Potholer

Harris Kocher Smith; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 30,307 - 46,838; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation pay

Cellphone stipend

Insurance: medical, dental, vision

401(k) with employer match

Educational opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness program

Job summary

Harris Kocher Smith is seeking a Potholer or Hydrovac Operator to join our Utility Services team in the Denver area. You will operate a Ford 550 truck and vacuum trailer, performing high‑pressure digging and utility uncovering with a strong emphasis on safety and efficiency.

The role involves maintaining equipment, taking field measurements, and documenting daily activities. Shifts average about 50 hours per week, with potential night or weekend work for safety and project needs.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of hydrovac excavation or potholing experience.
• Must lift up to 75 pounds, walk long periods, and work in all weather conditions.
• Colorado Driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Pass pre-employment drug and criminal background screen.
• Ability to obtain CDL A license.

Responsibilities

• Maintain vacuum excavation truck and related equipment.
• Operate high-pressure wand and perform vacuum excavation near utilities.
• Perform field measurements and document daily activities.
• Carry out basic mathematical calculations.
• General cleanup of job sites.

Skills

Utilities knowledge

Communication skills

OSHA safety procedures

Deadline oriented

Tools

Hydrovac truck

Vacuum trailer

CDL A license

Job description

We are looking for a Potholer or Hydrovac Operator to join our exceptional Utility Services team. We offer an excellent opportunity to advance your locating career to the next level with a true Subsurface Utility Engineering company.

About This Job

As a Hydrovac Operator or Potholer, you will work with a Ford 550 Truck and vacuum trailer with a partner. You will utilize high‑pressure water to dig proficiently and accurately in order to uncover utilities. You will be responsible for the safety, efficiency, and routine maintenance of the truck and vacuum trailer. Successful candidates are self‑starters that prioritize safety.

Average work hours are 50 hrs/ week (Overtime Pay). Work hours can fluctuate and employees must be willing to work night or weekends when necessary for safety reasons or work restrictions.

Hourly Wage

• $22 – $30/hr
• $28 – $34/hr with CDL A

Your actual pay will be based on your applicable experience.

Essential Functions and Duties

• Maintain vacuum excavation truck and related equipment.
• Operate high‑pressure wand and perform various vacuum excavation activities near utilities, including core drilling, shoveling, back filling and construction labor.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations, take field measurements, and document daily activities.
• Responsible for general cleanup of job sites.

Requirements

• 1+ year of experience with hydrovac excavation or potholing, preferred.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds periodically, walk for extended periods, and work in all weather conditions and climates.
• Possess a valid Colorado Driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Able to pass pre‑employment drug and criminal background screen.
• Ability to obtain CDL A license.

Skills

• Basic knowledge of various underground utilities, ability to identify surface features associated with various utilities a plus.
• Knowledge of OSHA Safety Procedures preferred.
• Able to meet deadlines.
• Good customer and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive Vacation, Sick, and Holiday Pay.
• Monthly Cellphone Stipend.
• Medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) and employer match.
• Professional and Educational opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness program.

It is the policy of the Company to extend equal opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to age, race, sex, color, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. This policy applies to recruitment, employment, promotion, assignment, training, demotion and discharge, and all other actions affecting personnel.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.