Dredge Operator

Build Your Career. Build America's Future.
Vulcan Materials Company is the nation's largest producer of construction aggregates and a major producer of aggregates-based construction materials including asphalt and ready-mixed concrete. When you join Vulcan, it's more than starting an exciting career - you get to make a difference for millions of people every day across the country.

When you join Vulcan, you join a dynamic culture in which career development is encouraged, excellence is rewarded and diversity is valued. No matter the role or the location across the country, every member of the Vulcan team lives through the Vulcan Way: doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.

About The Job:

This position is primarily responsible for operating a dredge, a large excavation tool, used to extract and move large quantities of earth, rock, or other materials from underwater.

What You'll Do:

1. Equipment Operation

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  • Maintains precise control over the dredging process, adjusting equipment settings to achieve the desired depth and concentration of extracted materials. Operate and control the dredge to extract, load and move materials within the pit area.
  • Excavates quarry to maintain desired face, ramp and floor conditions including the construction and maintenance of safety berms.
  • Utilize the dredges controls to lift, tilt, and dump materials into designated areas or onto trucks/conveyors. Utilizes handle attachments as needed for various tasks.
  • Ensure the safe operation of the dragline and perform routine equipment maintenance checks.
  
  
  
  

2. Material Extraction

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  • Utilize the dredge to excavate materials from the underwater deposits, following established patterns and targets to maximize reserved recovery.
  
  
  
  

3. Material Handling

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  • Load materials efficiently, maintaining appropriate weight distribution and stability.
  • Follow loading instructions provided by supervisors or production plans to meet required tonnage targets.
  • Handle materials with care to prevent spills, waste, or damage to equipment and surrounding infrastructure.
  
  
  
  

4. Safety and Environmental Compliance

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  • Adhere to all safety regulations and protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings, equipment, and personnel to prevent accidents or hazards.
  • Report any safety concerns, incidents, or equipment malfunctions to the supervisor promptly.
  • Understand and follow environmental regulations related to mining operations, implementing measures to minimize environmental impact during dredging activities.
  
  
  
  

5. Production Targets

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  • Collaborate with the production team to ensure materials are loaded according to schedule and production goals.
  • Optimize loading processes to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
  • Communicate with truck drivers or conveyor operators to coordinate loading activities.
  
  
  
  

6. Equipment Maintenance

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  • Perform thorough pre and post operation checks of the dredging equipment to identify and address safety or mechanical defects.
  • Report any maintenance needs or equipment issues to the maintenance department. Collaborate with maintenance teams for repairs and preventive maintenance to minimize downtime.
  
  
  
  

7. Documentation

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  • Maintain accurate records of materials loaded and unloaded.
  • Complete log sheets, work orders, and other documentation as required.
  
  
  
  

8. Directs and trains others to operate and maintain the dragline as required.

9. Other duties as assigned.

Other Requirements

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  • This position requires knowledge and awareness of mining and construction site hazards.
  • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Must be able to operate controls.
  • Physical fitness to sit for extended periods, withstand vibrations, and operate controls with precision.
  • Must have the ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact and sit for long periods of time.
  
  
  
  

Critical Competencies

Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating dredge, including understanding the controls, gauges, and indicators. Ability to manipulate the dredge accurately and smoothly for various tasks, such as loading, dumping, and transporting materials. Skill in handling attachments and understanding their applications.

Safety Awareness: Thorough understanding of Vulcan's safety protocols and MSHA/OSHA regulations related to heavy equipment operation. Ability to identify potential hazards and take preventive actions to ensure a safe working environment. Clear communication of operational issues, safety concerns, and progress updates. Diligent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety guidelines at all times.

Technical Expertise: Solid mechanical understanding of dragline, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction and report them to the maintenance team.

Material Handling: Proficient in loading various materials onto trucks, conveyors, or other transport vehicles while maintaining load stability and distribution. Ability to estimate weights and volumes for optimal loading and transportation efficiency.

Problem-Solving: Ability to assess loading challenges, such as uneven terrain or awkwardly shaped materials, and adapt loading techniques accordingly. Quick decision-making in response to unexpected situations or changes in the work environment.

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, coordinating with other operators and ground personnel.

Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing work conditions, tasks, and schedules.

Skills You'll Need:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is preferred but not required.

Experience: Minimum one year experience operating a dredge.

Certifications/Licenses: None required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

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  • Proven experience as a dredge operator in a mining/quarry environment.
  • Familiarity with equipment controls and operation techniques.
  • Strong attention to safety protocols, practices and operation techniques.
  • Physical ability to operate heavy machinery for extended periods.
  • Basic mechanical aptitude to complete a thorough safety and mechanical inspection.
  • Strong sense of spatial awareness to maneuver the loader in tight spaces, around obstacles, and in congested work areas.
  • Good communication skills to effectively interact and coordinate with team members and supervisors
  • Ability to work in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing work environments.
  • Awareness to digging in water and operating on shorelines.
  • Understands structural and stability limitations of machinery and work environment.
  
  
  
  

Other Requirements:

• 
  
  
  
  • This position requires knowledge and awareness of mining and construction site hazards.
  • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Must be able to operate controls.
  • Physical fitness to sit for extended periods, withstand vibrations, and operate controls with precision.
  • Must have the ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact and sit for long periods of time.
  
  
  
  

Critical Competencies

Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating dredge, including understanding the controls, gauges, and indicators. Ability to manipulate the dredge accurately and smoothly for various tasks, such as loading, dumping, and transporting materials. Skill in handling attachments and understanding their applications.

Safety Awareness: Thorough understanding of Vulcan's safety protocols and MSHA/OSHA regulations related to heavy equipment operation. Ability to identify potential hazards and take preventive actions to ensure a safe working environment. Clear communication of operational issues, safety concerns, and progress updates. Diligent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adherence to safety guidelines at all times.

Technical Expertise: Solid mechanical understanding of dragline, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction and report them to the maintenance team.

Material Handling: Proficient in loading various materials onto trucks, conveyors, or other transport vehicles while maintaining load stability and distribution. Ability to estimate weights and volumes for optimal loading and transportation efficiency.

Problem-Solving: Ability to assess loading challenges, such as uneven terrain or awkwardly shaped materials, and adapt loading techniques accordingly. Quick decision-making in response to unexpected situations or changes in the work environment.

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, coordinating with other operators and ground personnel.

Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust to changing work conditions, tasks, and schedules.

What You'll Like About Us:

Great Company Culture. Our people share a competitive drive for excellence in an environment of trust, teamwork, open-mindedness, and communication.

Safe. The industry leader in health and safety standards. We are committed to creating a safe work environment and protecting all employees and customers.

Meaningful Work. What sets us apart is the work we do impacts our daily lives - and every employee contributes. Our aggregates produced are used to build roads, schools, hospitals, airports, and housing throughout the United States.

Health Benefits. Medical, Dental, and Vision programs, plus much more.

Rest and Relaxation. Paid vacation, personal floating days, and paid holidays.

Prepare for the Future. 401(k) with company match and contribution.

Training and Development. We see our development programs and helping our employees meet their goals as a key part of our business.

Vulcan Materials Company is committed to employing a diverse workforce. You will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability. You also have the right to be free from discrimination for medical needs arising from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. The Company may at any time, in its sole discretion, modify or vary from anything stated in this job description, with or without notice.