Hal Hays Construction is looking for experienced Hydrovac Operators to join our entity Cal Pacific Constructors (CPCI) to support a new Southern California Edison utility program across SCE's service territory. This is a union position covered under IBEW Local 47. If you've spent years running hydrovac in the utility space and know what it takes to work safely around energized infrastructure, we want to talk. Qualified individuals can also apply at our Corporate Office located at 4181 Latham St, Riverside, CA 92501.
Compensation: Wages and benefits per IBEW Local 47 Agreement
Position Summary:
Responsible for operating a hydrovac truck in a safe manner and in accordance with OSHA safe practices for soft excavation, potholing, and slot trenching in support of utility pole installation, replacement, and maintenance activities. This position will require travel to various job sites around Southern California. Overnight hotel stays may be required. This position requires strict adherence to all safety standards. Must wear required personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vest, steel-toe boots, etc.) and participate in safety trainings and meetings. The candidate is required to work in compliance with all safety policies.
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt (hourly)
Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
- Exposing underground utilities and establishing safe dig zones ahead of construction crews
- Supporting SCE field crews with precision excavation around energized infrastructure
- Maintaining equipment cleanliness, pre/post-trip inspections, and fluid management
- Working within SCE right-of-way — traffic control zones, easements, and substation environments
- Coordinating with foremen, utility locators, and field superintendents to sequence work efficiently
- Follow direction of the Foreman or Superintendent with regards to daily production schedule and activities
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned
- Follow all safety policies and procedures
Qualifications:
- Minimum 5 years of hydrovac truck operating experience — this is a hard requirement
- Valid Class A with a clean MVR
- Prior utility support experience strongly preferred — pole sets, underground utility exposure, T&D construction, or similar
- Familiarity with SCE or other IOU utility work environments is a plus
- Ability to work safely in active traffic control zones and around energized equipment
- OSHA 10 (minimum); utility-specific safety training a plus
- Must be willing to join IBEW Local 47 or already be a member in good standing
- Ability to lift heavy objects 50+ lbs.
- Walking/Standing/Bending for long periods of time
- Perform strenuous physical labor in outdoor elements
- Required to pass pre-employment drug test/background check (This role is subject to federal testing requirements, which requires testing for cannabis despite state law)
- Candidates must pass a post-offer physical examination to ensure they can perform the essential physical functions of the job
Physical Demands - A qualified individual must be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation:
- Sitting and/or standing/walking for long periods on uneven ground
- Must be able to lift and carry 50 pounds regularly and up to 75 pounds occasionally
- Twisting, reaching overhead, pulling, pushing
- Ability to work at heights (e.g., on ladders, scaffolding) and in confined spaces (such as trenches or manholes) as required by the project
- Use hands to handle tools and heavy equipment, and reach with arms.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision (for reading plans/computer screens), distance vision, and depth perception.
- Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities
Work Environment
- This role is outdoors on active construction sites. The employee could be exposed to weather conditions such as heat, cold, and rain, and will work near heavy machinery and moving vehicles
- The noise level on site is often loud, and the environment may involve dust and fumes. Appropriate PPE (hard hat, safety vest, hearing protection, etc.) is required at all times.
- Work may occasionally be at heights or in confined spaces
- The employee is required to follow all safety policies and procedures and to actively participate in safety trainings and meetings. This position is classified as safety-sensitive
- Must be willing to work overtime or weekends when project deadlines require
Disclaimer: The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as comprehensive of every job duty, responsibility, or qualification required by an employee assigned to this job. While employed in this position, an employee may be required to perform other assignments not listed on this job description. Nothing in this job posting constitutes a promise or contract of employment. Employment with Hal Hays Construction is at-will, meaning it may be terminated by either the employee or the Company at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.
Hal Hays Construction, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer- The Company does not discriminate against employees or applicants on race, color, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, religion, marital status, military service/veteran status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, including genetic characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $33.00 - $53.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Hydrovac Operation: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
