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Raising the Standard for Utility Protection

“”
"At Black Hydrovac, we uncover more than underground infrastructure. As we unearth utilities, we also bring to light the potential within ourselves as operators—the potential to lead, learn, and grow. Vacuum excavation is what we do. Human potential is why we do it. "
– Kristy Black, Owner & Operator

What We Do

Redefining Excellence Within Our Industry

At Black Hydrovac, we elevate the standard of utility protection and service transparency. Through our fresh perspective on performance and customer service, paired with innovative hydrovac technology, we are redefining what it means to be a leader in utility protection.

Our approach is based not just on doing things differently, but on challenging ourselves to unlock the highest level of precision, reliability, and excellence.

Equipped To Execute at the Highest Level

With our fleet of high-precision equipment and team of high-performing tradespeople, Black Hydrovac is best-equipped to work under pressure and excel in challenging conditions.

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<24 hrs

Avg. response time

17K+

Number of utility strikes avoided

90%

% of jobs from repeat clients
Mission
To raise the standard for utility protection and form opportunities that empower the growth of our employees.
Vision
To redefine leadership within our industry, helping people and companies achieve more.

How We Started

Digging Into Our
Origin Story

Every mission starts with a problem and a person who decides to solve it.

A lineup of white heavy-duty trucks parked in a row on a construction site.

01

Growing demand for safer excavation and greater career opportunities in the trades led to the formation of Black Hydrovac in 2020, built on a vision for excellence and improved leadership.

02

Bringing together committed industry experts, Black Hydrovac set out to raise the standards for underground utility protection and empower tradespeople to achieve more.

03

Today, the name Black Hydrovac is synonymous with precision, reliability, and excellence — redefining what it means to be a leader in utility protection.

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Certifications & Affiliations

Qualified to Meet Critical Needs

Our VDOT pre-qualification ensures compliance with Virginia’s rigorous standards, while our woman-owned status supports industry initiatives.

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Women’s Business Enterprise
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Virginia Woman & Minority-Owned Small Business
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Woman-Owned Small Business
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Minority Business Enterprise, National Minority Supplier Diversity Council
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VDOT Prequalified

Who We Are

Meet the Black Hydrovac Team

Our team’s strength is rooted in our commitment to lead, innovate, and perform with integrity — a commitment reinforced by the personal beliefs of every member of our team.
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Kristy Black
Owner & Operator
Kristy’s background is in building high-performing teams — and Black Hydrovac is no exception. She founded the company to meet a growing need in the construction industry but also as an opportunity to build a company based on team building, leadership, and relationships.
A man in a neon yellow safety vest smiling outdoors with a blurred background.
Justin Zelasko
Director of Operations
With over 20 years of civil construction experience, Justin specializes in project management across various large-scale infrastructure projects. His expertise in project planning, budgeting, and compliance helps keep Black Hydrovac projects on time and within budget.
A bearded construction worker wearing a neon yellow safety shirt and black cap, standing outdoors.
Brandon Budd
Fleet Manager
Brandon has been in the construction industry for seven years and with Black Hydrovac for three. As Fleet Manager, he is responsible for managing and maintaining trucks and training field members to ensure equipment is operated safely and up to company standards.
A man in a black polo shirt and high-visibility vest standing outdoors, looking at the camera.
Thomas Cooper
Managing Director
Thomas is a proven executive with over twenty-five years of accounting experience. Having held executive positions at some of the largest firms, he is highly skilled in financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting to drive cost savings and efficiency at Black Hydrovac.
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Judith Ventura
Business Manager
From construction to immigration paralegal and analyst roles, Judith brings ten years of experience ensuring compliance through her research, coordination, and processes. After two years at Black Hydrovac, she is still growing by pursuing the SHRM-CP certification for HR professionals.
Woman in safety gear standing in front of vacuum truck smiling.
Tara Tarte
Sales & Marketing Manager
Tara has over a decade of experience in the construction field managing complex trucking logistics. She also developed strong operational management skills in the healthcare sector. Her experience across these two demanding industries reflects her commitment to reliable service.
Headshot of women in blue button up
Tara McCarthy
Director of Business Development
Tara McCarthy
Director of Business Development
We Lead to Empower You
It’s our mission to unlock your potential through careers with growth real opportunities.
Open Roles

Where We Work

Servicing Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia & Washington D.C.

Black Hydrovac is proud to serve the region we call home. Our vacuum excavation teams operate primarily in Northern Virginia and extend services throughout Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Washington D.C.

A dark map with yellow outlines, showing a region or state borders.

How we work

The Black Hydrovac Handbook

Every member of our team is on a personal mission to make these commitments part of their standard operating procedures.

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Safety
Prioritizing the well-being of our team, clients, and community with rigorous safety and conscientious decision-making.
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Reliability
Providing dependable service through consistent performance, swift response, and exceeding expectations.
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Precision
Executing every task with diligence and focus, knowing excellence occurs in the smallest details.
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Innovation
Constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and methods to be the first line of protection for underground utilities.
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Professionalism
Upholding the highest standards of conduct and discretion to protect our clients’ projects with integrity.
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Critical Protection
for Every Mission

markets we serve

A Critical Ally for Essential Industries

Black Hydrovac was founded on mission-critical principles. It was never a matter of earning high-clearance trust but in maintaining it from Day 1.

  • Local, State, & Federal Government

  • Healthcare & Critical Industries

  • Technology & Data Centers

  • Energy & Utility Providers

  • Commercial & Residential Construction

A government building with a dome, possibly a state capitol, surrounded by trees. A directional signpost in an urban setting with multiple street and hospital signs. A modern, illuminated building at night with a dark, reflective exterior. A utility infrastructure site with electrical equipment, pipes, and a gravel surface. An aerial view of a modern apartment complex under development, with multiple buildings and trees.

Industry Safety & Recognition

Well-Earned
Recognition

The work may be low-impact, but the positive impact that Black Hydrovac leaves on the industry is getting noticed.

From industry awards to editorial features, Black Hydrovac is honored to receive recognition for outstanding standards in safety, customer support, and excavation technology.

A "dig DIFFERENT" magazine cover featuring a construction worker operating a large vacuum excavation machine. A magazine cover of "Cleaner" featuring a smiling woman in construction gear with the headline "The Right Kind of Person." A green logo for the "Brubacher & Beyond Podcast" with a microphone icon.

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Unlock Your Career Potential

Embark on a career that values personal freedom, respects hard work, and champions real growth.

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Community Service

Giving Back Is a
Critical Mission

At Black Hydrovac, supporting our communities extends well beyond work orders. We support our local communities by donating to the following causes including:

  • Veteran’s Organizations
  • Youth Sports
  • Children’s Hospitals
Two workers near field having a discussion.