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Dragline Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JOB SUMMARY The Senior Operator (Dragline & Dredge) is a critical leadership and technical role responsible for the safe, efficient extraction of raw materials in complex mining environments. This ...

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About Gravel Run Custom Pumping Established in 2016, we are a growing custom manure application business that provides dragline manure application services to hog, dairy and beef producers in East ...

Crane Operator

Memphis, TN · On-site +1

$33.73 - $39.37/hr

Assigned to projects that require that use of the dragline bucket attachment and is predominately ... May be the shift operator of the Whirley mat loading crane which is the primary piece of operating ...

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Crane Operator

Wando, SC · On-site

$29 - $33/hr

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

Equipment Operator III

Mobile, AL · On-site

$45K - $57K/yr

Equipment Operator III Exception List: (CDL required within 6 months WTP) Track mounted lift crane Track mounted dragline or clamshell Pavement milling machine Self-loading scraper Hydraulic dredge ...

Excavator Operator

El Paso, TX · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

... dragline, backhoe, rock crusher, foundation drill crane, mounted or truck mounted, front end loader ... Comply with operating safety rules and regulations * Applies "Do Not Operate" lock-out tags when ...

Excavator Operator

Anthony, TX

$20 - $26.50/hr

... dragline, backhoe, rock crusher, foundation drill crane, mounted or truck mounted, front end loader ... Comply with operating safety rules and regulations * Applies "Do Not Operate" lock-out tags when ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

Forklift Operator

Sabine Pass, TX · On-site

$15 - $17.50/hr

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

May operate all or some of the follow types of equipment: backhoe, bulldozer, crane, dragline, font ... powered operating equipment. - Interprets hand signals to determine where materials are to be ...

Showing results 41-60

Dragline Operator information

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$19

$35

$42

How much do dragline operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for dragline operator in the United States is $35.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $39.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a dragline operator?

A dragline operator is someone who operates an excavator used to dig out dirt and other debris on a construction site. The operator uses levers and is responsible for maneuvering the dragline excavator, gathering materials with the bucket and emptying them in the dump area. As a dragline operator, you may also be responsible for preventative maintenance and light service on your dragline machine. Before you can operate a dragline excavator, you need a commercial driver’s license. You must also have a clean record for employment.

What is the difference between Dragline Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDragline OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training, sometimes certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training, sometimes certification
Work EnvironmentMining sites, large construction projects, heavy-duty environmentsConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in mining and large-scale excavationConstruction, mining, demolition
Job FunctionsOperate large dragline cranes for deep excavationOperate excavators for digging, lifting, and moving materials

Both Dragline Operators and Excavator Operators work in heavy-duty environments and require similar certifications. Dragline Operators focus on operating large dragline cranes mainly in mining, while Excavator Operators handle various excavators across construction and mining projects. The choice depends on the specific equipment and industry focus.

How much does a dragline operator make?

A dragline operator typically earns between $20 and $35 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $70,000. Wages depend on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated, and operators often need specialized training and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dragline operator?

To thrive as a Dragline Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining operations, heavy equipment operation, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with dragline machinery, GPS systems, and maintenance procedures is essential, and some employers may require equipment operator certifications. Attention to detail, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help operators manage complex tasks and coordinate with team members. These skills are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient mining operations and minimizing downtime or accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by dragline operators on the job?

Dragline Operators often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, managing the precise operation of large and complex machinery, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Navigating uneven terrain and maintaining focus during long shifts are also typical aspects of the role. Effective communication with ground crews and other operators is essential to ensure safe and efficient operations, especially when working in busy mining or excavation sites.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Dragline Operator jobs? The most popular types of Dragline Operator jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Dragline Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,125 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Senior Dredge Operator

Martin Marietta

Irwindale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Martin Marietta Materials rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

351st of 538 rated manufacturers


Job description

JOB SUMMARY 
The Senior Operator (Dragline & Dredge) is a critical leadership and technical role responsible for the safe, efficient extraction of raw materials in complex mining environments. This position requires mastery of high-capacity excavating equipment—specifically large-scale draglines and hydraulic dredges—to ensure a steady flow of materials to the processing plant. 
As a "Senior" level team member, you are expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, mentor junior operators, and serve as a frontline expert in site safety and equipment maintenance. Your primary mission is to maximize production volume while strictly adhering to MSHA regulations and maintaining the long-term mechanical integrity of our machinery. 
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Safely operate large-scale draglines to strip overburden and extract raw aggregates, ensuring optimal bucket fill factors and cycle times. 
  • Manage hydraulic dredging systems, monitoring vacuum and discharge pressures, pipeline flow, and cutterhead depth to maintain consistent slurry density. 
  • Monitor pit walls and underwater slopes to ensure stability and prevent cave-ins or equipment loss. 
  • Strategically position equipment to maintain clear haul roads or pipeline routes, preventing contamination of raw material streams. 
  • Conduct comprehensive daily inspections of dragline rigging, hoist/drag cables, dredge hulls, and hydraulic systems. 
  • Diagnose mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic issues early to minimize unplanned downtime. 
  • Perform essential PM tasks, including greasing high-wear points, checking fluid levels, and cleaning cabs and equipment exteriors. 
  • Assist maintenance crews with significant repairs, which may include cutting, welding, and cable replacements. 
  • Champion Martin Marietta’s safety programs by identifying "near-miss" hazards and ensuring all personnel on-site use proper PPE. 
  • Operate all machinery in strict accordance with Federal Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards. 
  • Monitor dredge discharge and dust levels to comply with environmental permits and spill prevention protocols. 
  • Train and develop junior operators and laborers on equipment best practices and safety protocols. 
  • Accurately complete daily production logs, maintenance reports, and safety inspections using digital or paper-based systems. 
  • Maintain constant radio contact with plant operators and haul truck drivers to coordinate material flow and traffic patterns. 
QUALIFICATIONS 
Education 
High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience in lieu of a degree 
Work Experience 
3+ years of experience operating Heavy Mining equipment, with specific expertise in Dragline or Hydraulic Dredge operations. 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 
Mechanical aptitude 
Troubleshooting 
Critical thinking 
Safety focused 
MSHA compliance and regulations 
Regulatory compliance 
Effective communication (written and spoken) 
Time management 
ADDITIONAL DETAILS 
Physical Requirements 
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing. 
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders. 
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet. 
Working Conditions 
All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.  
Disclaimer 
In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments as required, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential. 
The hiring range for this position is $45 -$60 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience. Additionally, at Martin Marietta we place a high value on internal pay equity and will consider the compensation for those in similarly situated roles and direct team members. The hiring range for this role represents the base compensation we expect to pay for the position at time of hire and does not represent the total possible base pay of the position.
In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more.
Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.
 
  

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About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994