Dredging Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Dredge Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and productive operation of heavy excavation and material handling equipment in support of aggregate production operations. This role plays a critical part in extracting raw materials such as sand, gravel, and other aggregates from land-based and water-based deposits, ensuring consistent material supply for processing and distribution.

The operator must possess advanced technical skills in handling large-scale equipment, maintain a strong awareness of environmental and safety regulations, and demonstrate the ability to adjust operations based on changing site conditions. This position requires a high level of precision, situational awareness, and adherence to Martin Marietta's operational standards and safety culture.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Operate dredging equipment to excavate, move, and load raw materials in accordance with production goals and established procedures.
• Control and maneuver large-scale machinery to extract materials from pits, quarries, or underwater sources with accuracy and efficiency.
• Adjust operating techniques based on material composition, weather conditions, water levels, and site-specific challenges.
• Monitor equipment performance in real time, ensuring optimal productivity while minimizing wear and tear.
• Adhere strictly to all company safety policies, MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) regulations, and environmental guidelines.
• Conduct pre-operational safety checks, hazard assessments, and ensure proper lockout/tagout procedures when necessary.
• Identify and report unsafe conditions, equipment issues, or potential risks immediately.
• Maintain constant awareness of surroundings to prevent accidents involving personnel, equipment, or property.
• Perform daily inspection and basic maintenance of dredging equipment, including checking cables, cutter head, pontoons, pumps, and mechanical systems.
• Identify signs of wear, malfunction, or inefficiency and coordinate with maintenance teams for timely repairs.
• Maintain accurate logs of equipment usage, inspections, and maintenance activities.
• Assist maintenance personnel during scheduled shutdowns or repairs as needed.
• Ensure consistent material feed to processing plants by maintaining steady extraction rates.
• Collaborate with plant operators and supervisors to meet production targets and adjust operations accordingly.
• Operate equipment in a manner that minimizes environmental disruption, including sediment control, water quality preservation, and land reclamation efforts.
• Follow site-specific environmental permits and guidelines related to dredging and excavation operations.
• Participate in daily safety meetings, shift briefings, and training sessions.
• Support cross-training and assist team members when needed to maintain workflow efficiency.
• Accurately complete operational reports, including production totals, downtime, and incident documentation.
• Record material quantities, equipment hours, and any deviations from standard procedures.

Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Work Experience:

1+ years of experience operating Heavy Mining equipment, with specific expertise in Hydraulic Dredge operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Excavator operation

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Critical thinking

Safety focused

MSHA compliance and regulations

Regulatory compliance

Effective communicator (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.

Disclaimers:

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 $25 -$33 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.

A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of heavy building materials – including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive. Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications. At Martin Marietta, we strive to work with the best and the brightest – those who have the potential to become our company's future leaders. Each of our roughly 9,500 people shares a common purpose regardless of their professional role or work environment. Together, we utilize our diverse skills and experiences to drive our company and its extraordinary culture forward. Our aim is to build on our foundation of success and help values-driven and hardworking people realize their full potential. When you decide to invest your career in Martin Marietta, you'll know what it's like to be respected, challenged and rewarded.

In return, we offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:

• Medical
• Prescription Drug
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care Reimbursement Account
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Paid Holidays and Vacation
• 401(k) with Company matching
• Pension
• Salary Continuation – Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability Options
• Employee Life Insurance
• Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance
• Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Direct Deposit Payroll
• Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan
• College Scholarship Program – for dependent children
• Matching Gift Program
• New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.