Company Overview
L & M Ditching Ltd. has been a trusted name in sewer and water repair and replacement since 1964. Committed to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, we pride ourselves on our experienced team and high standards of work.
Summary
We are seeking a dedicated Hydrovac Operator to join our team in Canada. Based in St Albert, this role is vital to our mission of delivering efficient and safe water and sewer solutions. Join us to contribute to projects that make a difference in community infrastructure.
Responsibilities
- Job Title: Hydrovac OperatorHydrovac Operator / Composite Team Member
Reports To: Foreman / Superintendent
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Alberta
Position Summary
The Hydrovac Operator / Composite Team Member is responsible for the safe operation, transportation, maintenance, and daily use of Hydrovac equipment to support underground utility construction, utility locating, excavation, and infrastructure projects. This position plays a critical role in protecting underground infrastructure while providing safe, efficient hydro excavation services for municipal, commercial, industrial, and residential clients.
At L & M Ditching Ltd., the Hydrovac Operator is more than a truck driver. This position is expected to actively support field crews, participate in underground construction activities, and assist in other operational duties when Hydrovac work is not scheduled. Employees are expected to demonstrate flexibility, professionalism, accountability, and a willingness to continually expand their skills.
Primary ResponsibilitiesHydrovac Operations
- Safely operate Hydrovac trucks and associated equipment in accordance with company policies and Alberta Transportation regulations.
- Transport Hydrovac equipment safely to and from project sites.
- Perform hydro excavation for utility locating, daylighting, potholing, trenching, slot trenching, and excavation support.
- Expose underground utilities safely without causing damage.
- Perform excavation around energized utilities while maintaining all required clearances.
- Operate high-pressure water and vacuum systems safely and efficiently.
- Monitor spoil tank capacity and dispose of slurry at approved disposal facilities.
- Maintain awareness of surrounding hazards, overhead powerlines, public traffic, and underground infrastructure.
- Follow all utility owner requirements and excavation permits.
Underground Utility Support
- Assist with utility locating and daylighting.
- Support excavation crews during underground construction.
- Assist with installation of water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, electrical, communications, and gas infrastructure.
- Assist Pipe Layers and Equipment Operators during excavation activities.
- Assist with trench preparation, backfilling, compaction, and restoration.
- Support emergency utility repairs and after-hours callouts when required.
Equipment Responsibilities
Operate and maintain:
- Hydrovac trucks
- Vacuum systems
- High-pressure water systems
- Water pumps
- Debris tanks
- Hoses and excavation tools
- Traffic control equipment
- Small construction equipment as authorized
Conduct:
- Daily pre-trip inspections.
- Post-trip inspections.
- Circle checks.
- Preventative maintenance inspections.
- Fluid level checks.
- Greasing and cleaning.
- Winterization procedures.
- Daily housekeeping of truck cab and equipment.
Immediately report mechanical defects and remove unsafe equipment from service.
Site Responsibilities
- Review utility locates before excavation.
- Participate in pre-job planning meetings.
- Complete Field Level Hazard Assessments (FLHAs).
- Assist with traffic control setup.
- Install barriers, signage, and exclusion zones.
- Maintain clean and organized job sites.
- Protect public safety and adjacent property.
- Follow client-specific site requirements.
- Ensure work areas remain environmentally compliant.
Documentation Responsibilities
Complete and maintain accurate:
- Driver logbooks.
- Daily inspection reports.
- Vehicle maintenance reports.
- Timesheets.
- Fuel records.
- Disposal tickets.
- Equipment defect reports.
- Job hazard assessments.
- Incident reports.
- Daily production records.
Safety Responsibilities
Every Hydrovac Operator shall:
- Follow all L & M Ditching Safe Work Practices and Safe Job Procedures.
- Comply with Alberta Occupational Health & Safety legislation.
- Wear required PPE at all times.
- Conduct daily FLHAs before beginning work.
- Exercise Stop Work Authority whenever unsafe conditions exist.
- Report hazards, incidents, injuries, near misses, and property damage immediately.
- Participate in toolbox talks, safety meetings, and safety training.
- Maintain all required certifications.
- Protect coworkers, subcontractors, customers, and the public.
- Work safely around overhead and underground utilities.
- Ensure safe trench access and excavation practices are maintained.
Cross-Training & Composite Team Responsibilities
L & M Ditching values versatile employees who contribute wherever operational needs require.
Hydrovac Operators are expected to:
- Assist Pipe Layers during utility installation.
- Assist Heavy Equipment Operators with spotting and grade checking.
- Operate compactors and small equipment when authorized.
- Assist with hydrant inspections and maintenance.
- Assist with CCTV inspections and sewer cleaning activities.
- Support trenchless rehabilitation crews.
- Participate in general labour activities.
- Learn additional equipment and operational skills through ongoing training.
- Support other crews during periods of reduced Hydrovac work.
Equipment Care & Fleet Responsibilities
Employees are expected to:
- Keep company vehicles clean and professional.
- Fuel vehicles daily as required.
- Wash equipment regularly.
- Protect company tools and equipment.
- Report maintenance concerns immediately.
- Return all equipment to proper storage.
- Maintain inventory of hoses, nozzles, fittings, and accessories.
Customer Service Expectations
Every employee represents L & M Ditching Ltd.
Employees are expected to:
- Treat customers, homeowners, inspectors, and utility representatives with professionalism and respect.
- Maintain a positive attitude on every job site.
- Protect customer property.
- Keep work areas clean.
- Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding customer concerns.
- Present a professional appearance while wearing company-issued PPE and clothing.
Required Qualifications
- Valid Alberta Class 3 Driver's Licence with Air Brake (Q) Endorsement (Class 1 considered an asset).
- Clean Driver's Abstract.
- Experience operating Hydrovac or Vacuum Truck equipment preferred.
- Strong understanding of underground utility construction.
- Ability to safely work around buried utilities.
- Strong hazard recognition and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Strong work ethic, reliability, and attendance.
Required Certifications
Mandatory:
- CSTS 2020
- WHMIS 2015
- Ground Disturbance Level II
- Confined Space Entry
- Standard First Aid with CPR/AED
- H2S Alive
- Fall Protection
Assets:
- Class 1 Driver's Licence
- Utility Locator Training
- Defensive Driving
- Heavy Equipment Competency
- Skid Steer Competency
- Traffic Accommodation Training
- TDG Certification
Physical Requirements
The Hydrovac Operator must be capable of:
- Frequently lifting up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Pulling and maneuvering heavy vacuum hoses.
- Climbing on and off equipment safely.
- Standing, bending, kneeling, crouching, and walking for extended periods.
- Working outdoors in extreme weather conditions.
- Working in confined spaces and around excavations.
- Working overtime, weekends, and emergency callouts as required.
Work Environment
Employees regularly work:
- Outdoors year-round.
- Around heavy equipment.
- In municipal, commercial, industrial, and residential environments.
- Around underground utilities.
- In active construction zones.
- Near moving traffic.
- In varying weather conditions including rain, snow, heat, and cold.
Performance Expectations
Employees will be evaluated on:
- Safety performance.
- Attendance and punctuality.
- Equipment operation.
- Documentation accuracy.
- Customer service.
- Teamwork.
- Productivity.
- Equipment care.
- Communication.
- Initiative.
- Professional conduct.
- Compliance with company policies and procedures.
Core Values
At L & M Ditching Ltd., every employee is expected to demonstrate:
- Safety First
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Respect
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Reliability
- Quality Workmanship
- Continuous Improvement
- Pride in Our Work'
Pay: $24.95-$38.88 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
