Underground Utility / Fiber Optic Vac Truck Driver

Underground Utility / Fiber Optic Vac Truck Driver

Position Title: Vac Truck Driver Underground Utilities / Fiber Optic
Department: Underground Utilities / Fiber Optic Construction
Reports To: Foreman / Superintendent
Employment Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Location: Missoula MT Area Travel to project locations may be required

About WyoDak Energy Services

WyoDak Energy Services is a diversified construction company serving Wyoming and the surrounding region with expertise in earthwork, oil and gas field construction, civil construction, underground utilities, reclamation, and heavy construction projects. We pride ourselves on our diversification, quality workmanship, and commitment to customer satisfaction. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we believe that working together as a team creates a strong, versatile workforce capable of delivering exceptional results safely and efficiently. WyoDak is committed to providing opportunities for employees to build rewarding, long-term careers in the construction industry.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Vac Truck Driver operates a hydro-vacuum excavation truck in support of underground utility and fiber optic construction projects. This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the vac truck to daylight and expose existing underground utilities, assist with trenching and excavation operations, remove soil and water from excavations, and support fiber optic installation and other underground utility construction activities.

The Vac Truck Driver works closely with the Foreman, equipment operators, laborers, locators, drill crews, and other members of the construction team. The position requires a strong commitment to safety, careful operation around existing utilities, equipment maintenance, production, and teamwork.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Safely operate hydro-vacuum excavation equipment, including vacuum systems, water pumps, hoses, booms, tanks, and related equipment.
• Use hydro-vacuum excavation to safely expose and daylight existing underground utilities prior to and during excavation.
• Support installation of underground fiber optic cable, conduit, duct, handholes, vaults, and other telecommunications infrastructure.
• Assist with potholing and utility daylighting to identify the exact location and depth of existing utilities.
• Safely excavate around existing fiber, telecommunications, electrical, gas, water, sewer, and other underground utilities.
• Assist excavator and labor crews with excavation, trenching, utility installation, backfill, and restoration activities.
• Operate the vacuum system and water system in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and company procedures.
• Monitor vacuum pressure, water pressure, tank capacity, hoses, filters, pumps, and other equipment components during operation.
• Properly position the truck and boom to safely and efficiently perform excavation work.
• Manage and dispose of excavated material, slurry, mud, and water in accordance with project requirements and applicable regulations.
• Perform daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the vehicle and equipment.
• Conduct routine maintenance, lubrication, cleaning, and minor repairs as authorized.
• Identify mechanical problems or unsafe equipment conditions and report them promptly to the Foreman or Superintendent.
• Maintain accurate daily logs, inspection records, production records, and other required paperwork.
• Follow project plans, utility locate information, traffic-control requirements, and instructions from the Foreman or Superintendent.
• Maintain safe working distances from overhead and underground utilities.
• Verify utility locations and communicate changing field conditions to the Foreman and crew.
• Assist with traffic control, site preparation, cleanup, and other general construction duties when required.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, truck, tools, and equipment.
• Secure equipment, hoses, tools, and materials properly for transportation.
• Follow company safety policies, OSHA requirements, DOT regulations, and project-specific safety requirements.
• Participate in required safety meetings, toolbox talks, training, and inspections.
• Immediately report utility strikes, near misses, injuries, property damage, environmental releases, and unsafe conditions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Foreman or Superintendent.

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety is an essential responsibility of this position. The Vac Truck Driver must understand that underground utility excavation presents significant risks involving electrical lines, gas lines, communications infrastructure, unstable soil, traffic, pressurized equipment, moving machinery, and excavation hazards.

The employee is expected to:

• Follow all company safety policies and procedures.
• Follow OSHA excavation and utility-location requirements.
• Never assume the location or depth of an underground utility.
• Use approved procedures and equipment when approaching existing utilities.
• Maintain awareness of changing ground, weather, traffic, and job-site conditions.
• Use required PPE at all times.
• Properly set up and secure the vac truck before beginning excavation.
• Keep personnel clear of moving equipment, vacuum hoses, pressurized water, and other hazards.
• Never enter an unsafe excavation or trench.
• Follow the direction of the designated competent person regarding excavation safety.
• Immediately stop work when an unsafe condition or unidentified utility is encountered and notify supervision.

OSHA requires underground utility locations to be determined before excavation and requires the exact location of utilities to be established by safe and acceptable means as excavation approaches them.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid driver's license.
• Valid Class B or Class A CDL, as required by the vehicle being operated.
• Current DOT medical certification when required.
• Acceptable driving record.
• Ability to safely operate a heavy truck and hydro-vacuum excavation equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to recognize underground utility hazards and work safely around existing utilities.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an underground utility construction crew.
• Ability to work outdoors in Wyoming weather conditions.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and overtime as required by project schedules.
• Ability to travel to various project locations.
• Ability to pass company-required pre-employment screening, random drug screenings, post-accident drug screenings, and meet company safety requirements.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous hydro-vac, vac truck, or vacuum excavation experience.
• Previous experience in underground fiber optic, telecommunications, utility, water/sewer, electrical, gas, or civil construction.
• Experience with utility daylighting and potholing.
• Experience working around underground utility installations.
• Familiarity with fiber optic construction and underground telecommunications installation.
• Experience operating water pumps, vacuum systems, and related equipment.
• CDL Class A.
• Clean driving record.
• Previous experience working in a construction crew environment.
• OSHA excavation/trenching safety training.
• Flagger/traffic-control training.
• Experience with GPS, electronic daily logs, or construction documentation.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to:

• Sit and operate a commercial vehicle for extended periods.
• Frequently walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and work on uneven terrain.
• Climb onto and around heavy equipment and truck platforms.
• Connect, disconnect, carry, and maneuver heavy vacuum hoses.
• Handle hoses, fittings, tools, and equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Work around mud, water, dust, dirt, noise, and changing weather conditions.
• Lift and carry materials and equipment as required.
• Work safely around heavy construction equipment and active excavation operations.
• Wear required personal protective equipment for extended periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed outdoors on active construction sites throughout Wyoming. The employee may be exposed to:

• Extreme heat and cold.
• Wind, snow, rain, mud, dust, and other adverse weather.
• Heavy construction equipment and vehicle traffic.
• Excavations, trenches, uneven terrain, and confined work areas.
• High noise levels.
• Pressurized water and vacuum systems.
• Underground utilities and other construction hazards.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Successful performance in this position requires:

• Safety first: Protect coworkers, the public, utilities, equipment, and property.
• Production: Operate equipment efficiently while maintaining safe work practices.
• Equipment care: Properly inspect, operate, clean, maintain, and secure the vac truck.
• Utility awareness: Exercise extreme caution when working around existing underground utilities.
• Communication: Maintain clear communication with the Foreman and other crew members.
• Reliability: Report to work on time and be prepared to work in changing field conditions.
• Teamwork: Work cooperatively with operators, laborers, drill crews, locators, Foremen, and project management.
• Professionalism: Represent the company professionally with customers, utility owners, inspectors, and the public.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or physical requirements. Duties may be modified or additional responsibilities assigned based on project requirements and company needs.

The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.