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Dredge Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Operator/Maintenance - Oxford, MI

Oxford, MI · On-site

$26.46/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Operate mobile equipment such as excavator, bulldozer, loader and dredge * Complete various functions such as digging pits, loading trucks, feeding hopper and bins with materials * Load trucks with ...

Operator/Maintenance - Oxford, MI

Oxford, MI · On-site

$26.46/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

Operate mobile equipment such as excavator, bulldozer, loader and dredge * Complete various functions such as digging pits, loading trucks, feeding hopper and bins with materials * Load trucks with ...

Operate mobile equipment such as excavator, bulldozer, loader and dredge * Complete various functions such as digging pits, loading trucks, feeding hopper and bins with materials * Load trucks with ...

Dredge information

See Michigan salary details

$13

$31

$36

How much do dredge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredge in Michigan is $31.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.19 and $33.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a typical work environment like for a dredge operator?

Dredge operators usually work outdoors on watercraft, barges, or platforms, often in varying weather conditions and remote maritime locations. The role can require shift work, including nights, weekends, or extended stays on site, depending on project needs and schedules. You’ll often work as part of a small, close-knit crew where clear communication and safety protocols are extremely important. While the environment can be physically demanding, it offers hands-on, rewarding work for those who enjoy both teamwork and operating specialized heavy equipment.

What is a dredge?

A dredge job involves operating equipment to excavate and remove sediment, debris, or other materials from bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and harbors. Dredging is essential for maintaining navigable waterways, preventing flooding, and supporting construction or environmental projects. Operators control dredging machinery, monitor excavation progress, and ensure safe and efficient operations. This role often requires working in challenging conditions and may involve teamwork with engineers and marine specialists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a dredge position?

To excel as a dredge operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of marine operations, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with operating heavy dredging equipment, understanding navigational systems, and certifications such as a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) are often required. Attention to safety, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills in this field. These abilities are vital for effective, safe, and efficient dredging operations in challenging marine environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dredge jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Dredge jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Dredge jobs in Michigan?

For Dredge jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dredge jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Dredge jobs in Michigan are:

Infographic showing various Dredge job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,320 per year, or $31.4 per hour.

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Handex is on the move!
Are you ready to put your industrial hydraulic dredging skills to the test?
If your answer is yes, then let's talk. Handex is preparing for new projects and seeking Field Dredge Operators for our Industrial Services Team.
As a Dredge Operator, you will be part of our Industrial Services Team, assisting with dewatering and processing operations at our clients various sites. Once project is completed, you will have an opportunity to be placed at other client locations in the North/Southeast and Midwest regions.
Handex Consulting & Remediation, LLC is a full-service environmental company focused on providing professional environmental consulting, remediation, construction and sludge dewatering services in the United States. Founded in 1968, we have over 58+ years of experience and have no intention of slowing down!
What will be my responsibilities?
  • Under the direction of the PM or site foreman, you will operate hydraulic/electrical, auger, or mechanical dredging systems for sludge removal in ponds, lagoons, and containment areas at assigned projects.
  • Set up, position, operate and maintain dredging systems (pumps, pipelines, floats, anchors).
  • Control dredge depth, swing, and production rates for efficient solids removal.
  • Assess sludge characteristics and adjust methods to maximize recovery and minimize water entrainment.
  • Coordinate with dewatering operations (centrifuge/filter press) to maintain steady feed.
  • Monitor flow rates, pressures, and solids concentration; adjust to meet production targets.
  • Manage discharge lines and production logs to ensure proper material transfer to downstream processes (volumes, conditions, equipment performance).
  • Learn and follow all safety protocols (confined space, lockout/tagout, site requirements) at all times.
  • Support mobilization/demobilization and keep work areas clean and organized
  • Accurately maintain and promptly process expenses and timesheets.
  • Consistently represent Handex in a professional manner while assigned to projects, collaborating effectively with teammates, and maintaining respectful and positive working relationships with the team.

Requirements
Skills needed for project success:
  • High school diploma/GED.
  • 1-3 years of experience operating hydraulic/electric dredge systems equipment to clean out basins, ponds and lagoons in an industrial environment.
  • Commit to project duration and work a 6-day work week and 12-hour shifts (day/night as needed). Flexibility with a rotational schedule and overtime until project completion.
  • Reliable vehicle is a must with a valid driver license in good standing as well as a Real ID or valid passport.
  • Willingness to travel to client's project sites as required.
  • Comfortable being in an industrial setting both indoors and outside, confined spaces as well as being able to lift 50 lbs or more.
  • TWIC card required.
  • OSHA 40 a plus. If not will be required to take.
  • Excellent customer service skills, reliability and dependable along with a can-do attitude is a must.
  • Required to pass pre-employment background checks (physical/drug/alcohol/criminal).

Salary Range:$25.00 to $28.00 an hour plus OT.
Benefits of joining Handex:
  • Competitive compensation.
  • Per Diem and Lodging.
  • Excellent benefits, and 401(k).
  • Holiday and vacation time off.
  • Career and development opportunities.
  • Be a valued and respected member of the team.

Handex Consulting & Remediation, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.
To learn more about Handex, please view our website at www.hcr-llc.com