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Dredge Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Martin Marietta

Senior Dredge Operator

Irwindale, CA · On-site

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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Dredge Operator information

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$15

$19

$26

How much do dredge operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredge operator in California is $19.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do dredge operators make?

Dredge operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the equipment operated. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy machinery may earn higher wages, especially in industrial or maritime environments.

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

Dredge operators often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining equipment reliability, and ensuring safety while operating heavy machinery near water. Navigating tight deadlines and coordinating with other crew members or project managers can also be demanding, as projects may require adjustments based on environmental factors. Staying up-to-date with environmental regulations and adhering to strict safety protocols are essential parts of the role.

What does a dredge operator do?

As a dredge operator, you remove sand, gravel, and other forms of sediment from lakes, rivers, streams, canals, and other waterways. You typically excavate these areas so that boats and barges can use them. While you usually maintain navigable waterways, your responsibilities can also include dredging to mitigate flood risks, reclaim shoreline or wetlands, or assist in engineering projects. In this career, you operate dredge systems that consist of hydraulic pumps, anchors, suction devices, and measuring instruments to guide each project. Your duties include monitoring progress and deciding where to place the dredging equipment for optimal efficiency.

What is the difference between Dredge Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectDredge OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, dredging certificationsOperator certifications, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentWater-based, dredging sites, marine settingsConstruction sites, land-based projects
Industry UsageMaritime, port construction, environmental projectsConstruction, mining, infrastructure

Both Dredge Operators and Excavator Operators operate heavy machinery, but Dredge Operators specialize in water-based dredging equipment used for excavation below water level, often requiring marine certifications. Excavator Operators work primarily on land, using excavators for earthmoving tasks. While their skills overlap, their work environments and specific certifications differ, making each role unique within the construction and maritime industries.

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

To thrive as a Dredge Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of dredging procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with dredging equipment, GPS navigation systems, and sometimes specific certifications like OSHA safety training are important. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators manage operations safely and efficiently. These skills ensure safe handling of complex machinery, minimize environmental impact, and maintain smooth project progress.

What is a dredge operator?

Dredge Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating equipment that removes sand, gravel, or other materials from bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, or harbors. Their work is essential for maintaining navigable waterways, preventing flooding, and facilitating construction projects. Dredge Operators control the machinery, monitor depth and positioning, and ensure that operations are conducted safely and efficiently. They may work for government agencies, construction companies, or private contractors. The job often requires attention to safety protocols and the ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues.
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Infographic showing various Dredge Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,399 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Senior Dredge Operator

Martin Marietta

Baldwin Park, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. 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

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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

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