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Hydrovac Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Phillips, Inc.

Hydrovac Truck Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $25.50/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

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $25.50/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

Richmond, VA · 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 ...

Hydro-X

Charlotte, NC - Hydrovac Laborer

Centreville, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Seventy percent or more of the job's work time is spent operating the on-board hydro- vacuum system outside the truck performing non-destructive excavation around sensitive underground piping and ...

Hydro-X

Greensboro, NC - Hydrovac Laborer

Centreville, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Seventy percent or more of the job's work time is spent operating the on-board hydro- vacuum system outside the truck performing non-destructive excavation around sensitive underground piping and ...

Pro-Vac

CDL Driver/ Hydrovac

Manassas Park, VA · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Vac-Truck Operator This position requires you to be able to drive a manual transmission As a Vac-Truck Operator at Pro-Vac... You will work with the largest Vac-Con fleet in the U.S to bring ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsHydrovac Operator JobsHydrovac Operator Jobs in Virginia

Hydrovac Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$20

$29

How much do hydrovac operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 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 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 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 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.

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 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.

How much do hydrovac operators make?

Hydrovac operators in the United States typically earn between $20 and $30 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000. Wages can vary based on experience, certifications, and geographic location, with higher pay often available for skilled operators working in industrial or high-demand areas.
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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 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,944 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Assistant Hydrovac Operator

Badger Daylighting

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Badger Infrastructure Solutions rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description


Are you enthusiastic about safe excavation and skilled in the assistance of operating hydrovac equipment? Join the Badger team as an Assistant 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: Wages and benefits to be discussed directly with the Branch Manager with starting rate of $21.00/hour.
Responsibilities
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Assisting in operating hydrovac equipment and performing hydrovac duties in a variety of working environments, including confined spaces
  • 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

Qualifications
What We're Looking For:
  • Valid Driver's License
  • CPR/First Aid, Fall Protection and OSHA 10 certification (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 operation or related industrial experience (preferred)

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 provided
  • Candidates must undergo a physical examination and complete pre-employment screenings such as driver's abstract review and drug and alcohol test

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 Get In Return:
  • Generous weekly pay and overtime opportunities
  • Low-cost Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
  • Attractive vacation programs
  • Inclusive Group Life insurance
  • Supportive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Rewarding employee referral program
  • Valuable employee training program(s)
  • Per diem

About Us
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 to a diverse customer base, including oil and gas, energy, industrial, construction, transportation and other markets, as well as numerous government agencies within Canada and the United States.
We hire great people from a wide array of backgrounds, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes Badger stronger.
There has never been a better time to join and grow with Badger.

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