Hydrovac job sites aren't a solo show. Every job site requires a well-rounded and experienced crew to eliminate safety hazards and finish projects on schedule.
Putting together a well-oiled hydrovac team begins with proper hiring practices. Smart managers go into the hiring process with clear expectations and detailed job descriptions to attract qualified candidates with the traits, skills, and technical know-how required to provide A-plus work.
Hydrovac Operator Job Description
The operator is the quarterback of every hydrovac team. They oversee projects from start to finish and perform a range of services, like debris removal, slot trenching, digging, and utility line exposure.
Operators should know how to navigate hydrovac trucks safely and efficiently to complete jobs on time without damaging sensitive ground utilities while avoiding line strikes and suction hazards.
Hydrovac Operator Requirements
- Proven operating experience: Multiple years of hydrovac operating experience to avoid damaging lines and pipes.
- Strong communication: Ability to set expectations, define roles, stick to strict deadlines, communicate clearly and respectfully, and explain the unique safety hazards of each job site.
- Verified certifications: Proof of A or B commercial driver's license (CDL) and clean driving record.
- Technical expertise: Knowledge of common hydrovac technologies, like high-pressure water systems and suction units, and knowledge of safety protocols and applicable state and local regulations
Hydrovac Operator Duties
- Truck operation: Operate hydrovac truck to perform safe and non-disruptive excavation around power lines, plumbing, and underground utilities.
- Safety and compliance: Identify and expose hidden utilities to avoid harm during excavation, checking every work area for safety issues beforehand and communicating them to the rest of the team.
- Site preparation and maintenance: Prepare all equipment, such as refilling the water tank and inspecting attachments and vehicles for damage, and schedule repairs.
- Documentation: Track daily progress according to company protocols and communicate progress, delays, or complications with the client.
Hydrovac Swamper Job Description
Hydrovac swampers assist operators on the ground with soil excavation, equipment maintenance, and ensuring excavators avoid damaging utilities.
Hydrovac Swamper Requirements
- Proper training: Deep knowledge of the hydrovac process and equipment, including high-pressure water systems and vacuum hoses.
- Safety protocols: A strong understanding of safety best practices and spotting protocols to help operators avoid line contact and collisions.
- Physical strength: Ability to lift and move heavy equipment.
Hydrovac Swamper Duties
- Equipment setup: Assembly/disassemble equipment daily according to the job's needs, such as setting up hoses and fittings or loading/unloading construction materials.
- Site preparation and cleanup: Perform necessary prep work and cleanup for every job site, including digging trenches removing any hazards or blockages, and cleaning trucks and equipment.
- On-the-ground maneuvering: Assist the operator while moving the truck using backing and flagging hand signals.
Hydrovac Technician Job Description
Technicians troubleshoot, inspect, repair, and maintain hydrovac trucks. These projects include fixing attachments and equipment and keeping them in prime condition to avoid downtime and delays.
Hydrovac Technician Requirements
- Practical experience: Prior hydrovac operating experience and in-depth knowledge of the mechanics behind excavators, attachments, and maintenance needs.
- Mechanical knowledge: Ability to perform immediate troubleshooting, both in the shop and in the field
- Physical strength: Capacity to lift and maneuver heavy parts and tools.
- Organizational skills: Ability to track and manage large inventories and stick to preventive maintenance schedules.
- Strong communication: Strong written and verbal communication to clearly report maintenance requirements and any delays to operations.
Hydrovac Technician Duties
- Routine and preventive maintenance: Work on a strict schedule to ensure the entire fleet undergoes necessary repairs and maintenance.
- Troubleshooting: Stand ready to head to job sites to diagnose and solve issues to keep operations running as smoothly as possible.
- Stocking parts: Keep track of inventories and order new parts when necessary, documenting and scheduling when parts arrive and get used.
Bringing the Team Together
There are no lone rangers on hydrovac excavation sites. The team must come together as a unit to get the job done.
For example, without an operator, there's no ability to get the bulk of the work completed. However, without a swamper, the job would take much longer, and the environment would be much less safe. Likewise, having no technician means that even a small malfunction could lead to weeks of downtime, or it could result in instances of vehicles being in disrepair.
Each position is important and so is filling them with the right people. Detailed job descriptions attract the best candidates. After hiring, set your team up for success with training and written responsibilities. Make sure each team member understands their role so they can pass tasks off smoothly.
Pro-tip: Your operators are the face of your company, so you need people you can trust. Build a culture of trust by keeping communication open and honest and encourage your team to do the same.
Foster the culture of trust within your team by providing open lines of communication where crew members can share necessary job information like schedules, safety protocols and maintenance tickets and track their progress as a team.
Investing in the right tools can help you set your team up for success. Good tools and management systems create a positive feedback loop, boosting morale and efficiency.
“I think that it's good for morale and because our drivers see that we're willing to invest in the future of the company and providing them with the right tools to get it done right the first time,” Tim O’Keefe, president of Hydro-X USA shared.
Tools like RapidWorks' job management software combine all aspects of your heavy equipment business operations in one simple, collaborative dashboard, from job tickets and work schedules to instant messaging with the back-office.