Vac Truck Operator

Position: Vac Truck Operator

The Vac Truck Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of vacuum excavation equipment to support a variety of civil, utility, and infrastructure projects. This role plays a critical part in exposing underground utilities, trenching, potholing, and site preparation while minimizing risk to existing infrastructure. The ideal candidate is safety-driven, mechanically inclined, and capable of working independently while maintaining strong communication with field leadership and crews.

Whitaker Construction, founded in 1953, has over 70 years of experience in the heavy civil and underground utility construction industry. Whitaker, an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) company, has become one of the largest contractors in the intermountain area with more than 600 employees and nearly 70 crews. We perform sanitary sewer, storm drain, culinary water, irrigation, earthwork, roadway construction, dams, landfills, natural gas pipelines, industrial piping, and telecommunication projects primarily in Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and Oregon.

Roles and Responsibilities

Include but are not limited to the following:

• Safely operate vacuum excavation (vac) trucks and associated equipment for hydro or air excavation.


• Perform daylighting, potholing, trenching, and debris removal in accordance with project requirements.


• Locate and expose underground utilities while preventing damage to existing infrastructure.


• Maintain constant awareness of job site conditions, ensuring safe operation around personnel, equipment, and utilities.


• Coordinate with supervisors, foremen, and field crews to execute daily work tasks efficiently.


• Assist crews with general labor duties when not actively operating equipment.


• Inspect and maintain vac truck systems including hoses, tanks, pumps, and water systems.


• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of mechanical issues.


• Conduct daily pre- and post-trip inspections and complete all DOT-required documentation.


• Ensure proper disposal of materials in compliance with environmental regulations.


• Maintain accurate logs of work performed, locations, and quantities using tablets or manual systems.


• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA guidelines, and DOT regulations.


• Participate in safety meetings, training, and company programs.


• Maintain a clean and organized truck and work area.


• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors.

Skills and Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license and current medical card required.


• Ability to maintain company driving privileges.


• Class A or Class B CDL preferred (or willingness to obtain required).


• Experience operating vac trucks, hydro excavation, or similar heavy equipment preferred.


• Knowledge of underground utility locating and excavation practices preferred.


• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment issues.


• Ability to read and understand utility markings and job site plans.


• Strong communication and teamwork skills.


• Familiarity with tablet-based reporting systems preferred.


• Commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency.

Physical Requirements

• Ability and willingness to work long hours, including day, night, and weekend shifts as needed.


• Ability to stand, walk, lift, reach, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb frequently.


• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a regular basis.


• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including exposure to noise, vibration, dust, and job site hazards.


• Ability to perform physically demanding labor tasks.

Benefits

Whitaker Construction offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – ownership in the company


• Competitive wages


• Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance


• Short-Term Disability and Supplemental Insurance options


• 401(k) with company match


• Paid Vacation


• Paid Holidays


• Paid Personal Days


• Quarterly Incentive Program (profit sharing)


• Referral Bonuses


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The ADA defines “reasonable accommodation” as a change or adjustment to a job or work environment that allows a qualified individual with a disability to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of a particular job, and does not cause an undue hardship for the employer.

Whitaker Construction is an “equal opportunity employer.” Whitaker will not discriminate and will take “affirmative action” measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, creed, color, national origin, or sex.

Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.