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Dredge Jobs in Nebraska (NOW HIRING)

Dredge information

See Nebraska salary details

$15

$34

$39

How much do dredge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredge in Nebraska is $34.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $36.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

How to become a dredge worker?

To become a dredge worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require experience operating heavy machinery or equipment used in dredging. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety procedures, physical stamina, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA safety training; some positions may also require a commercial driver's license or specialized technical training.

Is dredge a hard job?

Dredge operators perform physically demanding work often in outdoor environments, operating heavy machinery such as dredgers and pumps. The job requires attention to safety protocols, technical skills, and sometimes working long or irregular hours, making it physically and mentally challenging.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Dredge job openings in Nebraska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $71,454 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Company Background
Western Sand & Gravel, an affiliated NEBCO Company, mines aggregates along the Platte River near Ashland, Louisville, and Fremont, Nebraska. Concrete aggregate makes up 70 percent of the mines' product. For more information, visit www.westernsand.com.

NEBCO, Inc.
NEBCO's story has been one of longevity, diversity and continued growth. NEBCO is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, with more than 1,100 employees spanning 50 locations across Nebraska.  Since 1908 NEBCO has grown to become one of Nebraska's most diversified and successful privately-owned businesses.  For more information about NEBCO, visit www.nebcoinc.com.

Position Summary
We are looking for reliable, hard working plant operators at our Fremont pit and our Ashland plants. Plant Operators are responsible for providing plant production control through equipment production, maintenance, and mechanical support. Must abide by Company Safety Program and Policies, while performing duties safely. Consistent and reliable attendance is required.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ensures safe and efficient operation of the plant through maintenance, inspection and repair of the equipment and operating conditions of the plant. Immediately report any equipment or plant damages or hazards to equipment.

Must be able to work at the various plants based on production & business need.

Assists in performing preventative maintenance on equipment.

Operates plant based on production schedules to assure appropriate sequence of operations.

Keep plant facilities clean and safe for efficient operation. Keep tools and supplies clean and organized.

Maintain inspection logs and assure maintenance is completed in a timely manner.

Assure all Lockout/Tagout program/policies for WS&G are developed and implemented while assuring personnel follow safe lockout/tagout procedures.

Use a skid-loader and/or loader to work around the plant and dredge.

Will be trained to perform backup as needed on dredges and loaders.

Assure the next shift operator is informed of plant status. 

Education and Experience

  • Associates Degree in related field; and 
  • 3 months previous experience with heavy equipment; or
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

Certificates, Licenses

  • Valid Driver's License

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to occasionally lift and/or move between 25-70 pounds.

Benefits Include

  • Retirement Plans
  • PAID Holidays
  • Insurance Benefits
  • Wellness Program - with the opportunity to earn five additional days off
  • PAID Time Off
  • On the Job Training

Condition of Employment
Candidate is required to meet the above qualifications, task frequency and PPE requirements. Approval of pre-employment reference & background checks, and post offer drug/alcohol testing with fit for employment screening (if required) are conditions of employment.