Vacuum Excavation Operator — ESOP Benefits & Field Impact

Whitaker Construction; St. George (VT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Competitive wages

Health, Dental, Vision, and Life

Short-Term Disability

401(k) with company match

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

Paid Personal Days

Quarterly Incentive Program

Referral Bonuses

EAP

Job summary

Whitaker Construction is seeking a Vac Truck Operator to safely operate vacuum excavation equipment on civil and underground utility projects. The role focuses on daylighting, potholing, trenching, exposing utilities, and maintaining safety.

You will work independently with field leadership, perform pre/post trip inspections, coordinate with crews, and keep accurate logs while following OSHA and DOT regulations. Whitaker offers ESOP ownership and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and current medical card required.
• Experience operating vac trucks, hydro excavation, or similar heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of underground utility locating and excavation practices preferred.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with ability to troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Ability to read utility markings and job site plans.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; familiarity with tablet-based reporting systems.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate vacuum excavation trucks and associated equipment for hydro or air excavation.
• Perform daylighting, potholing, trenching, and debris removal per project requirements.
• Locate and expose underground utilities while preventing damage to existing infrastructure.
• Maintain awareness of site conditions and operate safely around personnel and equipment.
• Coordinate with supervisors and field crews to execute tasks efficiently.
• Assist crews with general labor duties when not operating equipment.
• Inspect and maintain vac truck systems and perform routine maintenance.
• Conduct daily pre- and post-trip inspections and complete DOT documentation.
• Ensure proper disposal of materials per environmental regulations.
• Maintain logs of work performed and locations.
• Follow safety policies, OSHA guidelines, and DOT regulations.
• Participate in safety meetings and company programs.
• Maintain a clean and organized truck and work area.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Current medical card

Vac truck/hydro excavation experience

Underground utility locating knowledge

Mechanical troubleshooting

Reading utility markings/site plans

Communication & teamwork

Tablet-based reporting familiarity

Safety, quality, efficiency

Job description

Whitaker Construction is seeking a Vac Truck Operator to safely operate vacuum excavation equipment on civil and underground utility projects. The role focuses on daylighting, potholing, trenching, exposing utilities, and maintaining safety.

You will work independently with field leadership, perform pre/post trip inspections, coordinate with crews, and keep accurate logs while following OSHA and DOT regulations. Whitaker offers ESOP ownership and a comprehensive benefits package.