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Dredging Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Inspect, clean, and perform repairs on mechanical equipment related to the dredging operations including conveyors, screens, and crushers * Observe operation of equipment to detect malfunction and ...

Regional ESH Manager

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$130K - $145K/yr

... dredging, ash pond remediation, site restoration, and plant support services. With experienced field teams, a growing fleet of heavy equipment, and a management team focused on safety, quality, and ...

$19.92 - $20.77/hr

Prepares food by peeling, chopping, grinding, paring, cutting, slicing, dicing, pureeing, dredging, flouring or breading; weighs, measures and assembles ingredients for regular menu items; sets up ...

$20.12 - $20.98/hr

Prepares food by peeling, chopping, grinding, paring, cutting, slicing, dicing, pureeing, dredging, flouring or breading; weighs, measures and assembles ingredients for regular menu items; sets up ...

Dredging information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$24

$39

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Ohio is $24.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.58 and $27.21 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 Ohio?

The most popular types of Dredging jobs in Ohio are:

Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 33% In-person, and 67% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,725 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Utility Person - Sand and Gravel Plant

Kokosing

Columbus, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 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

The Olen Corporation and Area Aggregates, one of the largest construction aggregates producers in the Midwest, has been a leader in the industry for over 50 years. With multiple locations serving Central, Northeast, and Northwest Ohio, Olen is dedicated to providing top-quality aggregate products, including natural sand, gravel, and limestone, to a diverse range of customers. As an ODOT 1069 prequalified aggregates supplier, Olen sets the standard for quality and service in the industry. Producing over 8 million tons of construction materials each year, Olen is a top thirty-five national producer of quality construction aggregates. Since 1986, Olen has partnered with Kokosing to be one of their top suppliers of construction materials. Committed to excellence, Olen is focused on delivering exceptional customer service while being responsible stewards of the environment and respectful neighbors in the communities we serve.

Job Description:

  • Responsible for all maintenance of equipment at an aggregate facility as directed by supervision and for the coordination of the activities relating to safety, maintenance and production of the dredging operation.


Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Ensure all safety guidelines are followed
  • Inspect, clean, and perform repairs on mechanical equipment related to the dredging operations including conveyors, screens, and crushers
  • Observe operation of equipment to detect malfunction and informs supervisor when malfunction occurs.
  • Maintain the processing equipment within the general guidelines for each piece of processing machinery as directed
  • Record and maintains accurate maintenance records and forms
  • Responsible for the inspection and maintenance of conveyor, screen, and crusher
  • Responsible for greasing, lubrication and general repair of equipment including welding
  • Operates heavy machinery including a bobcat


Education and Experience:

  • Experience with operating procedures of multiple types of equipment
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Must have basic knowledge of proper operating procedures of multiple types of equipment
  • Must be capable of operating the assigned machine and any other related equipment in a safe manner must be able to do a competent inspection of the equipment.
  • Must be able to apply and retain information provided in crew meetings.
  • Must be able to understand directions/instructions on methods/process to do work
  • Must be able to maintain high level of awareness for a busy project work environment


Benefits:

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

Olen offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, company paid life, and disability insurance. We also provide competitive incentives to eligible team members, like paid time off and 401K plus match to reward our team members for staying committed to our customers and keeping safety a priority.

Olen is an equal employment opportunity employer. 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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