Dredge Operator (Mardela Springs, MD)

Department:

Aggregates

Reports To:

Aggregates Area Production Supervisor

Location:

As Assigned

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime) — This position is classified as non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, meaning the incumbent is eligible to receive overtime pay for all hours worked in excess of 40 per workweek.

Schedule:

Full-time; schedule as assigned as due to operational demands; schedule may include early mornings, weekends, or extended hours as operational needs dictate.

Supervisory Responsibility:

This position carries no supervisory responsibility.

Compensation Grade:

TBD — Pending Compensation Grade Structure

Position Summary

The Dredge Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of dredging equipment to extract sand, gravel, and other materials from waterways in support of Chaney Enterprises' aggregates production operations. The incumbent performs routine and preventive maintenance on the dredge and all associated equipment to ensure continuous operational readiness and minimal downtime. This role requires strict adherence to all applicable company safety policies, environmental regulations, and governmental agency requirements at all times. The Dredge Operator contributes directly to the productivity and environmental stewardship of the Aggregates department through diligent equipment care, accurate recordkeeping, and proactive hazard awareness.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are considered essential functions of this position. Other duties may be assigned.

• Operates the dredge and all associated equipment in a safe, efficient, and responsible manner to excavate and remove sand, gravel, and other materials from designated waterways and channels.
• Performs all required pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections and completes daily inspection reports accurately and in a timely manner.
• Conducts routine and preventive maintenance on the dredge and related equipment, including greasing all moving parts, changing oil and fuel filters, maintaining fluid levels, and inspecting cables for rust, bruising, kinks, and abrasions.
• Monitors disposal and containment areas continuously to prevent overflow of waste materials and to ensure full compliance with all applicable environmental regulations and company environmental policies.
• Identifies, assesses, and responds appropriately to emergency situations, including fuel spills, oil spills, and other environmental or safety incidents, following established emergency response procedures.
• Prepares and submits accurate daily activity and production reports documenting dredge operations, material volumes, equipment status, and any notable incidents or observations.
• Maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of all assigned equipment and the plant site at all times, ensuring a safe and professional work environment.
• Locks, secures, and removes keys from all assigned equipment at the conclusion of each shift or as otherwise directed by supervision.
• Follows all established accident and injury reporting procedures, completing required documentation promptly and notifying the direct supervisor and Safety Department as required.
• Complies with all safety rules, regulations, and standards established by Chaney Enterprises and applicable governmental regulatory agencies, and reports any potential or existing safety hazards to the direct supervisor and Safety Manager immediately.
• Applies working knowledge of sand, gravel, and aggregate products and operations to support overall production goals and quality standards.
• Utilizes company-issued technology, including iPad, iPhone, and applicable software applications, to record data, submit reports, and communicate operational information as required.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience operating a dredge in a production or industrial environment.
• Knowledge of dredge operations, components, and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of sand, gravel, and aggregate products and production operations.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to interact clearly and professionally with supervisors, coworkers, and regulatory personnel.
• Basic computer proficiency, including the ability to learn and operate company-issued applications on iPad and iPhone platforms.
• Ability to perform routine equipment maintenance tasks, including lubrication, fluid checks, filter changes, and cable inspections.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to environmental and safety emergencies such as fuel or oil spills.
• Ability to complete daily inspection reports, activity logs, and incident documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local safety and environmental regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating other heavy equipment, including but not limited to excavators, backhoes, and dozers.
• CPR and First Aid certification.

Education

No minimum formal education requirement. A high school diploma or equivalent is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position.

Work Environment

Noise Level

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 position. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Travel

This position is primarily site-based with all essential functions performed at the assigned operational location; travel is rare and occurs only on an as-needed basis as operational demands dictate.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Chaney Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Chaney Enterprises is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws. Employees requesting an accommodation should contact Human Resources.