Vac Truck Operator

Sellenriek Construction Inc.; Missouri; On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Sellenriek Construction is seeking an experienced Vac Truck Operator to support underground utility construction crews in the field. The role involves potholing, daylighting, and vacuum excavation to expose utilities prior to drilling or excavation, with additional support for HDD and other crews as needed.

Workignez focuses on safe operation of vac trucks, hoses, and water systems, with adherence to safety procedures and daily equipment inspections.

Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL is required.
• Vac truck or hydro-vac operating experience.
• Experience potholing, daylighting, and exposing underground utilities.
• Ability to operate vac truck equipment independently and safely.
• Knowledge of vacuum excavation, water pressure, and safe digging practices.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and ground conditions.
• Reliable, safety-focused, and able to work effectively with a field crew.
• Ability to pass required background and drug screenings.

Responsibilities

• Operate a vac truck or hydro-vac to expose underground utilities.
• Perform potholing and daylighting before drilling or excavation.
• Locate and expose fiber, gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecom lines.
• Support HDD crews at utility crossings, entry pits, and exit pits.
• Safely position and operate the truck, boom, hoses, water system, vacuum system, and debris tank.
• Adjust water pressure and excavation methods based on soil conditions and utility type.
• Monitor tank capacity and properly dispose of collected material.
• Read and follow utility markings, construction prints, bore plans, and jobsite layouts.
• Complete daily vehicle and equipment inspections.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain hoses, tanks, pumps, and related equipment.
• Assist with hand digging, spotting, traffic control, cleanup, and general labor duties as needed.
• Communicate with foremen, drill operators, locators, inspectors, and crew members.
• Follow OSHA, DOT, damage-prevention, and company safety procedures.

Skills

CDL Class A

Vac truck operation

Potholing/daylighting

Safety-focused

Job description

Job Description

Sellenriek Construction is hiring an experienced Vac Truck Operator to support underground utility construction crews.

The operator will independently perform potholing, daylighting, and vacuum excavation to safely expose underground utilities before drilling or excavation begins. This role also supports HDD and excavation crews at active utility crossings and assists with general field duties when the vac truck is not in operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate a vac truck or hydro-vac to expose underground utilities.
• Perform potholing and daylighting before drilling or excavation.
• Locate and expose fiber, gas, electric, water, sewer, and telecom lines.
• Support HDD crews at utility crossings, entry pits, and exit pits.
• Safely position and operate the truck, boom, hoses, water system, vacuum system, and debris tank.
• Adjust water pressure and excavation methods based on soil conditions and utility type.
• Monitor tank capacity and properly dispose of collected material.
• Read and follow utility markings, construction prints, bore plans, and jobsite layouts.
• Complete daily vehicle and equipment inspections.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain hoses, tanks, pumps, and related equipment.
• Assist with hand digging, spotting, traffic control, cleanup, and general labor duties as needed.
• Communicate with foremen, drill operators, locators, inspectors, and crew members.
• Follow OSHA, DOT, damage-prevention, and company safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Class A CDL.
• Previous vac truck or hydro-vac operating experience.
• Experience potholing, daylighting, and exposing underground utilities.
• Ability to operate vac truck equipment independently and safely.
• Knowledge of vacuum excavation, water pressure, and safe digging practices.
• Ability to work safely around active or congested utility areas.
• Ability to complete inspections, cleaning, and basic equipment maintenance.
• Willingness to assist with general crew duties when needed.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and ground conditions.
• Reliable, safety-focused, and able to work effectively with a field crew.
• Ability to pass required background and drug screenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Underground utility construction experience.
• Experience supporting HDD, trenching, or excavation crews.

Company Description

Sellenriek Construction offers career opportunities across field operations, heavy equipment operation, drilling, fiber splicing, labor, safety and compliance, project management, engineering, and support roles.

As a utility construction and network infrastructure company, Sellenriek is a strong fit for hard‑working, motivated individuals who want to build a long‑term career in the industry. Team members have the opportunity to gain hands‑on experience, learn from experienced crews, grow their skills, and be part of essential infrastructure work that supports communities and customers across the region.

The company values safety, work ethic, training, career growth, and people who are ready to show up, learn, and do the job right.