DREDGE OPERATOR (TERM LIMITED)

Brownsville Public Utilities Board; Brownsville (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled operator for dredging units to support vital water infrastructure projects. This role involves operating heavy machinery, performing maintenance, and ensuring safety protocols are followed during dredging operations. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in equipment operation and a strong mechanical background. Join a dedicated team focused on enhancing local water systems and making a tangible impact on the community. If you are a hands-on professional with a passion for heavy equipment and environmental restoration, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in dredging or water systems infrastructure.
• Thorough knowledge of heavy equipment operation and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate dredge units for excavation and maintenance of reservoirs.
• Perform routine inspections and mechanical repairs on dredging equipment.

Skills

Heavy Equipment Operation

Mechanical Aptitude

Critical Thinking

Communication Skills

Troubleshooting Skills

Computer Skills (GPS, Microsoft Office)

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Dredge Units

Hydraulic Equipment

Power Winch

Job description

This position is term-limited, with employment dependent upon availability of funding and the timeline associated with the Resaca Restoration project. Under limited direction, this position performs skilled work in the operation of dredge units.

Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities. May provide technical support and guidance to less experienced operations staff. Operates power-driven dredges to excavate and maintain reservoirs and Resacas. Completes daily start-up and shut-down of dredge, maintaining constant radio contact with supervisor. Operates levers to place dredge in position for excavation, using computer guided systems. Engages hydraulic pump, raises and lowers suction boom, and controls rotation of cutterhead. Directs workers engaged in placing anchors, cables, and laying additional lengths of pipes from dredge to Resaca banks. Lowers anchor pole to verify depth of excavation, using winch, and/or scans depth gauge to determine depth of excavation. Starts power winch that draws in or lets out cable to change position of dredge, or pulls in and lets out cable manually. Maintains and repairs motor equipment in dredging operations; cleans and changes filters and refuels dredge. Lubricates and adjusts mechanical equipment while dredging operations are in progress. Works on and lays pipe lines. Ensures that proper pressure and head in line is maintained at all times. Positions dredge to ensure proper pumping. Completes routine inspections and mechanical repairs to dredging equipment. Completes other job duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the operating principles, practices and maintenance requirements of pumping and heavy equipment, and machinery. Knowledge of digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and with efficient and safe digging procedures. Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with dredging operations. Skill using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes. Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills to determine causes of operating errors and decide what to do about them. Critical thinking skills. Computer skills working with Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Word). Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) in English. Ability to operate machinery to perform activities such as excavating, backfilling, vibrating, and breaking rock or concrete. Ability to inspect machinery and mechanical equipment to detect flaws, defects, and causes of errors or problems. Ability to lubricate, adjust and repair machinery. Ability to replace parts such as gears, bearings, and bucket teeth. Ability to move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery. Ability to set up and inspect equipment prior to, during, and after operation. Ability to observe hand signals, grade stakes, and other markings when operating dredger. Ability to create and maintain inclines and ramps, and handle slides, mud, pit cleanings and maintenance. Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions and procedures. Ability to complete assigned duties and functions in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Ability to exercise considerable independent judgment in correcting problem situations. Ability to safely operate and maintain boating and heavy equipment under all types of work-permissible weather conditions.

Education & Experience Requirements

High School Diploma or GED or satisfactory and approved equivalent required and five (5) years of experience in the operation or maintenance of raw water, dredging, water or wastewater equipment and/or water systems infrastructure or equivalent experience.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Requires a valid Texas Driver License or receipt of a valid Texas Driver’s License within 90 days of relocation to Texas and a safe driving record, as measured by company policy.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Tasks involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting 100 lbs. Ability to use hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials. Must be able to coordinate two or more limbs (i.e., two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. Must have arm-hand steadiness and manual dexterity to quickly move hand, hand together with arm, or two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects. Must be able to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears. Must have accurate depth perception to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away or to judge the distance between operator and an object. Must have accurate vision, with or without correction, to watch gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Ability to work under extreme weather conditions including hot and cold ambient temperatures. Must be able to swim.

Eligibility for Employment

In addition to any and all other qualifications required for employment stated under the Brownsville P.U.B Personnel Policies and Procedures Policy No. 39:

• Prohibit the hiring of any person who is related to BPUB Executive Management within the third degree of Consanguinity or second degree by Affinity;
• Based on certain prohibitions of the Charter and Statute on nepotism, no person can be hired who shall be related to any member of the Board of Directors or City Commission within the third degree of consanguinity or second degree by affinity.