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Hydrovac Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Badger Daylighting

Hydrovac Operator

Gainesville, VA · On-site

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

Gainesville, VA · On-site

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

Chester, VA · On-site

$30.50/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

Chester, VA · On-site

$30.50/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

Richmond, VA · On-site

$30.50/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 ...

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Hydrovac Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$12

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$29

How much do hydrovac operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydrovac operator in Virginia is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.64 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
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Hydrovac Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrovac Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,944 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Hydrovac Operator

Badger Daylighting

Gainesville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in operating hydrovac equipment? 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 construction projects. If you're detail-oriented, safety-conscious, and ready to be part of essential infrastructure work, apply now to join our dedicated team.

Salary: Union wages and benefits to be discussed directly with the Branch Manager.
What We're Looking For:
  • Must have a valid Class A or B CDL
  • CPR/First Aid, Fall Protection and OSHA 10 certification (preferred)
  • Experience driving a manual transmission (10-18 speed) without automatic restrictions (preferred)
  • Ability to work variable shifts with extended hours
  • Must be willing to travel up to 25%
  • Must be able to lift, push, pull 50+ pounds and have the physical stamina for manual labor in varying weather conditions
  • Prior hydrovac equipment operations or related industrial experience preferred
  • Must be at least 21 years of age
What You'll Need For Success:
  • Customer service focused and comfortable with customer interaction
  • Enthusiasm for being part of a safety-focused collaborative team
  • Technology adept
  • Personal protective equipment (PPE) provided
  • Candidates must undergo a physical examination and complete pre-employment screenings such as a driver's abstract review and drug and alcohol test
  • This position is in a region that is covered under a collective bargaining agreement, the successful applicant may be required to join the union as a condition of employment
If you feel you don't have the experience listed above, but still think you are qualified for the job, we encourage you to apply for consideration.

What You'll Be Doing:
  • Operating hydrovac equipment and performing hydrovac duties in a variety of working environments, including confined spaces
  • Driving our hydrovac trucks (10-15% of total work time)
  • Attending safety meetings
  • Performing routine inspections and minor repairs of the hydrovac equipment
  • Preparing work areas by setting up safety measures and addressing potential hazards
  • Documenting and reporting all Badger, Federal, State, and Customer paperwork accurately and efficiently

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