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Heavy Equipment Operator (Hydro Excavation Operator)

Colorado Springs UtilitiesColorado Springs, ColoradoPosted September 25, 2026
  • USD 43.06/hr
  • Mid-level / Journeyman
  • On-site

About this role

Posting Status:

Internal Only

Position Number:

400991

Applications are being accepted through: 10/1/26
*If no date is displayed, applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis; however, this job posting may close at any time after a minimum of 5 days of being posted.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Hydro Excavation Operator)

Our Hydro Excavation team within Water Construction Maintenance is seeking a Hydrovac Operator to operate a variety of heavy equipment (e.g., Hydro Excavation Trucks, backhoes, skid loaders, wheel loaders) to support all construction activities needed to clean dumping basins at our local mud/recycling pit. You will also provide support for our water, wastewater, electric, gas, and fiber crews based on business needs.

A day in the life of a Heavy Equipment Operator may include:
  • Operate hydrovac (hydro excavation) equipment to safely excavate soil using high-pressure water and vacuum systems solo with no swamper/laborer
  • Perform non-destructive digging to expose underground utilities (gas, electric, telecom, water, fiber, etc.)
  • Locate and verify underground infrastructure using utility locates, maps, and site markings
  • Safely operate vacuum truck systems, including boom controls, water systems, and debris tanks solo with no swamper/laborer.
  • Follow all OSHA, DOT, and company safety regulations and procedures at all times
  • Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, ensuring equipment is in safe working condition
  • Maintain proper pressure and water flow settings to prevent damage to utilities or surrounding structures
  • Set up and secure job sites, including cones, signage, and barriers
  • Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and clients on sites
  • Perform routine maintenance on hydrovac trucks (checking fluids, hoses, filters, and fittings)
  • Complete required documentation such as daily logs, job safety analyses (JSA), and work reports
  • Assist with potholing, trenching, slot trenching, daylighting, and debris removal operations
  • Ensure proper disposal of excavated materials in accordance with environmental regulations
  • Identify potential hazards and stop work if unsafe conditions are present
  • Maintain cleanliness and organization of equipment, truck, and job sites and shop.
  • Safely operating heavy equipment, including, but not limited to, hydro excavation trucks, backhoes, loaders, skid loaders at times to clean dump sites.
  • Operating a Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement
  • Inspect equipment and perform preventative maintenance on equipment, and schedule repairs as needed with fleet services.
  • Perform pre- and post-trip inspections of assigned equipment and document checks on standard DVIR (Driver Vehicle Inspection Report)
  • Assist with project planning, potholes, setting up job sites, and performing general labor activities as needed without a swamper/laborer.
  • Assist with training other hydro excavation equipment operators as needed
*******Please note that this position requires being available for overtime, emergency callouts, and rotating On-Call every 9th week or as business needs dictate

******This position also requires you to be available for the first call-out for the Colorado Springs Fire Department Heavy Trench Rescue. You will be trained by the Heavy rescue team before you respond.

Who You Are
  • Ability to professionally and safely operate various types of trucks and heavy equipment
  • Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required
  • Possession of a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement is required
  • Heavy Rescue response training for trench collapse emergencies
  • 2 - 4 years' experience in Hydro Excavation is preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Exerts 50-100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 25-50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 10-20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
  • Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noises.
To learn more about the classification of the Heavy Equipment Specialist, click here to go to the job library.

ATTENTION:
  • All positions will be posted for a minimum of 5 calendar days.
  • Starting pay will be based on the successful candidate's experience, education, and training; however, those with limited direct experience could start below the posted pay range.
  • If a single pay rate is posted, the job starts at that rate regardless of previous experience, education, and training.
  • Colorado Springs Utilities does not sponsor work visas of any kind, including H-1B, TN, or F-1 student visas (with or without OPT or STEM work authorization), or any other employment-based visas. All eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States, and work authorization must not be based on employer sponsorship of a work visa.
Colorado Springs Utilities is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Colorado Springs Utilities is committed to the principles of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity in accord with the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act, 38 U.S.C. § 4212, as amended (VEVRAA), and § 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (§ 503). In addition, no person shall be unlawfully discriminated against because of race, color, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation), age, religion, veteran status, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other basis protected under state or federal law. Human Resources shall assure Colorado Springs Utilities' benefits, classification, compensation, employee development, employee relations, and employment programs, conform to current legal and regulatory requirements and the provisions of Colorado Springs Utilities' Affirmative Action Plan in accordance with VEVRAA and § 503.

Accessibility Accommodations. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting us at accessibility@csu.org or by calling 719-668-7500. This option is reserved for individuals who are unable to use or require assistance with the online tools as a result of a disability and is not intended for other purposes.

E-Verify and Right to Work Notice. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Colorado Springs Utilities participates in E-Verify. For more information on your rights and responsibilities as an applicant, please visit: http://coloradospringsutilities.jobs/applicants-rights-and-responsibilities/. If you have a legal right to work in the United States, there are laws to protect you against discrimination in the workplace. You should know that no employer can deny you a job or fire you because of your national origin. Unless mandated by law or government contract, employers cannot require you to be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident or refuse any legally acceptable documents. If any of these things have happened to you, you may have a valid charge of discrimination that can be filed with the OSC. Contact the OSC for assistance in your own language. Call 1-800-255-7688. TDD for the hearing impaired is 1-800-237-2515. In the Washington, D.C., area, please call 202-616-5594, TDD 202-616-5525 Or write to: U.S. Department of Justice Office of Special Counsel NYA 950 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. Washington, DC 20530.

Have a question? If you have a question about a position or need assistance from a recruiter, email us at csurecruiting@csu.org or call 719-668-7500.

Job Type: Skilled Trades & Craft

Responsibilities

  • Operate hydrovac (hydro excavation) equipment to safely excavate soil using high-pressure water and vacuum systems solo with no swamper/laborer
  • Perform non-destructive digging to expose underground utilities (gas, electric, telecom, water, fiber, etc.)
  • Locate and verify underground infrastructure using utility locates, maps, and site markings
  • Safely operate vacuum truck systems, including boom controls, water systems, and debris tanks solo with no swamper/laborer.
  • Follow all OSHA, DOT, and company safety regulations and procedures at all times
  • Conduct pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections, ensuring equipment is in safe working condition
  • Maintain proper pressure and water flow settings to prevent damage to utilities or surrounding structures
  • Set up and secure job sites, including cones, signage, and barriers
  • Communicate effectively with crew members, supervisors, and clients on sites
  • Perform routine maintenance on hydrovac trucks (checking fluids, hoses, filters, and fittings)
  • Complete required documentation such as daily logs, job safety analyses (JSA), and work reports
  • Assist with potholing, trenching, slot trenching, daylighting, and debris removal operations

Tickets & licences

  • CDL Class A
  • Tanker Endorsement

Skills & systems

  • Preventive Maintenance
  • OSHA Compliance

Sector

  • Construction
  • Cranes & Lifting
  • Demolition & Recycling
  • Utilities & Powerline
  • Waste Management
  • Government & Municipal

Location

City
Colorado Springs
State / Province
Colorado
Country
United States
Region
North America

Listed from ConstructionEquipment.com Jobs. Equipment Atlas does not process applications — details and closing dates are the employer's.

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