Interview kit: HydroVac Operator at Black & McDonald Limited

How to use this kit

Ground every answer in facts on this page and the original listing. We never invent Glassdoor-style reviews or salaries that are not in our data.

Interview prep

Walk through a safe hydrovac dig near known utilities
How you spot and report equipment problems before they stop a job
Experience with radio coordination, traffic control, and site hazards in variable weather

Fit summary

Strong fit if you want hands-on outdoor equipment work with a multi-trade contractor, prioritize safety around buried infrastructure, and can work on-site in the Salt Lake City area (not remote).

Day in the role

As a HydroVac Operator at Black & McDonald in Salt Lake City, you run vacuum and water systems on active sites: set up safely, dig non-destructively around buried lines, and keep spoil and water managed. You monitor gauges and equipment condition, signal coworkers by radio when pumps or valves need attention, and flag malfunctions so repairs can be scheduled. Typical days mix pre-trip checks, on-site excavation support, and end-of-day cleanup and reporting.

Skills to emphasize

Safe hydrovac setup, daylighting, and spoil handling
Reading gauges/meters and reporting equipment issues early
Radio/site communication with excavators and utility crews
CDL/truck and field safety practices as required by the employer

FAQ from this listing

Is this role remote?

No. The listing is on-site in Salt Lake City, UT.

What does the occupation data emphasize?

Monitoring instruments, maintaining or reporting equipment issues, and coordinating pumps/valves with other workers—skills that map to safe hydrovac field work (O*NET).

Are certifications listed?

No certification resources were provided for this listing; confirm employer requirements during hiring.

Occupation tasks (O*NET)

Public-domain labor data — prepare examples for 2–3 of these.

Signal other workers by telephone or radio to operate pumps, open and close valves, and check temperatures.
Maintain and repair equipment, or report malfunctioning equipment to supervisors so that repairs can be scheduled.
Monitor process indicators, instruments, gauges, and meters to detect and report any possible problems.
Start pumps and open valves or use automated equipment to regulate the flow of oil in pipelines and into and out of tanks.
Operate control panels to coordinate and regulate process variables such as temperature and pressure, and to direct product flow rate, according to process schedules.
Verify that incoming and outgoing products are moving through the correct meters, and that meters are working properly.
Patrol units to monitor the amount of oil in storage tanks, and to verify that activities and operations are safe, efficient, and in compliance with regulations.
Plan movement of products through lines to processing, storage, and shipping units, using knowledge of system interconnections and capacities.

O*NET source

Company facts (cached)

Website: blackmcdonald.com

Public cache only — not an employee review.

Role overview (listing rewrite)

Black & McDonald Limited is hiring a full-time HydroVac Operator in Salt Lake City, UT to support safe, precise excavation work across local project sites. This hands-on role is ideal for professionals skilled with hydro excavation equipment who want to contribute to utility and construction-related operations near Salt Lake City. What This Role Involves As a HydroVac Operator with Black & McDonald Limited, you will run specialized hydrovac equipment to perform non-destructive digging and site preparation in and around Salt Lake City, UT. The position centers on operating trucks that combine high-pressure water and vacuum systems to expose underground utilities and clear material with accuracy while protecting existing infrastructure. Everyday work takes place outdoors on active job sites and requires steady focus on safety, equipment readiness, and coordination with field crews. This full-time HydroVac Operator opportunity emphasizes reliable fieldwork rather than remote or office-based duties. Your Responsibilities Operate hydrovac trucks and related water-and-vacuum systems to excavate soil safely around underground lines and site features. Locate, uncover, and clear material near utilities using controlled hydro excavation techniques that minimize risk of damage. Inspect, clean, and maintain hydrovac equipment before, during, and after shifts so machines remain ready and functional. Follow all safety, traffic-control, and site protocols while working outdoors in changing weather common to the Salt Lake City area. Coordinate with supervisors and crew members to complete excavation tasks according to job plans and daily priorities. Document equipment use, site conditions, and completed work as required for accurate field records. Support additional site duties such as material handling and cleanup that keep hydrovac operations running smoothly. Requirements Proven ability to operate hydrovac or comparable vacuum excavation equipment, or strong mechanical aptitude ready to apply to this equipment. Valid driver’s license and ability to meet any commercial driving or endorsement needs associated with operating a hydrovac unit. Physical capability to perform outdoor fieldwork, including lifting, climbing onto equipment, and working in varied weather conditions around Salt Lake City, UT. Solid understanding of job-site safety practices, underground utility awareness, and careful equipment handling. Dependable attendance, clear communication with crew members, and a professional…

Full job on Get A Job.AI

Questions to ask them

What does success look like in the first 90 days for this role?
How is the team structured, and who would I work with most?
What tools and systems does this role use daily?
Is the work primarily based in Salt Lake City, UT, hybrid, or fully remote?