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Vactor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Safeway Environmental

Diesel Mechanic - Semi Trucks

Novi, MI · On-site

$23.50 - $31/hr

Experienced Vactor mechanics will be compensated more based on experience. This position offers flexible full-time or part-time work with great pay and benefits. You will be responsible for ...

Apply Early

Safeway Environmental

Diesel Mechanic - Semi Trucks

Detroit, MI · On-site

$24.75 - $32.75/hr

Experienced Vactor mechanics will be compensated more based on experience. This position offers flexible full-time or part-time work with great pay and benefits. You will be responsible for ...

Apply Early

J & J Environmental, Inc.

CCTV Operator

Waterford, MI · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Vactor Operator: * Drive and operate sewer cleaning pump trucks * Perform general diagnostic and maintenance on waste systems * Operate all equipment in a safe and ...

Apply Early

J & J Environmental, Inc.

CDL Operator

Waterford, MI · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Your Responsibilities as a Vactor Operator: * Drive and operate sewer cleaning jetting trucks, hydro-excavators, or similar. * Perform general diagnostic and maintenance on waste systems. * Operate ...

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City of Holland, MI

Heavy Equipment Operator

Holland, MI · On-site

$27.35 - $32.83/hr

Operates a loader, dump truck, backhoe, sweeper, skidsteer, vactor and othertypes of heavy equipment to construct, repair and maintain City infrastructure. 2.Drives heavy duty trucks to haul sand ...

glwa

Field Services Technician

Detroit, MI

Utilize job related equipment (dump truck, backhoe, vactor, etc.) * Effectively query and generate work orders and maintain and update various databases and automated records * Identify problems and ...

glwa

Field Services Technician

Detroit, MI

Utilize job related equipment (dump truck, backhoe, vactor, etc.) * Effectively query and generate work orders and maintain and update various databases and automated records * Identify problems and ...

All JobsVactor JobsVactor Jobs in Michigan

Vactor information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$20

$28

How much do vactor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for vactor in Michigan is $20.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.60 and $22.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Vactors?

Vactors are specialized vehicles equipped with powerful vacuum and water jetting systems used primarily for cleaning and maintaining sewer lines, storm drains, and catch basins. Operators use them to remove debris, sludge, and blockages from underground infrastructure. Vactors play a crucial role in preventing flooding, maintaining public health, and ensuring the smooth operation of municipal wastewater and stormwater systems. They are commonly used by public works departments, environmental service companies, and construction crews.

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

Vactor truck operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or hazardous environments, managing heavy equipment safely, and responding to emergency service calls in all weather conditions. Effective communication with team members, adhering strictly to safety protocols, and maintaining regular equipment checks are essential for managing these challenges. Many operators also participate in ongoing training to stay updated on industry best practices and safety standards, which helps ensure both personal safety and job efficiency.

What is the difference between Vactor vs Sewer Cleaner?

AspectVactorSewer Cleaner
CredentialsOperator license, CDL often requiredOperator license, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentIndustrial, outdoor, confined spacesIndustrial, outdoor, confined spaces
Industry UsageUsed for vacuum excavation, hydro excavationUsed for sewer line cleaning, clog removal
Common TasksVacuuming debris, hydro excavationRemoving blockages, cleaning sewer lines

Vactors and sewer cleaners share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in industrial and outdoor settings. However, Vactors are primarily used for vacuum and hydro excavation tasks, while sewer cleaners focus on clearing sewer lines. Both roles are essential in infrastructure maintenance, but their specific functions distinguish them within the industry.

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

To excel as a Vactor Operator, you need a solid understanding of sewer and storm drain systems, a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and experience in equipment operation. Familiarity with Vactor trucks, vacuum excavation equipment, and safety protocols such as confined space entry certification is essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure that operators safely and efficiently maintain municipal infrastructure, prevent blockages, and respond effectively to emergencies.
What are popular job titles related to Vactor jobs in Michigan? For Vactor jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Vactor jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Vactor jobs in Michigan are:
Vactor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vactor job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,446 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Diesel Mechanic - Semi Trucks

Diesel Mechanic - Semi Trucks

Safeway Environmental

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

$24.50 - $32.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

This position is located in Romulus, MI 48174 USA

We are looking for a skilled and dependable Diesel Mechanic. We are preferably looking for an experienced Vactor Diesel Mechanic to join our team. Experienced Vactor mechanics will be compensated more based on experience. This position offers flexible full-time or part-time work with great pay and benefits. You will be responsible for maintaining and performing emergency repairs on a fleet of 13 vacuum trucks. This is not a heavy rebuild shop—no major engine or transmission overhauls—just routine maintenance and necessary repairs to keep the fleet running smoothly.

Schedule

  • Monday through Saturday, as needed

  • Regular hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Responsibilities

  • Perform preventative maintenance on semi-trucks and vacuum trucks

  • Handle emergency repairs quickly and efficiently

  • Conduct inspections and identify issues before they become major problems

  • Replace and repair parts such as brakes, hoses, filters, and belts

  • Maintain accurate service and repair records

  • Ensure work is completed safely and in compliance with company standards

Qualifications

  • Previous experience as a diesel mechanic (semi-trucks or heavy equipment) preferred

  • Vactor experience preferred

  • Knowledge of truck systems, diagnostics, and general repair practices

  • Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve independently

  • Must be reliable and able to work flexible hours as needed

  • Basic tools preferred (company may provide larger equipment)

Company Description

Safeway Transport specializes in both hazardous and non-hazardous waste removal, recycling and disposal; we have over 30 years of experience in the industry in Michigan. We also provide complete industrial building clean-ups: liquid waste and solid waste removal, water blasting, removal from totes, drums, pit trenches and hard-to-reach areas. We have a fleet of about a dozen heavy duty diesel trucks (International, Freightliner, Kenworth and Sterling) that require preventative and emergency maintenance and we are looking for an experienced diesel mechanic to help keep our fleet on the road.