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Dredging Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end ...

Operator (Dredging)

Rogers, MN · On-site

  • Retirement

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end ...

Report volume calculations for excavation, dredging, and upland site grading. * Review schedules, budgets and project criteria into civil design and layouts. * Responsible for revisions of project ...

Report volume calculations for excavation, dredging, and upland site grading. * Review schedules, budgets and project criteria into civil design and layouts. * Responsible for revisions of project ...

Projects vary from dredging, burning, welding, drilling, concrete work, and many other tasks. May assist other craft workers as needed. A Day in the Life * Perform a variety of tasks including ...

Diver/Tender - Marine

Rogers, MN · On-site

  • Retirement

Projects vary from dredging, burning, welding, drilling, concrete work, and many other tasks. May assist other craft workers as needed. A Day in the Life * Perform a variety of tasks including ...

Diver/Tender - Marine

Duluth, MN · On-site

  • Retirement

Projects vary from dredging, burning, welding, drilling, concrete work, and many other tasks. May assist other craft workers as needed. A Day in the Life * Perform a variety of tasks including ...

Projects vary from dredging, burning, welding, drilling, concrete work, and many other tasks. May assist other craft workers as needed. A Day in the Life * Perform a variety of tasks including ...

Dredging information

See Minnesota salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Minnesota is $25.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.20 and $28.03 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.

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

The most popular types of Dredging jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Dredging jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Dredging job openings:

Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,288 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

The Heavy Equipment Operator will operate one or more types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders, to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard-surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

A Day in the Life

  • Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in site or highway construction.

  • Properly follows company and OSHA safety procedures. Brings problems to the attention of the project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent or Safety Director.

  • Follows daily procedures and protocols as outlined in job orientations and training.

  • Performs routine inspection and preventative maintenance on assigned equipment and refers defects or needed repairs to the project Foreman, Superintendent, General Superintendent, or Safety Director.

  • Assists in training entry-level employees to perform maintenance and repair duties as required or assigned.

  • Helps identify any underground and overhead utilities that have been located/exposed before excavating.

  • Review trenching requirements with the Superintendent and ensure any required protection is available.

  • Keep the project foreman, superintendent, or general superintendent informed of all known actions, whether written or verbal, that may affect the ability to successfully perform tasks at construction project sites or adversely impact Company operations.

  • Other projects or duties as assigned by management.


What You'll Need

  • High school diploma or equivalent, six to twelve months of operating construction equipment experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Considerable knowledge of heavy equipment operating principles. Ability to operate heavy equipment under varying working conditions.

  • Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions standard to heavy equipment operations.

  • OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, and the ability to follow applicable safety precautions, as well as view and understand Veit's safety training video, are required. Working knowledge of hazards and safety precautions standard to heavy equipment operations is also required.

  • Ability to read and comprehend grade stakes and/or site plans.

  • Good communication skills, both oral and written, when working with all levels of management and employees, external vendors, and other business associates. Ability to understand, follow, and transmit written and oral instructions.

  • Ability to work with and apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

  • Ability to meet attendance schedule with dependability and consistency as required by management and/or project requirements.

Other

  • Must be willing to travel as needed.

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.

  • Union affiliation or willingness to join the union is required.

  • Must be able to work 8 to 12-hour workdays, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekends. Must be flexible regarding work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Demands

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to perform manual work requiring periods of extensive physical exertion and potential exposure to adverse weather conditions. Required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Often required to sit, stand, walk, bend knees, stretch arms, stoop, kneel, talk and hear.


Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employees encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Employee is exposed to environmental conditions, working near machines and loud noises associated with construction sites. Exposed to variable weather conditions including rain, snow, wind, cold and heat. Also exposed to variable terrain.

Additional Job Description:

The hourly rate may vary depending on geographic location, applicant skills, and prior relevant experience.

Benefits offered to Union craft workers include:

  • 401k, Employee Assistance Program

For Union and Prevailing Wage roles, hourly rate and benefits may vary due to Collective Bargaining Agreements and/or local governing authority.

Who Are We?
Veit is one of the country's leading specialty contractors, with nearly a century of experience and the best people in the industry. We specialize in foundations, earthwork, utilities, marine services, industrial cleaning, curedinplace pipelining, and waste disposal. We pride ourselves on our relentless pursuit to push the construction industry forward and deliver for our customers. Our modern fleet of iron, diverse expertise, and unmatched determination allow us to successfully tackle some of the largest and most complex projects across every sector while also living out our values every day. Our company culture is one where everyone pitches in to get the job done, regardless of job title or seniority. We do everything we can to maintain an atmosphere where family comes first. We want every one of our employees to look forward to each day at work and make it home safe and happy at the end of the day.

Never settle, dig deeper


Our Core Values

  • Deliberately Safe We believe all safety incidents are avoidable when everyone operates with a deliberate mindset. We are deliberately proactive and thorough in training and job planning. We are deliberately safe in our everyday operations and decision-making.

  • Build with Intention We build with intention. Whether in the office or the field, we work with grit and determination toward a better future for everyone involved. We leave things better than we found them, and never leave a job until we're proud to put the Veit name on it.

  • Leaders Dig First Egos have no place at Veit. We expect everyone on our team to dig in with a leadership mentality. That means being willing to jump in, take ownership, and get mud on our boots - especially when times get challenging.

  • Real Relationships Like our work, we approach relationships authentically, with a long-term mindset. Whether you're a client partner, vendor, or team member, we make an effort to build a more meaningful connection with you by communicating with respect and honesty.

  • Integrity in Everything As part of the Veit family, everything we do and say reflects on this entire company. We act with integrity, which means treating others just as we want to be treated, doing the right thing, and holding ourselves accountable.

VEIT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER, INCLUDING VET/DISABILITY