Senior Operator Dredge

About the role

The Dredge Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive operation of heavy excavation and material handling equipment, supporting 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.

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.
• Maintain a strong awareness of environmental and safety regulations, and demonstrate the ability to adjust operations based on changing site conditions.
• 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.
• Absorb and assist with cross-training 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.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience.
• Work Experience: 1+ years of experience operating Heavy Mining equipment, with specific expertise in and Hydraulic Dredge operations.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Excavator operation, Mechanical aptitude, Troubleshooting, Critical thinking, Safety focused MSHA compliance and regulations, Regulatory compliance, Effective communication (written and spoken), Time management.

Additional Details

• 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 be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on 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. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dBs.
• Working Conditions: All duties require outside assignments and require 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.