Dredging Deckhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Duties Description Reporting to a Canal Maintenance Supervisor, or higher-level supervisor, the incumbent of this position will be required to operate gasoline or diesel driven heavy construction equipment in the repair and maintenance of the Canal waterways. The duties of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Operates commercial vehicles with trailers exceeding 10,000 pounds GVW, including tractor trailers, flatbeds, and lowboys.
• Transports heavy equipment using a lowboy or trailer.
• Operates all equipment as assigned and utilizes all hand tools normally stocked in tool complement.
• Keeps records of supplies and materials; truck reports; and other reports, as required.
• Operates barge-mounted heavy equipment, such as excavators, for dredging, stone armoring of waterway embankments, and offloading sediment from barges.
• Oversees deckhands on a mechanical dredging crew during dredging operations.
• Operates heavy construction equipment such as excavators, dozers, and off-road dump trucks for maintenance of dredge spoil disposal sites.
Minimum Qualifications Non-Competitive: possession of a valid New York State Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) AND two years of experience operating heavy construction equipment
Employee must possess a valid CDL A with Air Brake Endorsement license to operate a motor vehicle in NYS at the time of appointment and continuously maintain it thereafter or face possible disciplinary action up to and including termination.
***Please note that US Coast Guard or OTEDA Drug Testing is required for these positions.***
Prior to appointment, the candidate must successfully complete pre-employment drug screening appropriate to the duties and responsibilities assigned. External candidates who cannot successfully complete the drug testing requirements may not be offered employment and/or have their job offer rescinded. Internal candidates (current employees) who do not successfully complete the pre-employment drug testing requirements may be subject to administrative action up to and including termination.
** Please note that once appointed, this position is included in a random drug testing pool and therefore employees will be required to submit to random, periodic drug testing for the duration of their service in positions included in a random drug testing pool. **
Additional Comments The New York State Canal Corporation offers its employees a generous and comprehensive benefits plan, which includes:
Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Nine (9) paid holidays annually
• Four (4) paid floating holidays annually
• Earn up to thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave annually
• Earn five (5) days of paid personal leave annually
• Earn up to thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually
Health Benefits
• Participation in the New York State Health Insurance Program (NYSHIP) and access to their variety of affordable health insurance options
• Pre-Tax contribution program
• Dental and Vision benefits at no additional cost
• Opt-Out incentive program
• Flex Spending Account (FSA)
Additional Benefits
• CSEA representation and access to their benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional development and promotional opportunities
• Qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• New York State Employees' Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• And many more...
The New York State Canal Corporation (Canals), a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the 524-mile waterway for boating, recreation, tourism and agriculture. The New York State Canal System includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals, linking the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The 200-year-old NYS Canal System extends over 524 miles and plays important roles in New York's economic development, tourism industry and environmental stewardship.
For more information on The New York State Canal Corporation's mission, values and opportunities, please visit https://www.canals.ny.gov/
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Recruitment@canals.ny.gov
Telephone 518-449-6003
Fax
Email Address Recruitment@canals.ny.gov
Address
Street 30 South Pearl St. Fl. 5
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12207
Notes on Applying Interested candidates who meet the minimum qualifications should send a cover letter and resume by the application deadline of July 29, 2026, to Recruitment@canals.ny.gov. Please include the position title, "Construction Equipment Operator Heavy - Waterford - Floating Plant #04708", in the subject line of your e-mail to ensure receipt of your application.
The New York Power Authority/New York State Canal Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.
The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates' disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.
Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide his or her current compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from the candidate before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov.