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Hydrovac Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Peak Utility Services Group

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Hydrovac Operator Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care. Classification: Non-Exempt Essential Functions: Hydrovac Operators are skilled laborers running machinery ...

Peak Utility Services Group

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Hydrovac Operator Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care. Classification: Non-Exempt Essential Functions: Hydrovac Operators are skilled laborers running machinery ...

Superior Pipeline Services

Hydrovac Operator

New Boston, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $19.75/hr

Hydrovac Operator Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care. Classification: Non-Exempt Essential Functions: Hydrovac Operators are skilled laborers running machinery ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Saginaw, MI

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Wayland, MI

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Monroe, MI

$16.50 - $22/hr

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Monroe, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Wayland, MI · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Saginaw, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $22.25/hr

Join the Badger team as a Hydrovac Operator! In this role, you'll use high-pressure water and vacuum systems to dig precisely and efficiently, uncover utilities, and contribute to various ...

Phillips, Inc.

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Lansing, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

The Hydrovac Truck Driver is responsible for operating hydrovac equipment to safely excavate soil using high-pressure water and vacuum systems. This role supports construction, utility, and ...

Phillips, Inc.

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Lansing, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

The Hydrovac Truck Driver is responsible for operating hydrovac equipment to safely excavate soil using high-pressure water and vacuum systems. This role supports construction, utility, and ...

Phillips

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Lansing, MI · On-site

Hydrovac Truck Driver The Hydrovac Truck Driver is responsible for operating hydrovac equipment to safely excavate soil using high-pressure water and vacuum systems. This role supports construction ...

Miller Pipeline

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Miller Pipeline is hiring a Hydrovac Truck Operator to assist and support the repair, maintenance, construction, installation and reconditioning of distribution pipelines. Main Responsibilities:

Miller Pipeline

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Escanaba, MI

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Miller Pipeline is hiring a Hydrovac Truck Operator to assist and support the repair, maintenance, construction, installation and reconditioning of distribution pipelines. Main Responsibilities:

Miller Pipeline

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Escanaba, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $23.25/hr

Miller Pipeline is hiring a Hydrovac Truck Operator to assist and support the repair, maintenance, construction, installation and reconditioning of distribution pipelines. Main Responsibilities:

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Hydrovac Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do hydrovac operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydrovac operator in Michigan is $17.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by hydrovac operators on the job, and how can they be managed?

Hydrovac Operators often work in varying weather conditions and challenging environments, such as construction sites or alongside busy roads. Managing safety risks, such as underground utility strikes and equipment handling, is a key challenge, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and ongoing training. Communication with team members and clients is also crucial to ensure precise excavation and project efficiency. Staying organized and maintaining equipment regularly helps prevent downtime and ensures smooth operations.

What does a hydrovac operator do?

As a Hydrovac operator, you use a Hydrovac excavator to remove soil from a location. While your exact responsibilities can vary from job to job, they usually have you operate the Hydrovac to remove debris from a job site. You use a high-pressure wand to loosen the soil and a vacuum system to remove the debris or build-up. You assist in all cleaning operations to ensure the Hydrovac unit operates at maximum capacity. Other duties include ensuring Hydrovac systems comply with all local codes, conducting routine maintenance, and completing chemical cleanup of storage tanks. In some cases, you might work with a team of operators.

What is a hydrovac operator?

A Hydrovac Operator is a skilled professional who operates hydrovac trucks, which use high-pressure water and a powerful vacuum system to excavate soil and debris safely and efficiently. This method, known as hydro excavation, is commonly used to expose underground utilities, remove debris, or dig trenches with minimal risk of damaging existing infrastructure. Hydrovac Operators are responsible for controlling the equipment, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing routine maintenance on the machinery. The job often requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and adherence to safety standards, especially when working near utilities or in challenging weather conditions.

What is the difference between Hydrovac Operator vs Vacuum Truck Operator?

AspectHydrovac OperatorVacuum Truck Operator
CertificationsHydrovac certification, CDL often preferredCDL required, vacuum truck operation training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, excavation projects, utility workIndustrial sites, waste management, environmental cleanup
Job TasksExcavation, potholing, hydro excavationVacuuming liquids, solids, transporting waste

Both roles involve operating trucks with vacuum or hydro excavation equipment, often requiring similar certifications like a CDL. Hydrovac Operators focus on precise excavation using high-pressure water and vacuum, mainly in construction and utility sectors. Vacuum Truck Operators handle waste removal and transport, working in industrial and environmental settings. While overlapping in equipment and certifications, their primary tasks and work environments differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydrovac operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydrovac Operator, you need a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), a solid understanding of excavation techniques, and adherence to safety regulations. Familiarity with hydrovac trucks, vacuum excavation systems, and GPS or utility locating devices is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, precise excavation and to prevent damage to underground utilities and infrastructures.

Is there demand for hydrovac operators?

Hydrovac operators are in demand in industries such as construction, excavation, and utility maintenance due to the increasing need for safe and efficient excavation methods. Employment opportunities are often available in regions with ongoing infrastructure projects and require knowledge of operating hydrovac equipment and safety protocols.
More about Hydrovac Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrovac Operator jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Hydrovac Operator jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Hydrovac Operator jobs in Michigan? For Hydrovac Operator jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Hydrovac Operator jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Hydrovac Operator jobs in Michigan are:
Hydrovac Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrovac Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,874 per year, or $17.7 per hour.

Hydrovac Operator

Superior Pipeline Services

New Boston, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Superior Hydrovac is a full-service turn-key hydro excavation company dedicated to providing world-class hydrovac services across a diverse range of industries. With a highly trained workforce, a fleet of state-of-the-art hydrovac trucks, and the most advanced tools and technology in our field, we offer an unmatched level of expertise and capabilities. From project assessment and planning to execution and cleanup, Superior Hydrovac is specially equipped to handle every aspect of your excavation project. We are continually finding solutions to fit our customer's needs.
Position Title: Hydrovac Operator
Our Core Values: Guided by Safety. Focused on Communities. Powered by Care.
Classification: Non-Exempt
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Hydrovac Operators are skilled laborers running machinery designed to excavate and expose underground utilities safely. This role requires precision and expertise in equipment operation, safety protocols, and efficient excavation practices.
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for the successful completion of hydro excavation projects including utility line exposure, debris removal, slot trenching, and digging
  • Operate Hydrovac trucks and equipment in a safe and professional manner
  • Supervise activities of Hydrovac Laborers in order to ensure employee skill development
  • Set up and inspect grounding and/or bonding procedures for Hydrovac operation
  • Complete all required paperwork properly and within set time lines
  • Perform pre and post-trip inspections, as well as routine maintenance
  • Performing Required Daily Vacuum Excavation Tasks:
  • Potholing Existing Underground Utilities for HDD Work
  • Pole Holes, Anchors, and Trench Work for Company Divisions
  • Exposing Existing Underground Utilities for New Placement and Maintenance Work

Success Factors:
  • Knowledge of basic underground utilities
  • Skills in operating heavy equipment and machines proficiently and safely
  • Ability to use time and equipment efficiently to complete projects on time
  • Ability to communicate effectively in a team environment
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Mapping and Print Reading
  • Ability to work in confined spaces
  • Mechanical ability; and knowledge of equipment and heavy vehicle operation, maintenance, and repair
  • Repetitive Lifting of Vac Piping Connections
  • Willingness and ability to learn additional skills

Experience and Education:
  • Class A CDL Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement is required
  • Minimum of 1 year of related experience or training

Additional Requirements/Licenses/Certifications:
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of Residence Driver's License is required within two weeks of employment.
  • Candidates must pass criminal and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) background checks and pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Notes:
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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