Careers Archives - The Dutra Group

Strength in Numbers – Supporting Women in Construction

christine — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 20:34:32 +0000

According to the heavy engineering construction honorary organization The Beavers, Inc., women make up only 10 percent of the workforce in heavy construction.

Rather than being deterred by that statistic, Molly Jacobson, Dutra’s Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer who has been with Dutra since 2011, seized the opportunity to mine the untapped potential. “Women represent 50% of the total workforce, but that’s not reflected in the heavy construction industry so there’s much room for change and growth.”

Attracting more women to the industry, as well as celebrating the ones who already work in heavy construction, is a mission of Jacobson and Patty Dutra Bruce, Dutra’s Vice President of Human Resources.

Dutra’s robust internship program, which serves as a key pipeline for new company hires, actively seeks out young women each year. Over the last several years, the number of female students in the program has grown and now consists of 25% of all interns. Men are also welcome and attend these events regularly. In fact, a large group of men from The Dutra Group attended as well.

For the last two years, Dutra has recognized its female employees during the annual Women in Construction Week in March with dedicated profiles on Dutra’s social media platforms. “Whether you work in the accounting department, as an estimator, project manager, or as an executive at The Dutra Group, we all work in construction,” said Dutra Bruce.

But perhaps the most engaging sign of recognition happened this past summer, when Jacobson and Dutra Bruce teamed up to lead the effort to invite all of Dutra’s employees to participate in The Beavers’ Women in Heavy Civil reception on August 14, 2024 at the Silverado Resort in Napa. “Patty and I have been fortunate enough to be in this industry for a fairly long time, and to have had the opportunity to learn from people with a lot of wisdom and experience.” Said Jacobson. “We wanted to ensure that our group of women have a similar opportunity for professional development and engagement with people in the industry.

After securing the blessing of Dutra’s executive team to invite 100% of Dutra’s employees to attend the Women in Heavy Civil event, the pair set out to make it an even more memorable experience by creating a custom logo for the event featuring a California Poppy (representing the fact that Dutra is California-based). The custom logo was embossed on pins for each attendee to wear. Each woman also received a leather portfolio embossed with the Dutra logo, along with a personal card of appreciation from Jacobson and Dutra Bruce.

The event turned out to be an incredible experience for the 22 women able to attend, giving Dutra the largest company representation at the event. Not only did the attendees connect with other women working in construction and swap stories about their triumphs and struggles, the event was also a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions that women make to the entire industry, Bill Dutra, Executive Chairman, and Kevin Mohr, Chief Financial Officer, also attended to show their support.

“It was a fantastic learning experience for all of us, but what really surprised and delighted everyone was how much of a celebration it turned out to be,” said Jacobson.

Dutra Purchasing Agent Loura Grayson, who has been with the company since 2014, said of the event, “the most empowering lesson I took away was the story of Dina Kimble’s journey. Her story inspired me to assert my qualifications and capabilities and take charge of my future. It’s a testament to the growing leadership of women in all industry sectors.

Marina Smith, an estimating administrator at Dutra with nine years of construction industry experience, offered this piece of advice to women who might be considering a career in heavy construction: “Even though it can be intimidating when entering this industry, don’t let that dissuade you from considering a job,” she said. “In my experience, you earn respect if you come into a position prepared to be a part of the conversation and contribute to the team. Also I’ve found that women who choose to work in our field usually make the equivalent or more than their fellow male counterparts.

Dutra Bruce said, “It is an honor and a privilege to work alongside such talented and inspiring women. Their dedication and leadership continue to drive our success at Dutra and make waves across the heavy civil engineering field. Recognizing and celebrating women in STEM is crucial, as their impact and value are immeasurable.

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Empowering the Next Generation at The Dutra Group

christine — Thu, 09 Jan 2025 10:56:25 +0000

The Dutra Group recognizes the fundamental importance of investing in the next generation of maritime workers. We are committed to providing students with opportunities to gain a foothold in the industry that helps them start their careers.

In addition to on-the-job experience, the interns also get the chance to meet one another and bond as a class. They also get to tour Dutra’s different job sites and operations, including the San Rafael Rock Quarry, the Rio Vista equipment yard, and The Dutra Museum of Dredging.

For 2024, the intern program drew 15 interns, including the two cadets on the Stuyvesant from across the country, making it our largest and most professionally diverse group to date. Working on projects in Florida, Virginia, Hawaii, and at home in the Sacramento Delta and in Petaluma, this years class of interns had the chance to work on some of our most exciting projects.

Vice President of Human Resources Patty Dutra Bruce oversees the program and credits its success to improved outreach by the company, as well as a spreading reputation of Dutra’s intern program amongst student bodies. “Over the past decade, Dutra’s intern program has tripled in size. The commitment of our students matches our own, and the results have been thrilling.”

The program is specifically designed to give undergraduates an opportunity to learn hands-on at job sites. Students pursuing construction management or civil engineering are placed onsite to work alongside full-time employees. Dredging cadets are placed aboard vessels. Others may spend their time in the corporate headquarters. While interns typically spend their summer focusing on a single project, year-to-year projects can vary greatly, and this variety has prompted some former interns to reapply and gain experience in different capacities.

One-on-one mentoring is another highlight of the program. Every intern is assigned a mentor as their direct point of contact in the company. Their mentor acts as their guide as they learn about the challenging work we do. For many mentors, also it provides a chance to gain supervisory experience and an opportunity to connect with the upcoming generation of workers. According to the interns, mentors play a crucial role in the success of their internships, and they are grateful for the professional relationship. As Ryan Murphy, a civil engineering student at Sac State, said regarding his mentor: “He has been entirely supportive and willing to teach from day one. He encourages me to ask questions, take initiative, and has taught me so much”

“The Dutra Group’s average employee tenure is over 15 years,” says Patty. “The company’s emphasis on internal promotion factors into the expansion of its intern program. We are building our own employees and reaching out to students early is an essential way to fill our expanding needs, while also laying the groundwork for creating those long-term employees.”

The Dutra Group is currently looking for its next group of interns! If you are interested, please apply at dutragroup.com/careers.

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Cliff Hunt Retires After 25 Years of Dedication and Service

christine — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 18:54:58 +0000

After 25 years of dedicated service, Cliff Hunt, Vice President of Risk for The Dutra Group, is retiring. During his long career at Dutra, Cliff was instrumental in overseeing IT, corporate risk management, and safety programs for the company.

Prior to joining Dutra, Cliff attended San Jose State University as a jazz performance major, playing the trumpet. At 35, he pursued and completed a degree in computer science from the University of San Francisco while working for Chevron. Over the course of 18 years he held various positions, ending his time with Chevron in the corporate IT group in San Francisco.

Upon joining The Dutra Group in 1999, Cliff established the company’s first IT department, focusing on integrating new technology to improve operational efficiency. In 2001, when the company Safety Director retired, Cliff’s extensive experience with health and safety at Chevron made him a natural fit for the position.

In 2007, Cliff was encouraged by Bill Dutra, Executive Chairman, and Harry Stewart, President and CEO, to pursue an MBA in Risk Management. Completing his MBA in 2009, Cliff was promoted to Risk Manager and led the IT, Risk and Safety Departments. As Risk Manager, Cliff increased risk communication and integrated risk strategies into the company’s operations. He built a strong Safety Team and with the help of the hardworking hands in the field, significantly reduced the incident rate at The Dutra Group to well below the industry average. He partially credits Bill and Harry for giving him the freedom to lead, but also points to his team, stating, “It’s not really me, but all of us working together who have been able to reach these numbers.”

Cliff’s academic credentials include a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of San Francisco, an MBA in Risk Management from Walden University, and an Associate’s certification in Risk Management from the Insurance Institute of America.

Cliff is quick to acknowledge the contributions of the talented individuals he has hired, like Patty Dutra Bruce, VP of Human Resources at Dutra, Hank Schukler, Safety Manager, and John Wyma-Hughes, the new Risk Manager. He notes they are smart, talented, and productive. Cliff has every confidence that Patty, Hank, John, and the rest of the team will continue to lead the company forward.

“Cliff’s leadership and expertise have been a critical component of The Dutra Group’s success over the last 25 years,” said Executive Chairman Bill Dutra. “His dedication to safety and risk communication has made a significant impact on our operations and culture.”

While under Cliff’s supervision, Dutra’s Safety Department introduced the “Harvey Freeman Safety Award.” First introduced in 2010, the award formally recognizes individuals who continuously work to ensure the well-being of their coworkers. Named in remembrance for the much beloved member of the extended Dutra family Harvey Freeman, the award is presented annually to a member of the company who, like Harvey, exhibits integrity, honesty, mutual respect, and above all else, prioritizes the safety of their co-workers. For the 2024 selection, the Harvey Freeman Award was presented to Cliff for his enduring commitment to the company’s safety culture.

Cliff and his wife Rose share six adult children and eight grandchildren, underscoring his role as a family man. His decision to retire was not made lightly, but he decided it was time to spend more time with his family, and to pursue volunteering and hobbies. “I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at The Dutra Group and the relationships I’ve built over the last 25 years,” Cliff said. “I’m proud to have helped develop the IT, Safety, and Risk departments, and to have had the ability to hire wonderful people who have carried out the initiatives and groundwork for our success.” Cliff also looks forward to playing the trumpet and guitar again, returning to one of his earliest passions. Additionally, he recently adopted two special needs dogs that he is excited to provide the extra care and attention needed now that he is retired. He is also interested in volunteering to help improve the lives and raise awareness for those living with autism, a cause close to his heart.

The Dutra Group recently celebrated Cliff’s retirement with a special event where family, colleagues, and industry peers shared their appreciation for his contributions to the company. Also among those attending was a special surprise guest from Cliff’s earliest days with the company: Amjad Shaikh, Cliff’s first team member at Dutra, who made a special trip from his home in Toronto, Canada to help send Cliff off in style. Cliff and Amjad worked together in the company’s IT Department. Together, Cliff as IT Director and Amjad as System’s Administrator, they built the company’s first IT infrastructure. They had not seen each other for 19 years!

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Mike Cole Retires After 43 Years of Dedication and Leadership

christine — Sat, 07 Sep 2024 20:42:41 +0000

Mike Cole, Purchasing Manager for The Dutra Group, is stepping into retirement. During his long tenure, Mike played a pivotal role in the company’s operations, expansion, and prosperity. As manager of all procurement activities, Mike is well known for his strong work ethic, his decades long personal ties with vendors, and his unparalleled industry knowledge. His signature look, a Ticonderoga pencil at the ready behind his ear, sharp wit, and booming laugh will be missed.

The Dutra Group recently honored Mike’s retirement with a special gathering at the Dutra Museum of Dredging in Rio Vista, CA, where colleagues, friends and family, including Mike’s personal guests Jenna Cole, Connie Bruns, and Pam Aikman, gathered to celebrate his career.

Bill Dutra Executive Chairman, and Harry Stewart CEO, reflected on their long and entwined careers with Mike, while coworkers Mike McFarland, Nancy LaRue and others spoke to the decades-long friendships they forged with him while working at The Dutra Group. Mike’s loyalty and deep care for his coworkers were reflected in several heartfelt and sometimes comical speeches, although numerous people cited being sworn to silence on the best stories.

“Mike’s dedication and expertise have been fundamental to The Dutra Group’s success,” said Bill Dutra. “When I think back on the years you’ve been with us, each year we grow a little bit older, and we grow a little bit wiser. It’s been quite the journey. I watched you grow the purchasing department during all the good times and bad, and no matter how to tough it got, no matter how many 911 emergencies came our way, from flood fights to Friday afternoon breakdowns, you always came through. Nature is unforgiving and so is the work we do. It’s a twenty-four hour a day job and takes selfless commitment. All too often the praise goes to the guys out in the field. You always understood that their success was your success. When they succeed, you succeed, and we all succeed.”

“Mike’s impact on The Dutra Group cannot be overstated,” said Harry Stewart. “His expertise and strong vendor relationships have significantly shaped our operations and culture. His dedication will leave an enduring legacy on our company.”

The purchasing team is often first in and last out on projects. Projects are won and lost based on the costs used to build bids. Securing those quotes, days, weeks, months in advance is multifaceted. Are the necessary materials available? Do they meet the contract specifications? Can they be delivered to the project site on time, by what means, and at what cost? Are we meeting our SBA commitments? Add the constant need to keep our equipment running and our employees safe with the proper tools and personal protection gear, and you start to get an understanding of the critical role Mike filled.

Mike expressed his gratitude to Bill and Harry in particular. “I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at The Dutra Group and the relationships I’ve built over the last 43 years,” Mike said. “My years here have been instrumental in shaping the course of my life and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. I am confident that the company will continue to thrive.”

As Mike embarks on his new chapter, he imparts advice to current employees; “Build strong relationships with your colleagues and vendors, and always be willing to learn and grow. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you. Always make sure you have a plan in place, and most of all…no sniveling.”

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John Wyma-Hughes Appointed Risk Manager

christine — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 18:01:49 +0000

The Dutra Group has named John Wyma-Hughes as the new Risk Manager, following the upcoming retirement of Cliff Hunt. This strategic appointment leverages Wyma-Hughes’ legal expertise and diverse experience to lead the company’s risk management, safety, and marine compliance departments.

Since joining The Dutra Group in 2021 as Associate General Counsel of Operations, Wyma-Hughes has played a key role in contract negotiations, claims management, and ensuring corporate compliance. His background in working for both the federal government and small-business private tech sector brings with it a valuable perspective on government contracting, emerging technologies, and legal interpretations.

Wyma-Hughes’ qualifications include a B.Sc. in Experimental Psychology from Saint Mary’s College of California, a J.D. from the University of San Francisco School of Law, with a focus on maritime and federal law, and an Associate in Risk Management certification from the Insurance Institute of America. Wyma-Hughes is an active member of the State Bar of California and has published over a dozen peer-reviewed studies in the field of neuropsychology.

In his new position, Wyma-Hughes will oversee all corporate risk management and safety programs. He takes the helm from Cliff Hunt, whose tenure significantly enhanced the company’s safety performance. Hunt brought a disciplined safety approach from his eighteen years with Chevron USA. Under his direction, recordable and lost time rates have dropped consistently over the last twenty years. As Risk Manager, he increased risk communication and inserted risk strategies into the company’s operations.

Hunt joined The Dutra Group after 18 years at Chevron USA. His academic credentials include a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of San Francisco, an MBA in Risk Management from Walden University, and the Associate in Risk Management certification from the Insurance Institute of America. Hunt devoted this last year to mentoring Wyma-Hughes in preparation for his role as Risk Manager, and has passed on a career’s worth of invaluable information and knowledge.

The transition to Wyma-Hughes’ leadership signals The Dutra Group’s continued commitment to industry-leading risk management practices and a rigorous safety culture. His legal background combined with Hunt’s legacy provides a solid foundation to guide the company’s risk strategies while delivering on critical projects.

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The Dutra Group Elevates Harry K. Stewart to CEO

christine — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:12:00 +0000

San Rafael, Calif., January 10, 2023 — The Dutra Group, one of the country’s leading heavy civil marine contractors, has named Harry K. Stewart as its Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Stewart, who previously held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Dutra, assumes his new role as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary. Bill T. Dutra, who led the company since its founding, will move into the role of Executive Chairman.

Mr. Dutra, who founded the company at age 26, is immediately recognizable by the trademark Borsalino and Stetson hats he wears in tribute to his grandfather, Antone Dutra. Over five decades of expansion, Mr. Dutra has taken the company long associated with the construction and maintenance of the extensive California Delta levee system essential to flood protection for towns and farms, as well as water projects that serve the entire state, into a diverse nation-wide dredging and marine construction company.

“I am proud of Harry Stewart, who is taking my place after 50 years leading this company as we built The Dutra Group into a fine organization committed to supporting our nation’s infrastructure and focused on our customers’ needs,” said Dutra. “I feel very confident that, with the leadership of Harry and his executive team, and all the employees at Dutra, the company will have great success for years to come.”

Stewart joined Dutra in 1983 and held various roles over the next 40 years. He assumes his new role at a time when the company’s markets are strong, with particularly strong demand for marine infrastructure work of all types and record levels of federal funding available to support that work. The company is extremely well positioned to take advantage of the marketplace because of the foundation built by Bill Dutra’s life-long dedication and vision.

“Bill’s unfettered leadership, vision, and passion have inspired all of us at The Dutra Group, and we are all fortunate to have mentored under him,” Stewart said. “I am honored and excited to work alongside our management team and everyone throughout the organization to guide this company into its next chapter and heightened prosperity into the future.”

I am honored and excited to work alongside our management team and everyone throughout the organization to guide this company into its next chapter and heightened prosperity into the future.

Stewart ascends to the CEO role at the same time as he was recognized with the prestigious 2023 “Golden Beaver” Award for Management by The Beavers, the leading association of heavy engineering contractors. The awards will be presented at a dinner in Los Angeles on January 13, featuring an address by Oakland Athletics executive vice president Billy Beane.

“I’m honored for this award, as it is given by my peers, and there is not likely a more honorable award in our industry,” Stewart said. “I’m grateful to The Beavers for this recognition, as they truly recognize what The Dutra Group has accomplished with the hard work and dedication of our entire team.”

As Executive Chairman, Bill Dutra will remain involved in building the vision for the company, including strategic planning and building the capital resources necessary for its long-term growth. That growth will enable the company to continue to play a key role in the repair and replacement of the nation’s neglected and decaying infrastructure, a top priority of the federal government.

“The Executive Chairman has a solemn responsibility to help The Dutra Group navigate for future prosperity and the highest quality of life for all of us,” Dutra said. “I am looking forward to continuing to carry on the legacy of my father and grandfather by focusing on strategic actions that, along with the leadership of Harry Stewart, will let The Dutra Group advance our leadership in this industry.”

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Meet The Dutra Group’s Four Newest Vice Presidents

christine — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 21:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to our new VPs Bryan O’Sullivan, Patty Dutra Bruce, Ryan Abood, and Will Walgren. Our Vice Presidents have demonstrated exceptional leadership, developed extremely competent department personnel, and excelled with managing risk. Each is entirely deserving of this recognition, and I look forward to a continued team effort and with outstanding results.

Join us in congratulating these fine people and support them in helping to lead The Dutra Group into our next phase of growth.

Congrats on your new role! Let’s take it back a few years, why did you choose Dutra?

WW Dutra presented an opportunity to build a career that touches on all aspects of the work we do and also allowed me to focus on the work I enjoy the most.

What do you see as the most important part of your role as a Vice President?

BOS Providing resources, guidance, and leadership to help our team work safely and efficiently.

WW Setting up the company for success in the changing marketplace and then helping to mentor the upcoming employees so they can succeed.

PD Maintaining clear lines of communication between leadership and team members so that Dutra functions effectively. The role of Human Resources is facilitating and supporting the company’s most important asset. I intend to continue my support on many levels, including fostering leadership development, mentoring team members through everyday hurdles, and being available to anyone needing to talk through difficult subjects. As part of the leadership team, I will lead by example demonstrating authenticity and honesty in every role.

RA The most important role I see as a VP is to help support growth while maintaining the safety culture that Dutra has built up over the last decade.

How has your previous experience prepared you for your new role as VP?

BOS I’ve tried to emulate what I see Bill and Harry do.

WW I’ve been able to work with everyone at the company at some point and now have established lines of communication as well as an understanding of what their needs are.

PD I have spent over twenty years at Dutra working to provide a safe working environment and industry leading benefits programs for each employee. My firsthand field experience in the safety department helps me empathize with employee needs while my recent corporate management experience provides a foundation for implementing uniform processes that support all employees. By having the support of industry human resources mentors and the trust of Dutra’s executive team, I am prepared for this exciting next step in my career.

RA Supporting Delta Operations as division manager has helped me develop the leadership required to take on this VP role. As division manager, supporting the successful management of each job is key. However, just as important to the company are the monthly forecasts, cash flows, costs to complete, equipment utilizations, and more. All these directly contribute to our relationships with the banks and bonding companies that support the company.

Who have been your strongest influences in life?

BOS My family, both at home and at Dutra.

WW The peers I’ve worked with for decades, including everyone at corporate and across the board. Everyone from corporate and across the board. You can learn things from everyone and cheat yourself when you think you can’t.

PD My father, Bill Dutra, is one of my closest friends and greatest mentors. He is both my anchor and guiding light. My father is a “myhandshake-is-my-word” guy, and I take the honor and honesty he has instilled in me to work each day. And my mother, Paula Lee Dutra, who settled for nothing less than strength and independence from me.

RA My parents taught me the importance of hard work and consistency. These attributes contributed to my nose-to-the-grindstone mentality that has helped me get to where I am today.

Our Vice Presidents have demonstrated exceptional leadership, developed extremely competent department personnel, and excelled with managing risk.

What led you to your career?

BOS I was a senior in college and saw the Dutra booth at a career fair. All the pictures of barges and water work drew me in.

WW I’ve always been interesting in building things and problem solving. Dutra has been a great fit.

PD I guess you could say I have always bled green and was bit by the family bug! Dutra and the construction industry have been a part of me for my entire life. When I was young, I spent a lot of time traveling with my father, visiting projects, and meeting with the employees. I went to work at a young age and learned the meaning of hard work. It is an environment in which I feel comfortable and the opportunity to work closely with employees daily is a dream come true. I love my job and what I do. Being a resource of support to our entire team drives me each day!

RA Growing up in the Delta along the Sacramento River I wanted to work on the water. I did not grow up knowing much about the construction industry, but was able to get a summer position with DD-M Crane & Rigging; this initial position and relationship eventually introduced me to Dutra, for which I am very grateful.

How would your friends and colleagues describe you?

BOS Cool.

WW Fair and interested in making sure that others around me are successful.

PD I hope they’d say I’m available. I make a special point of being accessible and able to take the time that each employee needs with issues they bring to the table. I strive to engage with all employees compassionately and professionally, making sure they all know they will be treated the same way.

RA Thorough, friendly, helpful, sincere, reserved.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

BOS When our crews spend an entire year without an accident. I want our team to go home safe everyday.

WW This.

PD In 2018, I was the first woman ever appointed as a trustee on the pension, annuity, health & welfare, pensioned health & welfare, and affirmative actions trusts for the Operating Engineers Local 3 Trust Fund. It has been a challenging and rewarding experience, and I am grateful for the connections and relationships I have made with my fellow trustees. Also, I am proud to be the mother of two young men, and a daily role model for them in terms of love, strength and the value of hard work.

RA Having a healthy and happy family is what I am most proud of accomplishing. This can mostly be credited to my wife, but I’ll take some credit, nonetheless. All that truly matters is having children who are kind, smart, happy, creative and great at what they love.

RA You do not need a leadership position to be a leader. For example, a first-year field engineer can own his or her position by knowing and understanding every detail of the plans and specifications. If you are knowledgeable and confident, others looking for answers will begin to see you as a leader, not because of your position, but what you bring to the table.

What is something surprising people would be interested to know about you?

WW I’m not a naturally good listener. It’s something I’ve had to learn how to do and continue to work on.

PD I have a Master’s degree in history. When I first graduated from college, I wanted to be a teacher. I care about people, and thought teaching would be a good way to support and engage the next generation.

Any advice for those seeking a leadership role at Dutra?

BOS Planning and more planning. We can never plan enough.

WW Start working on establishing peer partnerships both inside and outside the company. The people with whom I interact the most are also the people whom I’ve come up with through the ranks. You are stronger when you have a diverse set of fellow employees and industry peers who you’ve worked with over and over in different roles.

PD I encourage everyone to ask lots of questions and get involved! There is a lot of opportunity for employees and ways to make would be a good way to support and engage the next generation. Little did I know that the graduate degree in history would lead me to not only curating a family museum of dredging but continuing my practice of service in my family’s business.

RA Every year around the holidays I try to make a large batch of linguica to hand out to friends, family, and colleagues. I grind the pork, mix the seasoning, marinate the meat, stuff the casings, smoke the sausage, and pack 30 to 40 lbs. at a time.

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The Dutra Group Recruits Top Talent to Build Their Careers

christine — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 18:25:00 +0000

The Dutra Group has been hitting the road on a search for our Interns! With competition for young talent becoming more intense, career fairs are a great way to interact with emerging talent right on their own turf.

The Dutra Group offers an exceptional paid intership program for civil engineering, construction management, mechanical engineering, marine engineering technology, mining engineering, business administration, computer science and information technology (IT) students at accredited colleges and universities. Working algside experienced professionals – estimators, project engineers, superintendents and project managers – our interns gain invaluable, first-hand experience on a wide range of heavy construction and dredging projects. And we provide our interns with feedback on their work!

At The Dutra Group, we build careers by providing opportunities for development. Dutra is about commitment. It’s a function of our people and the character of our brand.

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Career Development Training with The Dutra Group

christine — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 13:16:00 +0000

Educational Assistance Program

The Dutra Group encourages employees to take advantage of educational opportunities. Whether it’s college classes to complete an accounting degree or tutoring to obtain a Professional Engineer license, we are happy to offer employees access to annual funding assistance in support of their individual educational goals. With tuition fees going up, the company raised the annual assistance limits available. Thanks to what we’ve learned from past surveys, The Dutra Group has made changes to our benefits structure to better serve our people’s needs.

After a nearly two-year COVID hiatus, Dutra will be rebooting the CLIMB program, which provides educational sessions and case studies designed to take employees’ business and leadership skills to the next level.

CLIMB

After a nearly two-year COVID hiatus, The Dutra Group will be rebooting the CLIMB program, which provides educational sessions and case studies designed to take employees’ business and leadership skills to the next level. We have worked closely with an outside consultant to develop customized training sessions that address critical leadership issues and other topics relevant to our business.

The CLIMB program represents a significant company investment in the training and development of our employees. We are delighted to be able to reboot this program and again make available the opportunities it provides. We look forward to getting the Team back together and resuming the CLIMB experience.

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The Dutra Group Prioritizes Employee Needs and Growth

christine — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 12:43:00 +0000

When Dutra employees speak, the company listens! Their voices help us better understand their needs, and they are critical to our focus on retention.

The best way to find out what employee needs are is to just ask! Which we do every year. Our annual benefits survey helps us better understand what’s working well for our employees and what isn’t. Thanks to what we’ve learned from past surveys, The Dutra Group has made changes to our benefits structure to better serve our people’s needs.

After all, what is the value of benefits and develop programs if they aren’t meeting employees’ needs?

Most recently, employees let us know they wanted more paid time off and an increased employer match in our 401(k) plan. The Dutra Group delivered on both! Other changes over the years have included adding lower-cost options for our medical plans, strengthening our vision and dental benefits, and enhancing our educational assistance program.

We recently added in Vitro Fertilization (IVF) benefits to several of our medical plans. As a family business, The Dutra Group knows the importance of supporting our employees’ growing families as well as offering assistance to those who need support to start a family.

In addition to benefits, The Dutra Group is committed to our employees’ development and career growth. How else could we accomplish this, but by investing in our people? We work to enhance employees’ education and development through two key initiatives–our Educational Assistance Program and the internal leadership development program we call CLIMB (Continued Leadership Instruction for Managing Business).

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