1

Barge Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$21.50 - $28.50/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$31.48 - $34.84/hr

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement ...

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Description The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to ...

Excavator Operator

Orange, TX · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Position and reposition barge or spud platform as work progresses * Coordinate with survey crews ... Valid excavator operator certification/experience (2+ years preferred, dredging-specific experience ...

Excavator Operator

Orange, TX · On-site

$21.25 - $28.25/hr

Position and reposition barge or spud platform as work progresses * Coordinate with survey crews ... Valid excavator operator certification/experience (2+ years preferred, dredging-specific experience ...

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge ... Excavator Operator position, please click APPLY NOW to submit your application. To view ...

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge ... the Excavator Operator position, please clickAPPLY NOW to submit your application. To view ...

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge ... Excavator Operator position, please clickAPPLY NOWtosubmityour application. To ...

Excavator Operator

Buford, GA · On-site

$20.50 - $27.25/hr

Perform routine cleaning and maintenance of the deck and equipment, including cleaning deck/barge ... Excavator Operator position, please clickAPPLY NOWtosubmityour application. To ...

Perform daily maintenance of crane, barge, and propulsion equipment * Troubleshoot any issues ... excavators. * Follow all company safety policies and procedures. * Operate equipment in an ...

Perform daily maintenance of crane, barge, and propulsion equipment * Troubleshoot any issues ... excavators. * Follow all company safety policies and procedures. * Operate equipment in an ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Barge Excavator Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do barge excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for barge excavator operator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a barge excavator operator?

Barge Excavator Operators are skilled professionals who operate excavators mounted on barges to perform dredging, excavation, and material handling tasks in aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, and harbors. They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy machinery to remove sediment, debris, or other materials from the waterway. Their duties also include maintaining equipment, following safety procedures, and collaborating with other crew members on the barge. This role is vital for construction, maintenance, and environmental projects involving waterways.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a barge excavator operator?

To thrive as a Barge Excavator Operator, you need solid experience in operating heavy equipment, particularly excavators, as well as a thorough understanding of safety regulations and waterway operations, often supported by relevant certifications. Proficiency in using GPS guidance systems, hydraulic controls, and maintenance tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills help operators safely coordinate with crew members and adapt to changing site conditions. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and effective excavation work on water-based construction projects.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by a barge excavator operator, and how can they be managed effectively?

Barge Excavator Operators often encounter challenges such as working in changing weather conditions, maintaining balance and stability on the water, and communicating effectively with team members on both the barge and shore. Managing these challenges requires strong situational awareness, adherence to safety protocols, and clear communication using radios or hand signals. Staying up to date with equipment maintenance and regularly participating in safety training can also help operators perform their duties safely and efficiently.

What is the difference between Barge Excavator Operator vs Crane Operator?

AspectBarge Excavator OperatorCrane Operator
CertificationsHeavy equipment operation, crane or excavator licensesCrane operation licenses, rigging certifications
Work EnvironmentMarine, waterfront, or port sites on bargesConstruction sites, ports, or industrial settings
Industry UsageMaritime, shipping, port operationsConstruction, infrastructure, shipping

Both roles require heavy equipment operation certifications and involve working in industrial environments. Barge Excavator Operators focus on excavating and moving materials on water-based platforms, while Crane Operators handle lifting and moving heavy loads using cranes. The choice depends on the specific industry and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Barge Excavator Operator jobs?

For Barge Excavator Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Barge Excavator Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 91% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Excavator Operator

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Barge Mounted Excavator

The Barge Mounted Excavator position is responsible for operating, repairing, and preventive maintenance of the barge mounted excavator. Primary task of operation being but not limited to placement of rock from barges. This position may require operation of other heavy equipment such as front-end loaders, off road dump trucks, bulldozers, and various other types of heavy equipment used in civil engineering. Barge mounted excavator operators primary function is unloading and placing rock in the Inland and Western waterways. Successful candidate must be able to work and communicate well with tender boat crew and line boat crew. This position requires the ability to recognize hazards, communicate such hazards to supervisors, have an understanding of river conditions, the ability to recognize marine rigging and evaluate conditions.

Successful candidate must have the attitude and ability to establish and maintain positive and effective relationships with all crewmembers. This position also requires effective communication skills. The Barge Mounted Excavator Operator along with the assigned SSHO, will participate in Safety Huddles, Safety Meetings and assist in the development of Job Safety Analysis's (JSA'S) to fulfill our goal of "Incident Free Operations".

A minimum of two years' experience with working in a marine environment on the Inland waterways and especially the Mississippi River is beneficial. Position will consist of severe duty marine conditions including inclement weather.

Pay will be commensurate with experience. Competitive benefit package available with employer participation including health, dental, and life insurance as well as 401K retirement savings plan after waiting period.

Successful applicant must complete on-boarding physical and exertion function tests with physical therapist after acceptance of offer to evaluate ability to meet the physical essential functions of the position.

Minimum of three years of heavy (min. 80,000 lb.) equipment operator experience.

Must have the ability and be willing to work outside in extreme weather conditions.

Must have ability and willingness to work 10-12 hours per day.

Flexibility and willingness to work extended duty or "hitch" as work and conditions require.

Ability and willingness to perform manual labor including, ability to climb ladders, stairs, perform repetitive bending and stooping.

Must be comfortable working over and adjacent to water and willingness to participate in water rescue.

Must possess High school diploma or GED.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Must be available for consistent duty.

Must provide transportation to the assigned job location.

Pine Bluff Sand and Gravel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and takes Affirmative Action for Females/Veterans/Minorities/Disabled. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact ApplicantAssist@pbsgc.com or call 1-888-870-8296.

This employment position may be considered a Safety Sensitive Position related to the operation of equipment or working in proximity of operating equipment, working over or adjacent to water, working at a height, or a particular assignment regulated by license, credential, or contract which stipulates the position or work as Safety Sensitive.