Dragline Operator

This position is primarily responsible for operating a dragline, a large excavation tool, to extract and move large quantities of earth, rock, or other materials. The ideal candidate will have experience operating heavy equipment and a strong understanding of mining operations.

Essential Functions

• Operate and control the dragline to extract, load and move materials within the pit area.
• Excavates quarry to maintain desired face, ramp and floor conditions including the construction and maintenance of safety berms.
• Utilize the dragline's controls to lift, tilt, and dump materials into designated areas or onto trucks/conveyors. Utilizes handle attachments as needed for various tasks.
• Ensure the safe operation of the dragline and perform routine equipment maintenance checks.
• Load materials efficiently, maintaining appropriate weight distribution and stability.
• Follow loading instructions provided by supervisors or production plans to meet required tonnage targets.
• Handle materials with care to prevent spills, waste, or damage to equipment and surrounding infrastructure.
• Adhere to all safety regulations and protocols, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Maintain awareness of surroundings, equipment, and personnel to prevent accidents or hazards.
• Report any safety concerns, incidents, or equipment malfunctions to the supervisor promptly.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure materials are loaded according to schedule and production goals.
• Optimize loading processes to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
• Communicate with truck drivers or conveyor operators to coordinate loading activities.
• Perform thorough pre and post operation checks of the dragline to identify safety or mechanical defects.
• Report any maintenance needs or equipment issues to the maintenance department.
• Maintain accurate records of materials loaded and unloaded.
• Complete log sheets, work orders, and other documentation as required.
• Directs and trains others to operate and maintain the dragline as required.

Critical Competencies

• Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating dragline, including understanding the controls, gauges, and indicators. Ability to manipulate the dragline accurately and smoothly for various tasks, such as loading, dumping, and transporting materials. Skill in handling attachments and understanding their applications.
• Safety Awareness- Ability to recognize, understand, and adhere to safety protocols and procedures in the workplace; proactive in identifying potential hazards, taking steps to mitigate risks, and ensuring that both personal and collective safety are maintained in all tasks and environments.
• Technical Expertise- Solid mechanical understanding of mobile equipment, including basic maintenance checks and troubleshooting minor issues. Ability to identify signs of equipment malfunction, understand and report them to the maintenance team.
• Material Handling: Proficient in loading various materials onto trucks, conveyors, or other transport vehicles while maintaining load stability and distribution. Ability to estimate weights and volumes for optimal loading and transportation efficiency.
• Problem-Solving- Identify, analyze, and resolve work-related issues efficiently and effectively using practical knowledge, experience, and hands-on skills. Finds practical solutions, implements fixes, and adapts to unexpected challenges.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, coordinating with other operators and ground personnel.
• Adaptability-Adapts to new conditions, is flexible and open-minded when facing challenges, and maintains high performance during change.

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Experience

• Minimum two plus year experience operating a dragline.
• Experience operating heavy equipment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven experience as a dragline operator in a mining/quarry environment.
• Familiarity with equipment controls and operation techniques
• Strong attention to safety protocols, practices and operation techniques
• Physical ability to operate heavy machinery for extended periods
• Basic mechanical aptitude to complete a thorough safety and mechanical inspection
• Strong sense of spatial awareness to maneuver the loader in tight spaces, around obstacles, and in congested work areas.
• Good communication skills to effectively interact and coordinate with team members and supervisors
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions and adapt to changing work environments.
• Awareness to digging in water and operating on shorelines
• Understands structural and stability limitations of machinery and work environment

Other Requirements

• This position requires knowledge and awareness of mining and construction site hazards.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Physical ability to sit for extended periods, withstand vibrations, and operate equipment controls with precision.
• Must have the ability to climb ladders while maintaining three points of contact and sit for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in a noisy and dusty environment and to work in extreme weather conditions.

JD Disclaimer

Vulcan Materials Company is an equal opportunity employer.