Dredge Operator

Position Summary

Responsible for operating power-driven dredge to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways and to mine sand at bottom of lakes, rivers, and streams.

Essential Responsibilities

• Operate levers to position dredge for excavation by engaging hydraulic pumps to raise and lower suction booms and to control rotation of cutter heads.
• Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
• Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredge; or pull in and let out cables manually.
• Pump water to clear machinery pipelines.
• Verify depths of excavations using winches or scan depth gauge to determine depths of excavation.
• Monitor gauges, dials, or other indicators to ensure machinery is working properly.
• Inspect equipment to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in-person in a professional and timely manner.
• Comply with MSHA regulations and all safety precautions.
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Previous dredge experience preferred.
• Prior knowledge of various pumps
• Experience with heavy equipment, specifically, knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, use, repair, and maintenance.
• Able to operate a boat.
• Must be able to swim at least 50 yards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• The ability to adjust the controls of a machine quickly and repeatedly.
• The ability to concentrate on a task over a period without being distracted.
• The ability to quickly respond.
• Must be able to perform duties in a safe manner.
• Must be able to work in adverse working conditions such as heat, wet, cold, noise, etc.
• Must be able to work 12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays as needed.
• Strong communication skills

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Safety-sensitivity position
• Ability to sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to tolerate working outdoors in all environmental temperatures and weather.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Repetitive movements of both hands and both feet
• Ability to multi-task and work in fast paced environment

This job description should not be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities or as an employment agreement between the employer and employee. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification and are subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Any essential functions of this position will be evaluated as necessary should an employee/applicant be unable to perform the functions or requirements due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the employee/applicant when possible.