Dredge Operator

PF Holdings; Bossier City (LA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

PF Holdings is seeking a dredge operator to excavate and maintain navigable channels and mine sand at lake and river bottoms. You will control dredge movement, operate engines, and manage winches while ensuring safety standards and regulatory compliance.

The role requires experience with heavy equipment, pumps, and boats; candidates should be able to swim 50 yards and work long shifts in varying outdoor conditions. Training and ongoing importance of safety are emphasized.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous dredge experience preferred.
• Knowledge of various pumps and heavy equipment.
• Ability to operate boats and swim 50 yards.

Responsibilities

• Operate dredge to excavate and maintain navigable channels.
• Position dredge by hydraulic pumps and control cutterheads rotation.
• Start/stop engines and power winches.
• Maintain safety and compliance with MSHA regulations.
• Inspect equipment for defects and report issues.
• Communicate with supervisors and coworkers professionally.
• Work 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, overtime, and holidays.

Skills

Communication skills

Quick reaction

Concentration

Safety first

Adaptability to weather

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Dredge experience preferred

Knowledge of pumps

Experience with heavy equipment

Boat operation

Swimming 50 yards

Tools

Dredge equipment

Pumps

Boats

Job description

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 positiondredgefor excavation by engaging hydraulic pumps to raise and lower suction booms and to control rotation of cutterheads.

• Start and stop engines to operate equipment.

• Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions ofdredge; 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.