Dredge Operator – Sivells Bend, Texas

Pine Bluff Materials in Sivells Bend, Texas is currently recruiting a Dredge Operator to join our operations team. The candidate selected for this role will report to the Sivells Bend location on a daily basis.

Position Overview

The Dredge Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating dredging equipment used to extract sand and maintain water management systems within industrial sand mining operations. This role supports continuous sand production by managing dredge ponds, maintaining slurry flow to the plant, and ensuring proper material recovery while meeting safety and environmental compliance standards.

Key Responsibilities

Dredge Operation & Sand Extraction

• Operate hydraulic or cutterhead dredges to recover sand from mining ponds and deliver slurry to the wet plant.
• Adjust dredge position, swing lines, winches, and pipeline to optimize sand recovery and meet plant feed requirements.
• Monitor slurry density, pump pressures, and flow rates to maintain consistent production quality.
• Navigate dredge safely within ponds, avoiding hazards, slopes, and unstable ground.
• Perform daily inspections of the dredge, pump systems, floating pipeline, boosters, and support equipment.
• Troubleshoot issues such as suction blockages, pump cavitation, and pipeline leaks.
• Conduct routine mechanical maintenance including greasing, tightening fittings, and assisting with pump rebuilds as needed.
• Ensure all equipment is cleaned and protected from excessive wear caused by abrasive sand materials.

Pond & Water Management

• Maintain pond depths, slopes, and material distribution according to mining plans.
• Coordinate with mine planners and plant operators to manage dredge sequencing and sand quality zones.
• Assist in maintaining water levels, return-water structures, and pond berm integrity.

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience with dredging equipment, slurry pumps, or heavy mobile equipment in an industrial setting.
• Ability to operate safely around water, floating platforms, and wet/muddy terrain.
• Mechanical aptitude with willingness to work hands-on with tools and equipment
• Strong work ethic and dependable attendance
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions
• Willingness to learn equipment operation and plant processes
• Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and following safety protocols.

Preferred

• Prior experience in industrial sand, aggregates, mining, or dredge-based extraction systems.
• Knowledge of slurry transport, pump systems, grain-size variability, and wet plant processes.

Benefits

• Pine Bluff Materials offers a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Company-paid Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan with eligibility after the waiting period
  • Opportunities for training, advancement, and professional growth

About Pine Bluff Materials

Pine Bluff Materials is committed to safety, teamwork, and high-quality production. We value employees who take initiative, maintain positive attitudes, and contribute to a strong workplace culture.

Pine Bluff Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes Affirmative Action for Females/Veterans/Minorities/Disabled. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact ApplicantAssist@pbmat.com or call 1-888-870-8296 regarding application or general questions.

Please note: This employment position may be considered a Safety Sensitive Position related to the operation of equipment or working in proximity of operating equipment, working over or adjacent to water, working at a height, or a particular assignment regulated by license, credential, or contract which stipulates the position or work as Safety Sensitive.