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Assistant Dredging Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Dredging information

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Dredging professionals, and how can they be overcome?

Assistant Dredging professionals often encounter challenges such as working in harsh weather conditions, coordinating with multiple teams on-site, and adhering to strict environmental and safety regulations. To overcome these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication with supervisors and crew members, stay updated on safety protocols, and adapt quickly to changing site conditions. Building strong teamwork skills and being proactive in problem-solving can greatly contribute to both personal success and the overall efficiency of dredging operations.

What are Assistant Dredging jobs?

Assistant Dredging jobs involve supporting dredging operations, which typically means helping to remove sediment, debris, or other materials from the bottom of rivers, harbors, or other bodies of water. As an assistant, responsibilities may include operating equipment under supervision, maintaining machinery, assisting with site setup, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. This role often requires physical labor and attention to detail, as well as the ability to work as part of a team in outdoor and sometimes challenging environments. Assistant Dredging positions can be a good entry point into the maritime or construction industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Dredging Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Dredging Operator, you need a basic understanding of dredging operations, machinery handling, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with specialized dredging equipment, GPS navigation systems, and compliance with environmental and maritime regulations is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you coordinate safely and efficiently on site. These skills ensure dredging projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Assistant Dredging vs Dredge Operator?

AspectAssistant DredgingDredge Operator
CredentialsCertifications in safety, basic equipment operationCertifications in dredging equipment operation, possibly licenses
Work EnvironmentSupport roles on dredging sites, assisting with equipment and safetyOperate dredging machinery directly in water environments
Industry UsageCommonly employed in dredging projects, supporting operational teamsPrimary role in executing dredging operations

Assistant Dredging and Dredge Operator roles are closely related but differ mainly in responsibility. Assistant Dredging supports the operation, while Dredge Operators handle the machinery directly. Both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments, but the Dredge Operator has more technical and operational responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dredging jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Dredging jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Dredging jobs in Virginia? For Assistant Dredging jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Dredging jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Dredging jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Assistant Dredging jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Assistant Dredging job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Dredging job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Structural Engineer - Waterfront - Marine

Structural Engineer - Waterfront - Marine

VHB

Williamsburg, VA • Hybrid

$115K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


VHB rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

272nd of 442 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

ABOUT THE POSITION

For the second year in a row, VHB proudly celebrates our selection as a 2026 U.S. Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private* and The Wall Street Journal, the Best Managed Company program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies demonstrating excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture and governance/financial performance. This year, 63 companies across the U.S. have been recognized, with VHB being one of only two AEC firms honored.

We're actively looking for Senior Level Waterfront Engineers to join our growing team. This fully supported role does have some flexibility on location within the VHB footprint. This position will assist with the planning, permitting and design of waterfront and coastal infrastructure throughout our footprint. Projects would vary, but include design of marinas, piers, bulkheads, seawall, revetments and marine terminal structures, and living shoreline stabilization.

The ideal candidate for this position will have technical experience in designing and permitting a variety of waterfront projects and be a licensed professional engineer. The candidate who fills this position will join a high performing team that provides clients with multi-disciplinary engineering and science-based solutions to coastal management challenges including coastal/waterfront engineering, coastal flood risk, resiliency and adaptation design, and dredged material management.

Responsibilities

  • Successfully support ongoing Waterfront/Coastal practice projects and business development efforts.
  • Assist in the development of qualifications and proposals for waterfront infrastructure and coastal resilience -related RFPs.
  • Assist and ultimately manage and perform engineering analysis, preliminary, and detail design of waterfront/coastal structures.
  • Assist and ultimately manage projects (scope, budget, schedule) and work with sub-consultants and team members and assure quality control of work throughout project execution, including:
    • all aspects for the design and permitting of waterfront developments including piers, marinas and boardwalks
    • analysis and design of structures for flood and erosion control such as seawalls, bulkheads, revetments and breakwaters, wave fences and fendering, and private and waterfront recreation structures such as fishing piers, marina docking structures, and boat launch ramps
    • contributing to living shoreline erosion solutions designs
    • conducting/reviewing technical analyses/calculations
    • completing mooring and berthing analyses and design
    • dredging design and permitting
    • preparation of project specifications, bid and contract documents
    • construction contract administration
    • site inspections and reports

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Civil, Structural, Waterfront, or Coastal Engineering. MS degree preferred.
  • 8-11 years of experience in Waterfront Engineering, including associated geotechnical and structural analysis.
  • Professional Engineer required, or ability to obtain within 6 months.
  • Knowledge of the regulatory processes in Rhode Island is preferred.
  • Experience with project delivery for multiple Federal, State and local coastal agencies/clients, specific experience with USACE, FEMA, USGS, NOAA preferred.
  • Knowledge of FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and experience implementing FEMA's coastal flood hazard analysis and mapping methodologies.
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Demonstrated technical and analytical skills, including technical writing and presentation skills.

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Boston/Watertown, MA is $115,000-150,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

 

Building what's next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

 

When you join VHB, you'll find:

  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We're growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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#LI-Hybrid

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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