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Dredging Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Barge Crew - Laborer

Scappoose, OR

$17 - $21.50/hr

Job Summary We are currently hiring a Laborer to offload material, maintain the aggregate barges and/or be underway dredging for sand. Benefits At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a comprehensive ...

Barge Crew - Laborer

Scappoose, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Job Summary We are currently hiring a Laborer to offload material, maintain the aggregate barges and/or be underway dredging for sand. Benefits At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a comprehensive ...

Barge Crew - Laborer

Scappoose, OR · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Job Summary We are currently hiring a Laborer to offload material, maintain the aggregate barges and/or be underway dredging for sand. Benefits At CalPortland, we're proud to offer a comprehensive ...

Dredging information

See Oregon salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Oregon is $27.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $30.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dredging Operator, and why are they important?

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.

How much money do dredgers make?

Dredgers, or workers involved in dredging operations, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certification levels. Skilled operators with specialized equipment knowledge may earn higher wages, especially in offshore or industrial settings.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Dredging jobs, such as crane operators or heavy equipment operators, can pay around $4,000 per week for experienced workers, especially in offshore or specialized environments. These roles often require technical skills, certifications, and physical endurance but typically do not require a college degree. High-paying construction, oilfield, or maritime positions may also reach this income level with experience and specialized training.

How to become a dredger?

To become a dredger, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in operating dredging equipment and safety procedures. Many positions require on-the-job training or certification in heavy machinery operation, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding nature of the work environment.

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 Are Dredging Jobs?

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 is dredging and what do dredging professionals do?

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 jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of dredging, high-paying roles such as senior project managers, offshore construction managers, or specialized engineers can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require advanced technical skills, industry knowledge, and sometimes offshore or remote work environments.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Dredging jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Dredging jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Dredging jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Dredging job openings:
Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Temporary. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,524 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
Barge Crew - Laborer

$17 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


CalPortland rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary

We are currently hiring a Laborer to offload material, maintain the aggregate barges and/or be underway dredging for sand.

Benefits

At CalPortland, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees. Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That’s why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from. All regular full-time employees may enroll in a variety of health and welfare plans including medical, dental, and vision plans. Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and a retirement program. The company also has a variety of voluntary benefits for employees to choose from.

Responsibilities
  • Monitor and maintain barge-mounted dredge equipment during tug assisted operations; offload sand at designated sites
  • Offloading and maintaining aggregate barges 
  • Operate a bulldozer to move and grade sand stockpiles
  • Operating conveyors, stackers, and various heavy equipment.  
  • Maintain offloading log books
  • Minor plant maintenance to facilitate offload
Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Requirements/Qualifications
  • Safety Sensitive Position
  • Requires being underway on a floating vessel
  • Ability to work in extremes of hot, cold and wet weather
  • Ability to safely lift and handle material samples weighing 50 pounds
  • Must have the physical ability to: climb, stoop, bend, squat, and reach 
  • Ability to troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on conveyors, pumps, hydraulics, and marine equipment
  • Skills in establishing and maintaining effective professional working relationships with staff and customers
  • Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated with minimal direct supervision
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record- no serious moving violations within the past 36 months
  • Must be able to work overtime, nights, and weekends
  • Good attendance and punctuality a must 
  • Position is subject to random drug testing
Conditions of Employment

Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Safety sensitive positions, United States Coast Guard (USCG), and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) registration/clearance require ongoing alcohol and drug testing. 

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