Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Hydro Laborer

🎯 Role Definition

A Hydro Laborer is a critical hands-on field professional responsible for executing a wide range of industrial cleaning and site maintenance services. This role centers on the safe and efficient operation of high-pressure water blasting equipment, industrial vacuum systems, and other specialized tools. Working as a key member of a field crew, the Hydro Laborer directly contributes to the safety, integrity, and operational readiness of industrial facilities, including refineries, power plants, and manufacturing sites. Success in this position requires a strong commitment to safety, physical endurance, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to perform demanding tasks in challenging environments as part of a cohesive team.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer
Construction Worker
Field Service Trainee

Advancement To:

Hydroblaster Operator / Technician II
Field Supervisor / Crew Lead
Site Safety Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Vacuum Truck Operator
Industrial Mechanic
CDL Driver (with appropriate licensure)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Safely and proficiently operate high-pressure and ultra-high-pressure (UHP) water blasting equipment to perform industrial cleaning, surface preparation, and material cutting tasks.
Perform the complete setup and subsequent breakdown of hydroblasting job sites, which includes meticulously connecting pumps, high-pressure hoses, lances, and various nozzles.
Execute hydro-excavation (soft digging) techniques with precision to safely expose and locate underground utilities and pipelines without causing damage.
Operate powerful industrial vacuum trucks and associated systems to effectively remove liquids, heavy sludge, and solid materials from tanks, vessels, pits, and spills.
Strictly adhere to all company and client-specific safety policies and procedures, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO), confined space entry protocols, and fall protection measures.
Conduct pre-use inspections, routine cleaning, and minor preventative maintenance on all assigned equipment, such as water blast pumps, hoses, and personal protective gear.
Load, unload, and properly secure all necessary equipment, tools, and materials onto company vehicles and trailers for safe transport between the shop and various job sites.
Work collaboratively and communicate clearly with supervisors, equipment operators, and fellow laborers to ensure job tasks are completed safely, efficiently, and to client specifications.
Correctly don, doff, and maintain various levels of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which often includes chemical-resistant slicker suits, face shields, hard hats, and respiratory protection.
Proactively identify and immediately report any potential safety hazards, equipment malfunctions, or unsafe working conditions to the designated site supervisor or foreman.
Assist in the manual cleaning of industrial spaces, tanks, and vessels using a variety of hand tools, scrapers, and shovels in situations where hydroblasting is not practical.
Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment, both at active job sites and within the company's shop and yard facilities.
Accurately and diligently complete all required job-related paperwork, including daily work logs, individual time sheets, and pre-task Job Safety Analyses (JSAs).
Actively participate in all pre-shift safety meetings (tailgate meetings) to gain a full understanding of the day's scope of work, identified hazards, and planned mitigation strategies.
Operate ancillary support equipment such as forklifts, aerial lifts, or skid steers, provided the proper certification is held and the task requires it.
Manage the handling and containment of industrial waste and debris, ensuring all actions are in strict compliance with environmental regulations and company policies.
Provide reliable and responsive support during emergency response situations, which may necessitate rapid mobilization and the ability to work effectively under high-pressure conditions.
Assist in setting up and maintaining proper containment zones and barricades to prevent the overspray or spread of debris and contaminated water during cleaning operations.
Read and interpret detailed work orders and verbal instructions to understand the specific requirements, objectives, and desired outcomes for each assigned project.
Perform sustained, strenuous physical labor in demanding environmental conditions, including lifting objects up to 75 lbs, climbing, and working in confined or elevated spaces.
Monitor pressure gauges, flow rates, and overall equipment performance during operation to ensure it remains within safe and effective parameters, making adjustments as directed.
Support the installation and removal of automated hydroblasting systems, such as line moles and 3D tank cleaning heads, for internal pipe and vessel cleaning projects.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc site requests and assist in exploratory work as directed by the client or supervisor.
Contribute to the team's continuous improvement by providing feedback on tools and processes.
Collaborate with other service lines (e.g., scaffolding, insulation) to ensure integrated project execution.
Participate in required training sessions and safety drills to maintain and enhance job-related skills.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Knowledge of operating high-pressure water blasting systems (e.g., 10K, 20K, 40K PSI).
Experience with industrial vacuum truck operations for both wet and dry material removal.
Basic mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting common equipment issues with pumps and hoses.
Understanding and practical application of industrial safety procedures (LOTO, Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection).
Ability to read and interpret Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) and work permits.
Current OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction certification.
Valid TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card.
Confined Space Entry and Attendant certification.
First Aid/CPR and AED certification.
Familiarity with various hydroblast nozzles, lances, and automated tooling.

Soft Skills

Unwavering commitment to personal and team safety.
Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills.
High level of physical stamina and the ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
Effective problem-solving skills to address on-the-job challenges.
Dependability, punctuality, and a strong work ethic.
Ability to listen and follow complex verbal and written instructions.
Excellent situational awareness in dynamic and potentially hazardous environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a relevant trade.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Industrial Maintenance
Environmental Services
General Construction Trades

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

0-2 years of experience in a physically demanding role such as general labor, construction, oilfield services, or agriculture.

Preferred:

1+ year of direct, documented experience in industrial cleaning, hydroblasting, or operating vacuum trucks is highly advantageous. A valid driver's license and a clean driving record are often preferred.