Position Summary
TDOT Civil/Netdrill is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Vac Truck Operator to support our Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) and underground utility construction crews throughout Ontario. The successful candidate will be responsible for operating a manual 18-speed vacuum truck to perform hydro excavation, daylighting of existing utilities, trench support, and general site assistance while maintaining the highest standards of safety and productivity.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate a manual 18-speed vacuum truck on public roads and construction sites.
- Perform hydro excavation and daylighting of underground utilities before drilling and excavation activities.
- Support HDD crews by exposing existing infrastructure and assisting with drilling operations.
- Read and interpret utility locates, construction drawings, and site plans.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and complete daily equipment inspection reports.
- Operate high-pressure water and vacuum systems safely and efficiently.
- Ensure all work complies with Ontario health and safety regulations, utility owner requirements, and company procedures.
- Maintain the vac truck, hoses, nozzles, and related equipment in clean and proper working condition.
- Assist with general construction duties when hydro excavation is not required.
- Communicate effectively with drill operators, foremen, supervisors, utility locators, and site personnel.
- Complete daily production reports, timesheets, and safety documentation.
- Report equipment defects, hazards, near misses, and incidents immediately.
- Work safely around live utilities including gas, hydro, telecommunications, water, and sewer infrastructure.
- Follow all traffic control, environmental, and job site safety requirements.
Qualifications
- Valid DZ driver's licence (AZ licence considered an asset).
- Experience operating a manual 18-speed transmission.
- Previous experience operating a hydro excavation/vacuum truck in the utility or construction industry.
- Knowledge of underground utility locating and safe excavation practices.
- Ability to read utility locates and construction drawings.
- Strong understanding of Ontario construction safety standards.
- Physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and working in various weather conditions.
- Ability to work flexible hours, overtime, weekends, and travel to various project locations as required.
Preferred Certifications
- Working at Heights
- WHMIS
- First Aid & CPR
- Confined Space Awareness (asset)
- Traffic Control Person (asset)
- Ontario Book 7 Traffic Control (asset)
Skills & Competencies
- Strong safety awareness and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Reliable, punctual, and dependable.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Good mechanical aptitude and equipment troubleshooting skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
Working Conditions
- Outdoor construction environments in all weather conditions.
- Early mornings, evenings, weekends, and overtime as required.
- Travel to various job sites across Ontario.
- Physically demanding work involving standing, walking, bending, climbing, and lifting.
Performance Expectations
- Operate equipment safely with zero preventable incidents.
- Complete hydro excavation work efficiently while minimizing damage to existing utilities.
- Maintain equipment in clean, safe, and serviceable condition.
- Work collaboratively with drilling crews to meet project schedules and quality standards.
- Demonstrate professionalism when interacting with clients, inspectors, and utility representatives.
Pay: $36.00-$39.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
