibilities
  1. Strategic Business Development amp; Market Expansion
  • Develop and execute a territory growth strategy aligned with divisional revenue goals.
  • Identify target industries (refineries, chemical plants, municipalities, data centers, utilities, EPC contractors, etc.).
  • Actively pursue new accounts through networking, cold outreach, bid platforms, and industry associations.
  • Lead pre-bid strategy sessions and competitive positioning.
  • Maintain a robust sales pipeline and accurate revenue forecasting.
  • Analyze market trends, competitor positioning, and pricing strategy.
  • Expectation: Build sustainable, recurring revenue, not transactional jobs.
  1. Enterprise Relationship Management
  • Serve as primary commercial relationship owner for assigned accounts.
  • Establish executive-level and field-level relationships within client organizations.
  • Conduct quarterly business reviews (QBRs) with strategic clients.
  • Identify cross-selling opportunities across other service lines.
  • Develop multi-year client growth strategies.
  • Position the company as a long-term partner rather than a commodity vendor.
  • Goal: Protect and grow lifetime customer value.
  1. Revenue amp; Margin Accountability
  • Own annual revenue targets and gross margin performance for assigned accounts.
  • Ensure pricing strategies align with divisional profitability objectives.
  • Review job cost reports to evaluate margin performance.
  • Partner with operations to improve utilization and efficiency.
  • Assist in resolving billing disputes and accelerating receivables (AR accountability).
  • This role is measured on profitable growth, not just top-line revenue.
  1. Operational Integration amp; Client Delivery Oversight
  • Collaborate closely with Division Manager, Dispatch, and Field Supervisors.
  • Participate in scope validation and job planning discussions.
  • Ensure accurate communication of client expectations.
  • Monitor service quality and performance standards.
  • Support resolution of service escalations or field-level issues.
  • The Account Manager does not run the crews, but ensures alignment between promise and execution.
  1. Safety Leadership amp; Risk Awareness
  • Reinforce company safety culture in all client interactions.
  • Participate in safety meetings or audits when required.
  • Ensure scopes align with safe work practices and regulatory compliance.
  • Support clients in understanding hydro excavation best practices and risk mitigation.
Qualifications
  • 5+ years in hydro excavation, industrial services, underground utilities, construction services, or energy-related industries.
  • Proven track record of revenue growth and account expansion.
  • Strong understanding of job costing, equipment utilization, and margin drivers.
  • Experience working in refinery, petrochemical, municipal, or heavy industrial environments preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to build executive-level client relationships.
  • CRM proficiency and forecasting discipline.
Key Competencies
  • Strategic thinking
  • Commercial acumen
  • Negotiation amp; influence
  • Executive presence
  • Operational awareness
  • Relationship intelligence
  • Data-driven decision-making
  • Risk management mindset
Performance Metrics (KPIs)
  • Annual Revenue Growth
  • Gross Margin % by Account
  • New Account Acquisition
  • Client Retention Rate
  • Equipment Utilization Support
  • Bid-to-Win Ratio
  • AR Aging on Managed Accounts
  • Cross-Sell Revenue Contribution
Work Environment
  • Combination of office, field visits, client facilities, and job sites.
  • Travel required within assigned territory.
  • Availability during turnarounds or critical projects as needed.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement
Vecta Environmental Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. Vecta provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.