Hydrovac Excavation Operator

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, LES is customer-owned and is one of the nation’s leading utility companies. We are recognized for low costs, unmatched reliability, financial stability, cutting-edge innovation, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional customer service while fostering a culture that celebrates passion, talent, and high standards. If you're not just looking for a job but a fulfilling career in a workplace that values excellence, the environment, and the community we call home, LES might just be the perfect fit for you. Join us and power a brighter future!

- LES is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States.

- LES is unable to sponsor employment-based immigrant or non-immigrant visas.

- This is not a remote position and requires residency within a reasonable commuting distance to LES in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Job Title

Hydrovac Excavation Operator

Employment Type

Starting Pay Range

Posting Date

Full-time

$36.07 - $39.74

08/08/2025

Employment Classification

Division

Closing Date

Regular

Energy Delivery

08/22/2025

We’re looking for a skilled and safety-focused Hydrovac Excavation Operator to join our growing Lincoln Electric Systems (LES) team! If you have experience operating hydrovac trucks and a strong understanding of underground utility locating and safe digging practices, we want to hear from you. In this role, you’ll be responsible for safely operating hydrovac equipment to expose underground infrastructure, working closely with crews on construction and utility sites. We offer competitive pay, steady work, opportunities for advancement, and a team environment that values professionalism, safety, and respect. Join us and help shape the future of safe excavation.

JOB SUMMARY

Under direct supervision, responsible for operating vacuum and hydro excavation construction equipment throughout the course of a job and performing job site work, as necessary. Using high pressure water and vacuum systems for excavation, to include Potholing, trenching, tunneling and locating utility lines throughout the service territory in accordance with design standards, established policies, safety rules, procedures, and practices to provide a reliable electrical service to customers. The work requires skill in manipulating vacuum and hydro excavation equipment and constant attention to safety of operation in order to prevent accidents. Must be able to manage water pressure in excess of 3000 psi. Performs emergency and overtime work, as necessary. Consistent and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND CORE COMPETENCIES

- Under direct supervision, operates hydro excavation equipment to perform potholing, trenching, remote vaccing, tunneling, locating utility lines, subsurface utility engineering, etc. Other equipment may include skid loaders, trenchers, and backhoes to facilitate hydro excavation work and restoration.

- Assists in de-energized job site work involved in the construction, operation, and maintenance of streetlight, distribution, and transmission electric line facilities including exposing of de-energized cable and conductors; pole removals, installation of de-energized pedestals and transformers; installation and maintenance of conduit and duct systems, de-energized cable, and conductor splices and terminations.

- Under direct supervision, will complete on-the-job training for installation, operation and maintenance of energized services of 600 volts or less.

- Proactively cleans vehicle, equipment, and tanks inside and out on a regular basis and as needed depending on daily activities.

- Assists with completing all safety and usage paperwork, forms, and compliance records as needed.

- Complies with company mandated safety policies and procedures while operating machinery and vehicles.

- Performs artificial respiration, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and other emergency first aid, when necessary.

- Performs customer related activities including outage notification.

Initiative - Takes action on his/her own without being prompted; handles problems independently; able to resolve issues without relying on extensive help from others; does more than is expected or asked.

Accountability - Holds self and others responsible for goals, outcomes, deadlines, and objectives and follows through on commitments. Takes accountability for delivering on commitments; owns mistakes and uses them as opportunities for learning and development.

Communication - Expresses ideas and information in a clear and concise manner whether verbally, written, or other means; tailors message to fit the interests and needs of the audience; delivers information in a manner that is interesting and compelling.

Safety Awareness - Respects and complies with safety procedures/standards necessary to ensure a safe and healthful work environment; scans the environment for things that may pose a safety risk; and encourages others to utilize safe and healthy work practices

Job Technical Skills - Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialized knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

- Read, interpret, and perform work from job prints, construction standard specifications, and other instructions.

- Organizational skills.

- Inventory maintenance and record keeping principles.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

- High school diploma or G.E.D, and

- At least three years of experience performing vac excavation duties, or

- An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

- Valid Class A commercial driver's license with minimum of an O restriction, with tanker endorsement or the ability to obtain within six months.

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans