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Dredging Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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Dredging information

See Kansas salary details

$12

$23

$37

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Kansas is $23.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is dredging?

Dredging is the process of removing sediment, debris, and other materials from the bottom of bodies of water such as rivers, harbors, and canals. Professionals in dredging operate specialized equipment to excavate these materials, helping to maintain navigable waterways, prevent flooding, and support construction or environmental restoration projects. Their work ensures safe passage for ships, protects shorelines, and can also contribute to land reclamation and wetland restoration efforts.

What does a dredging operator do?

Dredging jobs focus on the removal of sediment from water routes, including streams, rivers, lakes, and artificially created areas. In this role, you operate a large piece of equipment known as a dredge. You also coordinate with a safety engineer and otherwise help ensure marine traffic can continue to work as normal. Many regions also dredge areas that host fish and wildlife, helping to ensure that the area remains safe for aquatic life. Outside of waterway cleaning, people sometimes hire dredges to create new waterways, excavate areas for future work, reclaim damaged areas, deepen existing waterways, or perform other maintenance. Dredging jobs often require traveling to different areas to work as needed, so you may be away from home for extended periods while on the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a dredging operator?

To thrive as a Dredging Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of dredging techniques, and relevant certifications such as a heavy equipment operator license or maritime credentials. Familiarity with GPS navigation systems, dredging machinery, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help operators adapt to changing conditions and maintain project efficiency. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe operations, minimizing environmental impact, and meeting project goals in marine and waterway construction.

What are some of the common challenges faced by professionals working in dredging operations?

Professionals in dredging often face challenges such as working in variable weather conditions, maintaining equipment in harsh marine environments, and adhering to strict environmental and safety regulations. Dredging projects can also require coordination with multiple stakeholders, including port authorities, marine engineers, and environmental agencies, which makes strong communication skills essential. Additionally, project timelines can be impacted by unexpected technical issues or regulatory changes, so adaptability and problem-solving abilities are highly valued in this role.

What is the difference between Dredging vs Excavation?

AspectDredgingExcavation
Primary PurposeRemoving sediment and debris from water bodiesDigging and removing earth from land surfaces
Work EnvironmentWaterways, ports, harborsConstruction sites, land development
Required CertificationsHeavy equipment operation, safety certificationsHeavy equipment operation, safety certifications
Industry UsageMaritime, environmental managementConstruction, infrastructure projects

While both dredging and excavation involve earth-moving activities, dredging focuses on removing sediment from water bodies to maintain navigability or environmental health, whereas excavation involves digging land for construction or development projects. Understanding these differences helps in selecting the right skill set and equipment for each task.

How do you become a dredging professional?

To become a dredging professional, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in dredging operations. Relevant skills include knowledge of heavy machinery, safety procedures, and environmental regulations, and certifications such as OSHA safety training are often required.

Is dredging a hard job?

Dredging is physically demanding work that often involves operating heavy machinery in challenging outdoor environments. It requires technical skills, safety awareness, and sometimes certifications, making it a job that can be considered physically and technically challenging.
More about Dredging jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Dredging jobs in Kansas?

The most popular types of Dredging jobs in Kansas are:

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For Dredging jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dredging jobs in Kansas look for?

The top searched job categories for Dredging jobs in Kansas are:

Dredging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,523 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Dredge Operation Superintendent

Bettis Companies

Coolidge, KS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

In 1979, Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc. began with a paving and maintenance operation and a dedication to service. Today the organization operates several lines of business that can cover all areas of need in a construction project.

The Bettis Group of Companies today include Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc., Bettis Asphalt & Construction Western Division, Mid-States Materials, LLC, Capital Trucking, LLC, Bettis Contractors, Inc., Bettis Fabrication, Capital Crane, LLC, Capital Ready-Mix, LLC, Heartland Rail Services, Koss Construction Company, Midwest Pavement Grinding, LLC, and PCI Mechanical Services. From rock to road, construction to cranes, our ability to handle a complete job ensures both the best price and the best quality.

Bettis Companies hires the industry's top professionals. Our crews are comprised of individuals who share the same commitment to quality, service, safety, and family. At Bettis, we self-perform the majority of tasks, maintaining strict safety and quality control. Our client list grows steadily because we understand the importance of developing long-term relationships built on trust, performance, and reliability. See the Bettis Companies in actionhere.


Dredge Operations Superintendent

This position will be required to relocate to Coolidge, Kansas.


The Dredge Operation Superintendent leads daily marine construction and dredging activities, overseeing crews, equipment, and schedules to ensure projects meet specs safely, efficiently, and within environmental rules, managing logistics, coordinating with engineers, and acting as the main site contact for clients and authorities, requiring strong technical skills, leadership, and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

  • Operations Management: Direct daily dredging and marine construction, determine dredging plans (depth/width), manage equipment (cutter suction, hopper dredges), and monitor production.
  • Team Leadership: Supervise field crews, subcontractors, and operators; provide guidance, training, and direct oversight; ensure compliance with site procedures and safety programs.
  • Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict safety protocols (PPE, risk assessments) and environmental regulations (permits, impact minimization); conduct safety/quality inspections.
  • Planning & Coordination: Develop dredging plans, schedules, and resource allocation; liaise with project managers, engineers, and environmental agencies; manage logistics.
  • Administration: Maintain accurate records (production, safety, incidents); submit payroll; manage equipment maintenance; handle client/stakeholder communication.

Core Duties


  • Oversee work from start to finish, including mobilization and demobilization.
  • Troubleshoot technical and operational issues on-site.
  • Ensure work aligns with contract specifications, drawings, and schedules.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for clients, authorities, and other teams.
  • Monitor equipment performance and schedule preventative maintenance.

Work Environment


  • Challenging conditions: adverse weather, confined spaces, high noise, vibration, heights, wet environments.
  • Requires physical ability (walking, climbing, lifting) and willingness to wear PPE (hard hat, steel-toes, etc.).
  • Often involves travel, long hours, and dynamic, high-impact projects (e.g., disaster recovery).

Thank you for your interest in applying with one of the Bettis Companies. The Bettis Group of Companies includes: Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Mid-States Materials, Capital Trucking, Bettis Contractors, Bettis Fabrication, Capital Crane, Koss Construction, Midwest Pavement Grinding, Piping Contractors of Kansas, and PTMW. If the position you applied for is filled or we feel your experience fits another job, your information may be sent to one of the other Bettis Companies if an opening is available.

Mid-States Materials, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace. Women, Minorities, and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Apply