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Barge Excavator Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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... barge transportation, vessel support, and industrial maintenance. We are committed to safety ... Safely operate front-end loaders, excavators, skid steers, forklifts, telehandlers, material ...

The Barge Foreman is a skilled professional who leads and participates in the construction ... Responsible for operating a variety of heavy equipment, such as barges, cranes, excavators, and ...

... stevedoring, barge, marine, and logistics services. With operations based along the lower ... Do you have experience operating excavators, payloaders and bulldozers? Do you enjoy working ...

... Barge/Terminal locations) * Driver's License required for positions in specific regions only * Experience Heavy equipment operator with backhoes, Payloaders, skid steers, and mini excavators ADM ...

... Barge/Terminal locations) * Driver's License required for positions in specific regions only * Experience Heavy equipment operator with backhoes, Payloaders, skid steers, and mini excavators ADM ...

Do you have experience operating excavators, payloaders and bulldozers? Do you enjoy working ... Perform cover handling; may perform barge cover handling/barge drafting. * Operate other equipment ...

Forklift Operator

Hockley, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Marine Services VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and ... This role involves operating heavy equipment such as loaders and excavators, as well as powered ...

Forklift Operator

Hockley, TX · On-site

$15.25 - $18/hr

Marine Services VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and ... This role involves operating heavy equipment such as loaders and excavators, as well as powered ...

Showing results 21-40

Barge Excavator Operator information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do barge excavator operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 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.

Crawler Crane Operator (2ND SHIFT)

Houston, TX

Southwest Shipyard Lp
Water Transportation • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

 
SUMMARY OF COMPANY

Southwest Shipyard, LP provides gas freeing and cleaning services, steaming, and flaring services, Barge and boat repair, Surface preparation and painting, water treatment and new construction services to the commercial and government marine industry. Southwest Shipyard owns and operates four (4) shipyards in South Texas with direct deep-water access to the Gulf of Mexico. We take pride in our dedicated and experienced workforce that focuses on Quality, Safety and Environmental Excellence. Our motto is Faster, Safer, Better.

 Role and Responsibilities

This position is accountable for supporting field operations at assigned project location. Employees operate a variety of friction or hydraulic lattice boom cranes ranging from 50 ton to 150 ton in the construction or repair of barges, boats, and/or ferries. Works as assigned by the Project Manager and/or Barge Repair Supervisor(s) to assist the project team in ensuring timely and successful completion of Barge Repair project. Typically, they will work closely with Welders, Laborers, and/or other skilled or semi-skilled craft workers.


Night Shift will train during the day shift for the first few weeks.

Must be available for overtime and weekends


 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Operates assigned heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize the risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life.
  • Maneuvers and positions loads over designated areas in a smooth, safe manner.
  • Utilizes load charts to ensure lifts are performed within the determined load and radius capabilities of the crane.
  • Assists in the assembly and disassembly of the crane installation of boom and hoisting cables on the crane.
  • Performs maintenance duties such as cleaning, greasing, oiling, and fueling of assigned equipment.
  • Performs daily equipment inspection of crane and recognizes possible problem areas such as worn cables, worn bands on hoisting mechanisms, broken gears, housing, etc.; Advises Foreman of any requirements for maintenance or repairs.
  • Ensures that crane is properly secured upon the work barge prior to moving from one work location to another and otherwise demonstrates safe work practices in all aspects of crane operation.
  • Ensures the crane has adequate ground bearing capacity to ensure the stability of the crane throughout lifting activities.
  • Is responsible for all rigging and the method in which loads are rigged.
  • Works closely with site management and workers to complete projects in a safe, efficient, and timely manner.
  • Performs crane operator duties and rigging functions associated with lifting operations.
  • Makes precise load placements where exact movements are necessary to position the load accurately and safely under complex and adverse conditions.
  • Works with and assists crew in excavation activities which may include hoisting material, tools, equipment, and/or any related work.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
  • Participates in Safety and Environmental initiatives that will contribute to compliance of State/Federal regulations and improve existing Company programs.
  • Responsible and accountable for employees own personal safety, as well as the safety of all co-workers and any others employee encounters.
  • Authorized and obligated to stop work on any task or series of tasks whenever an unsafe condition or situation is anticipated or is observed; Alerts Foreman, Safety Officer, or Human Resources to observed safety issues.
  • This position may require long hours and weekend work.
Qualifications and Education Requirements
  • 3-5 years experience operating hydraulic cranes required; High school diploma or equivalent; or minimum of three (3) years related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training which provides the necessary crane operator skills, knowledge and abilities is required.

The employee must:

  • Demonstrate ability to operate equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of construction rigging standards: use of slings, cable chokers, spreader bars, multi-part load blocks, etc.
  • Demonstrate ability to read, understand and use crane load charts to determine load and radius capabilities of assigned equipment.
  • Demonstrate ability to follow instructions and make decisions based on safety and operational standards of assigned equipment.
  • Demonstrate ability to read and write.
  • Competencies: Stress management/Composure, Communication proficiency, Teamwork orientation, Results driven
  • Knowledge of proper use of equipment, materials, and supplies used on Barge Repair projects.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem-solve and draw conclusions.
  • Working knowledge of Shipyard operations preferred.

 Preferred Skills

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable workplace accommodation. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical parts, and regularly works in outside weather conditions.

The individual must properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. This includes hard hat, safety glasses, reflective vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, personal flotation devices (PFDs), or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being conducted.

In addition, Crane Operators must also be capable of:

  • Walking, stepping, climbing, or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, which may be of varying heights and access parameters.
  • Accessing and exiting machines safely.
  • Standing, stooping, bending, crouching, kneeling, squatting, climbing, or sitting for long periods of time.
  • Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work.
  • Climbing vertical ladders of a height of 6ft or greater.
  • Working in confined work areas and/or elevated heights.
  • Lifting objects of minimum of 10lbs, with maximum single-person lift limit of 50lbs, with frequent lifting and carrying.
  • Adapting to temperature changes, outdoor conditions, and prolonged exposure to dusty, wet, or humid conditions, loud noises, and vibration.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus; 20/20 vision (naturally or with corrective lenses). Must be able to pass Crane Operator Physical.



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