CDL Vac Truck Operator / Vac Crew Lead

Overview

CDL Vac Truck Operator / Vac Crew Lead Jobs in Thornton, CO at Trace Fiber Services

CDL Potholers run pothole operations ahead of drill crews—independently exposing, measuring, and documenting existing utility locations and depths. This work is critical to ensuring that drill crews can work efficiently and safely. This role requires a current Class A or B CDL and the proven ability to lead pothole efforts on site without direct supervision: hauling and operating the hydrovac rig, planning the day’s digs, directing any helpers, and owning quality, documentation, and safety in the field. Trace is offering $29-34/hour for employees who can independently perform this role.

Key Responsibilities

• This position is performed primarily in active outdoor construction environments. Work may occur in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and snow. Employees may be required to walk on uneven terrain and variable soil conditions such as rocky, muddy, sandy, or frozen ground. Work is primarily during the day, but due to the nature of telecom work, occasional night work may be required.
• The role requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, and entering/exiting vehicles or underground enclosures. Employees must be able to regularly lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Significant driving between job sites will be required.
• Work may take place near roadways and other active construction areas, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and use of required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Independently plan and lead daily pothole operations, including site sequencing, dig priorities, on-site decision-making, and direction of any assigned helpers—without daily oversight from a supervisor.
• Safely operate a CDL Class-B required straight truck in a variety of environments
• Perform hydro excavation or air excavation (“potholing”) to expose existing utilities at crossings and conflict points ahead of drill crews. Use utility locating equipment occasionally to locate unmarked or poorly marked underground facilities.
• Utilize 811 utility locates, site white lines, and construction prints to identify planned running lines.
• Utilize company utility locating equipment to locate existing utilities that are poorly marked or not marked at the work site.
• Accurately measure depth and horizontal offset of exposed utilities.
• Mark depths at each pothole location using spray paint and clearly document findings on prints.
• Mark up project prints with exact depths and utility locations for drill crew reference.
• Backfill, plate, or otherwise secure potholes to ensure public safety.
• Serve as the field point of contact with the PM/CM and drill foremen—flagging conflicts, recommending field changes, and keeping the project moving when issues arise.
• Maintain hydrovac trailer in good working order, preferred experience with VacMasters equipment (e.g., 4000 unit)
• Conduct daily vehicle and trailer inspections (DVIR) and maintain clean, organized equipment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in underground utility construction and hydro excavation, with the ability to run a hydrovac rig start-to-finish without on-site supervision.
• Ability to read and interpret construction prints and utility locates.
• Strong understanding of safe digging practices and 811 procedures.
• Proven ability to lead pothole work independently—managing the day’s plan, making field calls, and producing accurate, drill-ready deliverables without supervisor check-ins.
• Current Class A or B CDL with a clean driving record and valid DOT medical card, clean driving record.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong attention to detail and accurate documentation skills.

Benefits

• Health care, with generous company contribution towards employee premium
• Optional dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance (employee, spouse, children)
• Sick time
• Company paid short-term disability and basic life insurance.
• 401(k) with up to 4% company match

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $28.00 – $35.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you familiar with potholing or hydro/air excavation?

License/Certification:

• CDL (Required)

Work Location: In person

Title: CDL Vac Truck Operator / Vac Crew Lead

Company: Trace Fiber Services

Location: Thornton, CO