Night Shift Dredge Operator

Vulcan Materials Company; Lake Wales (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Vulcan Materials Company in Lake Wales, FL seeks an experienced dragline operator to control the dredge, extract materials, and load them for transport. You will ensure safe operation, monitor equipment, and coordinate with truck drivers to keep production on schedule.

The role emphasizes strict adherence to safety and environmental rules, hands-on maintenance checks, and teamwork with the production and maintenance teams to maximize efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience operating dredges or similar heavy equipment.
• Strong safety mindset and hazard recognition.
• Ability to estimate weights and manage load distribution.
• Proficient in coordinating with truck drivers and maintenance teams.

Responsibilities

• Operate and control the dredge to extract, load and move materials within the pit area.
• Maintain face, ramp, and floor conditions; build safety berms.
• Lift, tilt, and dump materials using dragline controls.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance checks.
• Follow loading instructions to meet tonnage targets.
• Maintain load stability and prevent spills or damage.
• Report safety concerns or equipment malfunctions promptly.
• Comply with environmental regulations and minimize impact.
• Collaborate with production to meet schedule and improve efficiency.
• Direct and train others to operate and maintain the dragline.

Skills

Equipment Operation

Safety Awareness

Technical Troubleshooting

Material Handling

Problem Solving

Teamwork

Adaptability

Job description

Essential Functions

• 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.
• Utilize the dredge to excavate materials from the underwater deposits, following established patterns and targets to maximize reserved recovery.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Report any maintenance needs or equipment issues to the maintenance department. Collaborate with maintenance teams for repairs and preventive maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Maintain accurate records of materials loaded and unloaded.
• Complete log sheets, work orders, and other documentation as required.
• Directs and trains others to operate and maintain the dragline as required.

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 - Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
• 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 - Identify, analyze, and resolve work‑related issues efficiently and effectively using practical knowledge, experience, and hands‑on skills. Finds practical solutions, implements fixes, and adapts to unexpected challenges.
• Teamwork - Ability to work effectively as part of a team, coordinating with other operators and ground personnel.
• Adaptability - Adapts to new conditions, is flexible and open‑minded when facing challenges, and maintains high performance during change.