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Dredge Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

We have immediate needs for a Crane Operator with Dredge/Clamshell experience. Must be willing to travel between Baltimore and Norfolk, and work 12-hour shifts with an extended work schedule. SUMMARY ...

We have immediate needs for a Crane Operator with Dredge/Clamshell experience. Must be willing to travel between Baltimore and Norfolk, and work 12-hour shifts with an extended work schedule. SUMMARY ...

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services ...

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in 1986 and headquartered in Norfolk, VA. We specialize in providing reliable and efficient maritime support services ...

Tugboat Mate

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$600 - $675/day

Benefits: * 401(k) * Competitive salary * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Vision insurance * 401(k) matching About us Robbins Maritime, Inc. is a leading tug and barge company, established in ...

Dredge information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$35

$40

How much do dredge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredge in Virginia is $35.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.33 and $37.64 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 the most commonly searched types of Dredge jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Dredge jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Dredge job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,300 per year, or $35.7 per hour.

Crane Operator (Dredge)

Kokosing

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Kokosing rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Kokosing (www.kokosing.biz) is one of America's 50 largest General Contractors and services a broad spectrum of clients in both the private and public business sectors. Kokosing's services include heavy civil/industrial construction such as highways, bridges, underground utilities, water/wastewater facilities, and marine construction. For over 75 years, Kokosing has successfully attracted the most qualified technical personnel in the construction industry by offering visible challenges, superior quality, and attractive rewards. With over $2.8 billion in annual sales and a commitment to its workforce, Kokosing is the winning team.

Job Description:

We have immediate needs for aCrane OperatorwithDredge/Clamshellexperience. Must be willing to travel between Baltimore and Norfolk, and work 12-hour shifts with an extended work schedule.

SUMMARY

Operates lattice boom crawler (Manitowoc 4000 and Liebherr 895) to run dredge rig.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESinclude the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Checks all fluids before starting engine.
  • Levels crane using inside cab controls and levelling bubble.
  • Observes load rigging or hookup and determines safety of load using load chart.
  • Always operates within parameters of load chart.
  • Understands and makes use of standard hand signals.
  • Manipulates or depresses crane controls such as pedals, levers, and buttons, to regulate speed and direction of crane and hoist movement.
  • Operates in a smooth and controlled manner.
  • Uses hoisting attachments such as hook, sling, electromagnet, or bucket as load requires.
  • Cleans and maintains crane and hoisting mechanism.
  • Inspects crane for defective parts and notifies supervisor of defects or malfunctions immediately.
  • Operates crane in a safe, responsible manner.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

NCCCO (or CIC) with LBC designation required, TLL designation preferred.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

  • Level and position crane for a pick.
  • Must be able to determine weight of item being picked. Must check charts to see if item is within weight limits of crane.
  • Lift and set various objects as needed.

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

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Four to ten years related experience and/or training. Experience must be commensurate with requirements of project (e.g. bridge or utility experience, use of hydraulic or friction crane), and therefore will vary by project.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

English. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Average: must be able to calculate safe load levels from charts provided.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Use of arms, hands for feet for loader controls 100%of the time. Climb on and off machinery as necessary. Sit on machinery 100% of time. Stoop or kneel at least once per day to do routine maintenance on machinery. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Tolerate some vibration produced by machinery. Tolerate movement over rough terrain at times.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and talk or hear. The employee must regularly work or walk on uneven ground or onboard floating equipment. Access and egress to barges, boats and piers requires ability to do so from moving surfaces due to water motion. Must have good vision and hearing for details at close range or in the distance.

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

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Construction sites may be in isolated areas but are mostly in tight, high traffic areas; high activity level - around other equipment and workers.

Expected base pay range for this positions is: $39.00/hr - $45.00/hr

This compensation range is specific to the job level and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to: education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. The range has been created in good faith based on information known to Kokosing at the time of the posting. Compensation decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each case. This salary range does not include any potential incentive pay or benefits, however, such information will be provided separately when appropriate.

BENEFITS

Kokosing offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, life, and disability insurance, paid time off and a 401K plan.

Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.


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