This position is accountable for providing dredge operations expertise with respect to operating levers and controls to properly position the dredge and initiate dredge excavation activities.   Interacts with the all-dredge crew members to ensure that dredge operations are performed in a safe and efficient manner.  

The incumbent must support the guiding beliefs and core values of Orion, which are centered on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Teamwork most importantly, with each built upon the all-important foundation of Integrity.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Works closely with the Deck Captain and Dredge Captain to ensure the safe and successful operation dredge projects.
• Operates power driven dredge to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways, dredging sand, gravel, mud etc. from the bottom of lakes, rivers, bays, channels, and canals.
• Controls the dredge using operating levers, positioning it properly for excavation.
• Scans depth gauges to determine depth of excavation.
• Starts powered winches that draw in or let out cable to change the position of the dredge.
• Monitors gages for proper operations and makes appropriate dissections.
• Instructs and trains the crew in safe and proper job procedures.
• Corrects safety deficiencies.
• Arranges passing agreements with other vessels in a manner to ensure vessel safety.
• Monitors tender operations and locations.
• Participates in Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to compliance of State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.

EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE

• Responsible and accountable for incumbent’s own personal safety.
• Responsible and accountable for the safety of all co-workers and any others incumbent comes in contact with.
• Authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafe condition or situation is anticipated or is observed.
• Complies with all applicable laws, regulations and Company policies and procedures, and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
• Reports any and all violations of applicable laws, regulations or Company policies and procedures promptly, and is subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including dismissal) for failure to do so.
• Performs other related administrative and technical duties as may be assigned or requested by immediate supervision (such as certification training, safety training, procedure review, etc.).
• All employees, current and former, must maintain confidentiality by not disclosing to others any confidential, proprietary or trade secret information belonging to the Company.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

A minimum of 2 years dredge related experience is required.  The incumbent must have the ability to control dredge operations using operating levers and be able to position the dredge properly for excavation work.  Prior experience in utilizing depth gauges to scan and properly determine depth of excavation is also required.

The incumbent must have the ability to quickly learn the technical aspects of the business; be an effective communicator; and have the ability to interface well with employees at all levels of the organization. 

The Company expects and requires incumbent and each of its other employees to observe and fulfill the above and all other safety responsibilities and actively work toward maintaining a safe workplace.  Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation. 

The individual must also be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required.  This includes hard hat, safety glasses, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFD’s) or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done.

Must be qualified and physically able to drive regular passenger vehicles to visit work locations and job sites.

The incumbent must possess the ability to remain calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident and as directed by the Safety Representative or other management personnel.  Must be capable of evacuating the work area in a timely manner should an emergency situation arise.

• Sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching, kneeling, repetitive motions.
• Being able to move and work in mud, sand, and water.
• Lifting objects alone up to 50 lbs. as required.
• Use of feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in repetitive movements.
• Speaking, seeing, and hearing skills.
• Willing to follow all safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to pass written safety tests.
• Willingness to inspect all equipment prior to use, only use if it is proper condition.
• Willingness to wear Personal Protective Equipment including hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection, life jacket, gloves, non-skid safety toed boots.
• Exposure to extreme temperature changes.
• Exposure to outdoors conditions.
• Ability to decipher visual and audible changes in dredging activity.
• Ability to speak on a vhf radio in English and have a radio license.
• Ability to work 2 weeks on and 1 week off, 12-hour days.