Dredging Machine Operator

Dewan Consultants; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 67,000 - 134,000; Full time

Job summary

Dewan Consultants seeks a skilled Dredging Machine Operator to work on Red Sea coastal projects in Saudi Arabia. You will operate cutter suction and hydraulic dredging gear to restore beaches, remove sediments, and maintain accurate profiles while following strict HSE rules.

The role requires collaboration with surveyors, marine crews, and technicians to ensure safe, efficient dredging under varying tidal conditions. Saudi regulations and environmental standards apply.

Qualifications

• Mandatory: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred: Technical Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Licenses: Heavy Equipment Operator license (where applicable); Saudi or international driving license; HSE induction; PTW awareness; First Aid & CPR.

Responsibilities

• Operate dredging machines for beach restoration and shoreline rehabilitation.
• Maintain dredging depths and beach profiles using survey data.
• Coordinate with surveyors and marine crew for safe operations.
• Inspect and monitor dredging equipment and hydraulic systems daily.
• Ensure operations comply with HSE guidelines and environmental permits.
• Record production hours and keep maintenance logs.

Skills

Dredging Machine Operation

Cutter Suction Dredging

Hydraulic Dredging Systems

Beach Restoration Operations

Shoreline Rehabilitation

Sediment Removal Techniques

Beach Profiling

Equipment Positioning

Hydraulic System Monitoring

Mechanical Fault Identification

Preventive Maintenance

Production Monitoring

Marine Operations Coordination

Reading Survey Drawings

Tide Tables & Marine Weather

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Technical Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or related

Job description

Required for a leading Marine in Saudi Arabia for their Operation & Maintenance

Job Information

Job Title

Dredging Machine Operator (Dredger)

Reports to (Job)

Operational Manager / Marine Supervisor

Division

Beach Restoration & Marine Operations

Department

Red Sea Beach Restoration

Job Purpose

The Dredging Machine Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and precise operation of dredging equipment used for beach restoration, shoreline rehabilitation, sediment removal, sand redistribution, and intertidal maintenance works. The role supports beach cliffing and decliffing operations, removal of accumulated silt and sand deposits, and restoration of beach profiles within the intertidal zone, offshore and nearshore areas.

The Dredging Machine Operator shall operate dredging equipment in accordance with approved work methodologies while ensuring compliance with Red Sea Global standards, Saudi Arabian regulations, environmental requirements, and company Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) procedures.

Location: Shura, Shebara, Laheq, Turtle Bay Village, Nujuma & Ummahat Islands, Red Sea Global Projects Saudi Arabia.

Works Closely With: Surveyors, Divers, Suction Pump Operators, Heavy Machinery Drivers, Speedboat Captains, Mechanical Technicians, Electricians, Workshop Supervisor, QHSE Officer and Marine Crew

Job Responsibilities

The Dredging Machine Operator shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

Dredging Operations

• Operate dredging machines for beach restoration and shoreline rehabilitation works.
• Perform beach cliffing and decliffing operations in accordance with approved engineering drawings and work plans.
• Remove accumulated sand, silt, and marine sediments from designated work areas.
• Maintain specified dredging depths and beach profiles using survey data and project specifications.
• Operate dredging equipment within intertidal and nearshore environments up to 50 meters of water depth.
• Execute precision dredging works while minimizing over-excavation or under-excavation.
• Monitor dredging progress and adjust operating parameters to achieve required production targets.
• Coordinate dredging activities with Surveyors to ensure compliance with design levels.
• Support beach nourishment and sand redistribution activities.
• Ensure dredged material is placed only at approved disposal or reclamation locations.

Equipment Operation

• Operate cutter suction, auger, amphibious, or hydraulic dredging equipment as assigned.
• Control dredging pumps, cutter heads, excavating attachments, booms, winches, and hydraulic systems.
• Operate floating and land-based dredging equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor engine performance, hydraulic pressure, fuel consumption, discharge flow, and pump efficiency.
• Maintain accurate control of dredging depths using onboard instrumentation and survey guidance.
• Position dredging equipment safely in accordance with approved work plans.
• Coordinate equipment movements with support vessels and heavy equipment operators.
• Operate equipment safely during changing tidal conditions.

Productivity & Performance

• Achieve daily production targets while maintaining quality standards.
• Minimize equipment downtime through proactive operational practices.
• Optimize dredging cycles to maximize productivity.
• Monitor material discharge and sediment transport efficiency.
• Maintain production records and operational logs.
• Report production rates to supervisors.
• Recommend improvements to enhance operational efficiency.

Equipment Inspection & Preventive Maintenance

• Conduct daily pre-start inspections of dredging equipment.
• Inspect hydraulic systems, pumps, engines, cutter heads, hoses, pipelines, winches, tracks, and control systems.
• Check fuel, oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid levels.
• Identify mechanical or electrical defects and report them immediately.
• Assist Mechanical Technicians with preventive maintenance activities.
• Ensure equipment remains clean and serviceable.
• Maintain accurate maintenance checklists and inspection records.

Marine Coordination

• Coordinate operations with Speedboat Captains and Inflatable Boat Operators during equipment mobilization.
• Communicate with Divers during underwater inspection and maintenance activities.
• Assist in positioning floating pipelines and dredging equipment.
• Coordinate dredging operations with Surveyors and Marine Supervisors.
• Ensure safe movement of equipment in active marine work zones.

Environmental Protection

• Minimize disturbance to coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and other sensitive marine habitats.
• Prevent unnecessary sediment dispersion and water turbidity.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and approved dredging boundaries.
• Monitor environmental protection measures during operations.
• Report any environmental incidents immediately.
• Prevent fuel, hydraulic oil, and chemical spills.
• Participate in environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives.

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Operate equipment in accordance with company HSE procedures and manufacturer's recommendations.
• Participate in daily toolbox talks and safety briefings.
• Comply with Permit-to-Work (PTW) requirements.
• Conduct Job Safety Analysis (JSA) before commencing work.
• Wear and maintain mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Maintain situational awareness around personnel, vessels, and equipment.
• Stop work immediately if unsafe conditions are identified.
• Participate in emergency response drills and incident investigations.
• Report all near misses, incidents, equipment failures, and unsafe acts.

Documentation & Reporting

• Complete daily equipment inspection checklists.
• Record operational hours and production quantities.
• Maintain fuel consumption records.
• Prepare daily dredging reports.
• Report equipment defects and maintenance requirements.
• Record downtime and operational interruptions.
• Assist with monthly productivity reporting.

Job Stakeholders (Relationship)

Internal

• Red Sea Global Stakeholders
• Internal Departments
• Hotel operators
• Resort operators

External

• Consultants
• Environmental Authorities
• Marine Authorities
• Coast Guard
• Subcontractors
• Vendors

Job Requirements

Qualification and Experience

Education Qualification

Mandatory

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred

• Technical Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Heavy Equipment Operation, Marine Engineering, Construction Equipment Operation, or a related discipline.

Licenses Required

Mandatory

• Valid Heavy Equipment Operator License (where applicable under local regulations).
• Valid Saudi or International Driving License.
• Company HSE Induction Certificate.
• Permit-to-Work (PTW) Awareness Training.
• Basic First Aid & CPR Certification.

Preferred Certifications

• Heavy Equipment Operator Certification.
• Dredging Equipment Manufacturer Training Certification.
• Hydraulic Systems Operation Training.
• Marine Safety Awareness Training.
• Environmental Protection and Spill Response Training.
• Defensive Driving Certificate.
• Fire Fighting and Emergency Response Training.
• Working Near Water Safety Training.
• Manual Handling Training.
• Banksman / Signalman Awareness.
• ISO 45001 Occupational Health & Safety Awareness.
• ISO 14001 Environmental Management Awareness.

Experience

• Minimum 58 years of experience operating dredging equipment on marine construction, beach restoration, coastal protection, land reclamation, or dredging projects.
• Proven experience operating cutter suction, hydraulic, auger, or amphibious dredging machines.
• Experience in beach nourishment, sediment removal, and shoreline rehabilitation projects.
• Experience operating equipment within intertidal and shallow-water environments.
• Familiarity with marine construction safety standards.
• GCC or Middle East experience is highly preferred.
• Experience working on environmentally sensitive coastal projects is an advantage.

Skills

Technical Skills

• Dredging Machine Operation.
• Cutter Suction Dredging.
• Hydraulic Dredging Systems.
• Beach Restoration Operations.
• Shoreline Rehabilitation.
• Sediment Removal Techniques.
• Beach Profiling.
• Equipment Positioning.
• Hydraulic System Monitoring.
• Mechanical Fault Identification.
• Preventive Maintenance.
• Production Monitoring.
• Marine Operations Coordination.
• Environmental Protection Practices.
• Reading Survey Drawings and Level Data.
• Understanding Tide Tables and Marine Weather Conditions.

Soft Skills

• Strong operational awareness.
• Excellent hand-eye coordination.
• Good communication and teamwork.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptability to changing marine and weather conditions.
• Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance.
• Ability to work in remote island locations and rotational schedules.

Job Context

Candidates with previous experience in marine dredging, beach restoration, coastal protection, land reclamation, harbor maintenance, port construction, offshore marine infrastructure, island development, or environmental rehabilitation projects will be given preference. Experience operating cutter suction dredgers, amphibious dredgers, hydraulic dredgers, or similar marine dredging equipment in intertidal and shallow-water environments is highly desirable. Previous experience of Red Sea Global, NEOM, AMAALA, and other large-scale coastal infrastructure projects in the GCC will be considered a significant advantage.