Maintenance Lead - Dredging Operations

SUMMARY:

The Maintenance Lead is responsible for leading daily maintenance activities related to plant equipment. This role provides hands-on leadership to helpers and technicians, ensuring that dredges, conveyors, screens, pumps, material dryers, and other fixed equipment are maintained safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulations. The Maintenance Lead plays a critical role in minimizing equipment downtime and supporting production targets.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and coordinate the activities of the maintenance team while also performing hands-on maintenance and operational tasks to support safe and efficient plant operations.
• Promote, support and enforce safe work practices, including proper Lockout/Tagout procedures, hazard identification, and use of PPE.
• Schedule, assign, and oversee maintenance and repair tasks for dredges, motor control centers, conveyors, screens, feeders, water/slurry pumps, and other stationary processing equipment.
• Inspect equipment regularly to identify potential issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Collaborate with operations to prioritize work orders and support plant reliability.
• Deliver reports and actionable recommendations to Operations Managers and Senior Leadership to support informed decision-making.
• Troubleshoot mechanical failures and assist with complex repairs as needed.
• Ensure the completion of preventive and predictive maintenance tasks by established schedules to maximize operational productivity.
• Monitor and track maintenance activities using current resources; ensure the accurate documentation of work performed.
• Ensure that support staff and operators possess the necessary skills and experience to perform their duties effectively and contribute to smooth operational performance. Train and mentor maintenance technicians and helpers, fostering a strong safety culture and high-performance work ethic.
• Assist with spare parts inventory management, ordering parts, and coordination with vendors or contractors.
• Manage supply and tool inventory to minimize downtime and sustain operations.
• Coordinate with appropriate vendors for external support and warranties.
• Participate in root cause analysis (RCA) of recurring equipment failures and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform welding, torch cutting, and grinding tasks as needed for maintenance, fabrication, and repair of equipment and infrastructure.
• Ensure work area is kept clean and free of debris to support safety and efficiency. Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness of tools, equipment, and work areas.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED required; technical certification or associate’s degree in industrial maintenance or mechanical technology preferred
• 10+ years of experience in plant equipment maintenance within a surface mining or heavy industrial environment
• Previous experience maintaining dredging equipment required
• Previous leadership experience in a maintenance or lead technician role strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of material handling systems, screeners, conveyors, gearboxes, bearings, and hydraulics
• Strong working knowledge of welding machines, cutting torches and grinders
• Familiarity with documentation systems and the ability to read mechanical schematics and blueprints
• MSHA Part 46 or Part 48 certification (willing to obtain).
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead a team in a dynamic, safety-critical work environment.

COMPETENCIES:

• Written and verbal communication skills
• Training/teaching
• Safety mindset and practice
• Basic computer skills
• Reliability
• Trustworthiness
• Punctuality
• Respectfulness

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work performed at an active surface mining site with exposure to outdoor elements, noise, dust, vibration, and heavy equipment.
• Physical requirements include lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing, kneeling, working at heights, and working in confined spaces.
• Must wear required PPE and comply with all site safety and environmental policies.
• May be required to work rotating shifts, weekends, or be on-call based on operational needs.