Operations Manager -Hydrovac Division

Ambipar’s Industrial Services division operates a large fleet of modern Vacuum, Combo, Hydrovac, Water, Gravel & Winch Units across Alberta, British Columbia & Saskatchewan. Our services are utilized on many different projects ranging from Downhole Drilling, Pipeline HDD, Daylighting and Civil Construction Projects.
We strives to provide the highest quality of service with industry leading training and technology. Our goal is to provide exceptional customer service with safety being our number one priority. While operating our units you will have 24/7 support from our Maintenance, Safety and Operations Departments.
Job Overview
Oversee daily hydrovac operations, including excavation, daylighting, utility exposure, trenching, and industrial services.
Coordinate equipment, personnel, and resources to meet operational requirements and customer demands.
Manage job scheduling, dispatch coordination, and workforce allocation to maximize operational efficiency.
Ensure projects are completed safely, within budget, and according to established timelines.
Monitor daily productivity, equipment utilization, and operational performance.
Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, reduce downtime, and increase profitability.
Provide operational support and guidance to field supervisors and hydrovac operators.
Respond to operational challenges, equipment breakdowns, and unexpected project requirements.
Conduct regular site visits to monitor field operations, safety compliance, and employee performance.
Leadership and Employee Management
Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to hydrovac supervisors, operators, and field personnel.
Participate in recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and training of operational employees.
Establish clear performance expectations and hold employees accountable for operational standards.
Conduct employee performance evaluations and address performance concerns in coordination with Human Resources.
Manage staffing levels, employee scheduling, attendance, and overtime requirements.
Support employee development, competency assessments, and succession planning.
Promote a positive workplace culture focused on teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and safety.
Address employee concerns and workplace conflicts promptly and professionally.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Compliance
Ensure all hydrovac operations comply with applicable Occupational Health and Safety legislation, environmental regulations, and company policies.
Promote a strong safety culture through active leadership and consistent enforcement of safe work practices.
Ensure completion of hazard assessments, pre-trip inspections, field-level risk assessments, and required safety documentation.
Monitor compliance with applicable ground disturbance standards, utility locating requirements, and excavation procedures.
Participate in incident investigations, corrective action planning, and preventative safety initiatives.
Work closely with the Health and Safety department to maintain compliance with company safety management systems and applicable COR requirements.
Ensure operators maintain required certifications, training, and competency qualifications.
Verify that equipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer specifications and company procedures.
Ensure proper handling, transportation, and disposal of excavated materials, wastewater, and potentially contaminated substances.
Fleet and Equipment Management
Oversee the operational readiness and utilization of hydrovac trucks and associated equipment.
Coordinate preventative maintenance, inspections, and repairs with the maintenance department.
Ensure equipment deficiencies are reported and addressed promptly.
Monitor fleet downtime, maintenance costs, fuel consumption, and equipment performance.
Assist in evaluating equipment replacement, fleet expansion, and capital expenditure requirements.
Ensure compliance with applicable commercial vehicle regulations, inspection requirements, and transportation standards.
Work collaboratively with shop personnel to minimize equipment downtime and maximize fleet availability.
Financial Management and Profitability
Assist in developing and managing operational budgets, forecasts, and financial targets.
Monitor operating expenses, labour costs, fuel consumption, equipment utilization, and project profitability.
Review job costing, productivity reports, and operational financial performance.
Identify cost‑saving opportunities without compromising safety or service quality.
Ensure accurate tracking and timely submission of field tickets, timesheets, equipment hours, and billing documentation.
Support accurate and timely invoicing by coordinating with administrative and accounting personnel.
Review operational performance against established key performance indicators (KPIs).
Provide regular financial and operational updates to senior management.
Customer Relations and Business Development
Maintain strong relationships with existing customers, contractors, and project stakeholders.
Act as a key point of contact for operational matters, customer concerns, and service delivery.
Identify opportunities to expand hydrovac services and secure additional business.
Participate in customer meetings, site assessments, project planning, and operational reviews.
Assist with estimating, quotations, tenders, and service pricing as required.
Ensure customer expectations are consistently met through safe, reliable, and professional service.
Work with senior management to support business growth and strategic operational objectives.
Administrative and Reporting Responsibilities
Ensure operational records, field tickets, equipment reports, and employee documentation are completed accurately and on time.
Maintain appropriate records relating to staffing, equipment utilization, training, and operational performance.
Monitor and report operational KPIs to senior management.
Ensure employee time and attendance records are accurately maintained within the company's designated HRIS.
Participate in management meetings, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintain confidentiality regarding employee information, financial data, and company business operations.
Qualifications and ExperienceRequired Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of experience in hydrovac, vacuum truck, industrial services, oilfield services, or a closely related industry.
Minimum 3 years of supervisory or management experience in field operations.
Strong working knowledge of hydrovac equipment, operating procedures, and excavation techniques.
Demonstrated experience managing field personnel, scheduling, equipment, and customer requirements.
Knowledge of Alberta Occupational Health and Safety requirements and applicable transportation regulations.
Understanding of ground disturbance practices, utility exposure, and excavation safety.
Experience with operational budgeting, cost control, and job profitability.
Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.
Valid driver's licence and ability to travel to field locations as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience managing a fleet of hydrovac trucks or multiple field crews.
Previous experience in oil and gas, pipeline construction, civil infrastructure, or industrial maintenance.
Ground Disturbance Level II training or equivalent.
H2S Alive, Standard First Aid, and other applicable industry safety certifications.
Knowledge of commercial vehicle inspection and maintenance requirements.
Experience with estimating, bidding, and contract management.
Familiarity with HRIS, dispatch, fleet management, and job costing software.
Class 1 or Class 3 driver's licence considered an asset.
Working Conditions
Combination of office‑based duties and field operations.
Regular travel to customer locations, job sites, and company facilities.
Exposure to industrial, construction, and oilfield environments.
May require extended working hours, early mornings, weekends, or after‑hours operational support based on business needs.
Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment when attending operational sites.
Must comply with all applicable company policies, safety procedures, and site‑specific requirements.
Authority and AccountabilityThe Operations Manager is accountable for the safe, efficient, and financially responsible operation of the hydrovac division.
The position has authority to direct daily operational activities, assign personnel and equipment, recommend staffing decisions, and implement approved operational improvements within established company policies and delegated authority limits.
Hiring, disciplinary actions, terminations, significant expenditures, and contractual commitments must follow company approval procedures.
Duties and responsibilities may be adjusted from time to time based on operational needs, subject to applicable employment legislation and contractual obligations.
We sincerely appreciate all applications, however only qualified candidates will be contacted by our team.
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