Dredge Operation (Night Shift)

About the Role

The Dredge Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive operation of heavy excavation and material handling equipment in support of aggregate production operations. This role plays a critical part in extracting raw materials such as sand, gravel, and other aggregates from land-based and water-based deposits, ensuring consistent material supply for processing and distribution. The operator must possess advanced technical skills in handling large-scale equipment, maintain strong awareness of environmental and safety regulations, and demonstrate the ability to adjust operations based on changing site conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate dredging equipment to excavate, move, and load raw materials in accordance with production goals and established procedures.
• Control and maneuver large-scale machinery to extract materials from pits, quarries, or underwater sources with accuracy and efficiency.
• Adjust operating techniques based on material composition, weather conditions, water levels, and site-specific challenges.
• Monitor equipment performance in real time, ensuring optimal productivity while minimizing wear and tear.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) regulations, and environmental guidelines.
• Conduct pre-operational safety checks, hazard assessments, and ensure proper lockout/tagout procedures when necessary.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or potential risks immediately.
• Maintain constant awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents involving personnel, equipment, or property.
• Perform daily inspection and basic maintenance of dredging equipment, including checking cables, cutter head, pontoons, pumps, and mechanical systems.
• Identify signs of wear, malfunction, or inefficiency and coordinate with maintenance teams for timely repairs.
• Maintain accurate logs of equipment usage, inspections, and maintenance activities.
• Assist maintenance personnel during scheduled shutdowns or repairs as needed.
• Ensure consistent material feed to processing plants by maintaining steady extraction rates.
• Collaborate with plant operators and supervisors to meet production targets and adjust operations accordingly.
• Operate equipment in a manner that minimizes environmental disruption, including sediment control, water quality preservation, and land reclamation efforts.
• Follow site-specific environmental permits and guidelines related to dredging and excavation operations.
• Participate in daily safety meetings, shift briefings, and training sessions.
• Support cross-training and assist team members when needed to maintain workflow efficiency.
• Accurately complete operational reports, including production totals, downtime, and incident documentation.
• Record material quantities, equipment hours, and any deviations from standard procedures.
• Perform additional tasks and assignments as required to support overall team operations and organizational needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience.
• 1+ years of experience operating heavy mining equipment, with specific expertise in hydraulic dredge operations.

Skills

• Excavator operation
• Mechanical aptitude
• Troubleshooting
• Critical thinking
• Safety-focused mindset
• MSHA compliance and regulations knowledge
• Regulatory compliance
• Effective communication (written and spoken)
• Time management

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.
• Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach.
• Must maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or ladders.
• Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls.
• Good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

Working Conditions

• All duties require outside assignments and periods of work in all weather conditions (cold, wet, dry, and dusty).
• Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dBs.

Pay

The hiring range for this position is $25–$33 per hour, exclusive of benefits or bonuses. The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
• Life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match and employer-funded defined benefit pension plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Education/tuition assistance
• Employee discount program
• Adoption assistance
• Wellness programs
• Salary continuation (short-term disability)
• Long-term disability options
• Employee, spouse, and dependent life insurance
• Business travel accident insurance
• Direct deposit payroll
• College scholarship program for dependent children
• Matching gift program
• New auto purchase discount plans