Vac Truck Operator

Now Hiring! Vac Truck Operator    

Schedule: Full time

Compensation: IUOE Rates

Location: Connecticut

Medical: Excellent medical insurance coverage

Pension: Defined benefits pension plan

ABOUT WATERS CONSTRUCTION

Waters Construction is seeking an experienced Project Manager to join our Heavy Civil team. This role is ideal for a construction professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering successful infrastructure projects while building strong relationships with clients, field teams, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.

POSITION SUMMARY
We are a growing mid-size construction company seeking a skilled, safety-focused Vac Truck Operator to join our field operations team. You will play a critical role in vacuum excavation, hydro excavation, pipe cleaning, site cleanup, and spill response, supporting our project crews across a variety of commercial, municipal, and industrial job sites throughout the region.

The Vac Truck Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of vacuum trucks, hydro-vac units, and related equipment to remove liquids, solids, sludge, and debris from construction sites, utility corridors, industrial facilities, storm drains, and sewer systems. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, strict adherence to safety and environmental regulations, and the ability to work independently and as part of a crew in demanding field conditions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate vacuum trucks, hydro-vac units, combo jet/vac trucks, and roll-off units safely and efficiently on construction and excavation job sites


• Perform vacuum excavation (soft digging) to safely expose underground utilities without damaging infrastructure


• Connect hoses and pipes to designated areas and operate high-pressure water jets and vacuum systems for pipe cleaning, catch basin cleaning, and debris removal


• Monitor vacuum levels, tank capacity, and equipment gauges; adjust operations to prevent equipment damage or regulatory non-compliance


• Transport excavated materials, liquid waste, sludge, and hazardous/non-hazardous waste to approved disposal or treatment facilities


• Respond to emergency spill events as part of the on-call emergency response team (24/7 availability required on a rotating basis)


• Conduct thorough pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and complete all required DOT and company documentation accurately


• Perform routine preventive maintenance including checking fluid levels, lubrication, cleaning hoses and filters, and identifying needed repairs


• Adhere to all OSHA, DOT, EPA, and company safety protocols; wear required PPE at all times on job sites


• Read, understand, and implement project Work Plans and site Health and Safety Plans


• Communicate professionally with supervisors, crew members, and clients regarding job progress, site conditions, and any issues


• Keep job sites, trucks, and equipment organized, clean, and in compliance with company housekeeping standards


• Support laboring functions as needed to assist crew with excavations, backfill, material handling, and site cleanup


• Travel to various job sites within the region; occasional multi-day travel (up to one week) may be required

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Class A or Class B CDL with Tanker Endorsement; clean MVR required


• Minimum 2 years of experience operating vacuum trucks, hydro-vac units, or combo jet/vac trucks in a construction or environmental services setting


• Working knowledge of vacuum truck systems, hydraulic machinery, and high-pressure water systems


• Strong understanding of OSHA 1910, 1926, and DOT regulatory standards


• Ability to operate manual transmission vehicles (10-speed or higher)


• Ability to lift and move heavy hoses and equipment (up to 50 lbs. regularly; up to 100 lbs. occasionally)


• Willingness to participate in rotating on-call Emergency Response availability


• High school diploma or GED


• Must pass pre-employment drug screening and background check

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• HAZWOPER 40-hour certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days of hire)
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Construction certification
• Experience with hydro-excavation and non-destructive digging techniques
• Familiarity with Vactor 2100, Vac-Con, or comparable vacuum truck platforms
• Experience operating backhoe, excavator, Bobcat/skid steer, or man lift
• Knowledge of underground utility infrastructure and utility locating procedures
• Experience with CCTV inspection or jet/vac sewer cleaning operations
• Prior confined space entry experience
• 5+ years of combined heavy equipment and vacuum truck experience