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Hydro Vac Operator Driver Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Underground Crew Members

Algona, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

... hydro-vac or backhoes. Hand digging of potholes along a route. * Become familiar with digging plans ... Preference will be given to those with a Class A CDL. * 2+ years of experience operating equipment ...

Underground Crew Members

Davenport, IA · On-site

$14 - $18.25/hr

... hydro-vac or backhoes. Hand digging of potholes along a route. * Become familiar with digging plans ... Preference will be given to those with a Class A CDL. * 2+ years of experience operating equipment ...

Sr Field Trainer

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Operating diesel and gasoline powered equipment including backhoe, hydro-vac, directional drill ... Valid Class A CDL drivers license with a good driving record required * Must be able to pass a DOT ...

General Labor

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting.Assist in organizing inventory and equipment.Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE, and ...

Travel General Labor

Ely, IA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting.Assist in organizing inventory and equipment.Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE, and ...

Travel General Labor

Fairfax, IA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting.Assist in organizing inventory and equipment.Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE, and ...

Travel General Labor

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting.Assist in organizing inventory and equipment.Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE, and ...

Travel General Labor

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting.Assist in organizing inventory and equipment.Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE, and ...

Travel General Labor

Carlisle, IA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting.Assist in organizing inventory and equipment.Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE, and ...

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

Lead Industrial Cleaning Labor

Camanche, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $19/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

Industrial Cleaning Labor

Marion, IA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting.Assist in organizing inventory and equipment.Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE, and ...

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting.Assist in organizing inventory and equipment.Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE, and ...

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

Industrial Cleaning Labor

Ely, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.50/hr

Operating a vac-truck and hydro blasting. * Assist in organizing inventory and equipment. * Promote safe workplace by participating in safety training, identifying job hazards, wearing correct PPE ...

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Hydro Vac Operator Driver information

What is a hydro vac operator driver?

Hydro Vac Operator Drivers are professionals who operate specialized vehicles equipped with high-pressure water and vacuum systems to excavate soil, debris, or other materials safely and efficiently. They use these hydro-excavation trucks to expose underground utilities, remove waste, and perform precise digging tasks without causing damage to existing infrastructure. In addition to operating the equipment, they are responsible for driving the hydro vac truck to and from job sites, performing routine maintenance, and adhering to safety protocols. This role is common in construction, utility maintenance, and environmental cleanup industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydro vac operator driver?

To thrive as a Hydro Vac Operator Driver, you need a commercial driver’s license (CDL), knowledge of hydro excavation procedures, and experience operating heavy equipment. Familiarity with hydro vac trucks, GPS navigation, and site safety protocols is essential, and certifications like HAZWOPER or OSHA may be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with crew members make candidates stand out. These skills ensure safe, efficient excavation work while protecting underground utilities and maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by hydro vac operator drivers in the field?

Hydro Vac Operator Drivers often encounter challenges related to working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or busy job sites, and ensuring the safety of both personnel and underground utilities. The role requires attention to detail when operating vacuum and hydro excavation equipment near sensitive infrastructure, which can be physically demanding and requires strong situational awareness. Effective communication with site supervisors, utility locators, and other crew members is essential to coordinate tasks and mitigate risks, making teamwork a vital aspect of the job.

What is the difference between Hydro Vac Operator Driver vs Hydro Vac Truck Operator?

AspectHydro Vac Operator DriverHydro Vac Truck Operator
CredentialsDriver's license, safety certifications, operator trainingDriver's license, safety certifications, equipment operation training
Work EnvironmentOperating hydro vac trucks at job sites, outdoor settingsDriving and operating hydro vac trucks, often on construction or industrial sites
Industry UsageConstruction, excavation, utility workConstruction, environmental cleanup, utility installation

Both roles involve operating hydro vac trucks, requiring similar certifications and working outdoors. The main difference is that a Hydro Vac Operator Driver emphasizes driving and basic operation, while a Hydro Vac Truck Operator may have additional responsibilities like equipment maintenance and complex operations. Both positions are essential in industries like construction and utility services.

What are popular job titles related to Hydro Vac Operator Driver jobs in Iowa?

For Hydro Vac Operator Driver jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hydro Vac Operator Driver jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydro Vac Operator Driver jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Hydro Vac Operator Driver jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Hydro Vac Operator Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Hydro Vac Operator Driver job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Underground Crew Members

Algona, IA • On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description



CDB is looking for experienced laborers and equipment operators to join our crews in the underground utility construction industry.   Work is 100% outside, exposed to all elements. This project is projected to last a year.


Some of the experience we are looking for includes:

  • Ability to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, horizontal directional drills, mini-excavators, hydro-vac or backhoes.  Hand digging of potholes along a route.
  • Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.  
  • Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines to ensure work is performed to specifications. 
  • Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or directional drill boring. 
  • Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation. 
  • Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, or to and from shop yard. 
  • Conduct daily maintenance inspections on vehicles and equipment. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 


Must have:

  • Valid driver's license.  Preference will be given to those with a Class A CDL.
  • 2+ years of experience operating equipment in a construction environment.