CDL Hydro Excavation Operator

Stronghold Companies; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lodging provided

Per diem covered

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Evergreen Hydro X Services, a Quanta Services company, is hiring experienced CDL Hydro Excavation Operators to run hydrovac trucks on electric, gas, pipeline, and underground utility job sites.

You will be based in the Houston area with regional work and lodging/per diem covered for out-of-area projects. This hands-on field role requires safety-first operators who can communicate clearly and support crews in the field.

Qualifications

• Valid Class B CDL with tanker endorsement and air brake qualification.
• DOT medical certification or ability to obtain before start date.
• Minimum one year verifiable CDL driving experience.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work outdoors in all weather.

Responsibilities

• Operate hydrovac trucks and support equipment safely on active job sites.
• Perform daylighting, potholing, slot trenching, and precision excavation around energized lines.
• Run high-pressure water systems and vacuum equipment; manage debris and spoils disposal.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections and DOT logs.
• Follow safety procedures and stop work if conditions are unsafe.
• Complete daily job tickets and required documentation accurately.
• Communicate professionally with customers and crew members.
• Travel to out-of-area project sites when needed.

Skills

CDL (Class B)

Hydrovac operation

DOT regulations

Safety-first mindset

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Hydrovac trucks

Vacuum systems

Equipment maintenance tools

Job description

Overview

Evergreen Hydro X Services, a Quanta Services company, is hiring experienced CDL Hydro Excavation Operators to run hydrovac trucks on electric, gas, pipeline, and underground utility job sites. You will use pressurized water and high-volume vacuum systems to safely expose buried utilities, dig around live infrastructure that heavy equipment cannot touch, and support construction and maintenance crews in the field.

You will be based out of one of our three locations and will work primarily in that region. When a project calls for it, you will travel to support crews outside your home area, with lodging and per diem covered. This is hands-on field work. Our operators are the reason crews can dig near energized lines and pressurized pipe without hitting anything. We are looking for people who take that responsibility seriously, show up ready to work, and speak up when something is not right.

Responsibilities

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Operate hydrovac trucks and support equipment safely on active job sites, including utility corridors, pipeline right-of-ways, roadways, and construction sites.
• Perform daylighting, potholing, slot trenching, and precision excavation around energized electrical lines, gas mains, fiber, and water and sewer lines.
• Run high-pressure water systems and vacuum equipment; manage debris tanks and dispose of spoils per company and regulatory procedures.
• Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, maintain accurate DOT logs, and keep the truck clean, fueled, and service-ready.
• Follow lockout/tagout, excavation, confined space, and site-specific safety procedures without exception; stop work when conditions are unsafe.
• Complete daily job tickets, time records, and required documentation accurately.
• Communicate professionally with customers, site supervisors, and crew members.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and report mechanical issues promptly.
• Support night, weekend, and emergency call-out work as project schedules require.
• Travel to out-of-area project sites when needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Field environment with exposure to heat, cold, noise, dust, and inclement weather. Requires standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting throughout the shift. Shifts are typically 10 to 12 hours and may include nights, weekends, and on-call rotation. Out-of-area assignments involve overnight travel and extended stays away from home. All work is performed in accordance with DOT, OSHA, and customer site safety requirements.Travel Expectations

• Day-to-day work is local to your home yard, typically within a two-hour drive.
• Willingness to travel out of area for project work and emergency call-outs is required. Assignments range from one week to several months depending on the project.
• Company covers lodging, per diem, and travel time on all out-of-area assignments.
• Advance notice is given whenever project schedules allow; emergency response may require short-notice mobilization.
• Relocation is not required. You keep your home base.

Qualifications

Required

• Valid Class B CDL (Class A preferred) in good standing.
• Tanker endorsement and air brake qualification.
• Current DOT medical certification, or ability to obtain one before start date.
• Minimum one year of verifiable CDL driving experience.
• Acceptable motor vehicle record and ability to pass a DOT physical, drug screen, and background check.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, handle heavy hose, and work outdoors in all weather.
• High school diploma, GED, trade school certificate, or equivalent
• Live within commuting distance of the Denver, Houston, or Pittsburgh yard, or be willing to establish a home base there.
• Willingness and availability to travel for out-of-area project assignments, including extended stays ranging from one week to several months.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred

• One or more years operating hydrovac or combination vacuum trucks.
• Class A CDL with tanker and hazmat endorsements.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30, competent person excavation, flagger, and first aid/CPR certifications.
• Familiarity with 811 locate procedures and utility damage prevention practices.
• Experience working around energized utilities or pressurized pipeline.

Evergreen North America Industrial Services (ENAIS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. ENAIS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment o any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state, or local laws.