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Dredging Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Welder - Dredging

Galveston, TX ยท On-site

$18.75 - $24.25/hr

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES This position is accountable for providing welding, flame cutting, and other associated tasks as required to repair the dredge. The welder will be required to perform ...

Dredge Crane Operator Job Summary We are seeking a skilled Dredge Crane Operator to join our marine construction and dredging team aboard a crane barge. In this critical role, you will operate barge ...

Electrician - Dredging

Galveston, TX ยท On-site

$23.50 - $32.25/hr

Role and Responsibilities This position supports the dredge with the installation, troubleshooting, and repair of the Electrical, Instrumentation, and Automation (EIA) system. This position will be ...

New

Galveston, TX Job Type: Full-Time ABOUT THE FIRM A leading marine construction firm specializing in complex dredging and heavy civil infrastructure projects across diverse geographic locations. With ...

Cost Estimator

Houston, TX ยท On-site +1

This Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, they are fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy ...

Senior Coastal Engineer (PE)

Houston, TX

$96K - $130K/yr

Dredging and navigation projects * Coastal processes and beach nourishment design * Coastal restoration and resilience initiatives * Develop: * Channel layouts and alignments * Borrow area design and ...

Coastal Engineer (PE)

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$78K - $105K/yr

Dredging production estimates * Placement area and beneficial use design * Shoreline protection and stabilization * Develop construction plans and specifications for successful project implementation ...

Coastal Engineer (PE)

Houston, TX

$78K - $105K/yr

Dredging production estimates * Placement area and beneficial use design * Shoreline protection and stabilization * Develop construction plans and specifications for successful project implementation ...

Senior Coastal Engineer (PE)

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

Dredging and navigation projects * Coastal processes and beach nourishment design * Coastal restoration and resilience initiatives * Develop: * Channel layouts and alignments * Borrow area design and ...

Showing results 21-40

Dredging information

See Texas salary details

$12

$24

$38

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Texas is $24.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $26.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is dredging a hard job?

Dredging is physically demanding work that often involves operating heavy machinery in challenging environments, such as water and confined spaces. It requires technical skills, safety training, and sometimes long or irregular hours, making it a physically and mentally challenging occupation.

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 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 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.

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 protocols, and environmental regulations, and certifications such as OSHA safety training are often required.

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 Texas? The most popular types of Dredging jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Dredging jobs in Texas? For Dredging jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dredging jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Dredging jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Dredging jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Dredging job openings:
Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 94% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,689 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Senior Dredge Project Manager-Travel Required

Curtin Maritime

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. We are a dynamic Marine Construction and Marine Transportation company experiencing rapid growth. Our team provides customers with a complete suite of maritime solutions, allowing us the incredible opportunity to work on unique projects in some of the most amazing places on earth.
We invest heavily in modern equipment, innovative methodologies, and operational excellence. Our Senior Project Managers play a critical role in delivering complex dredging programs that directly impact company performance, safety outcomes, and profitability.
THIS ROLE:
The Senior Dredge Project Manager is responsible for leading large-scale, complex dredging and marine construction projects from preconstruction through closeout. This role owns project execution, financial performance, client relationships, and field coordination while serving as a senior operational leader across Curtin's dredging portfolio. This position is designed for experienced dredging professionals who can independently manage high-risk, high-value projects while mentoring teams and driving continuous improvement across operations.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Project Leadership & Execution
  • Lead end-to-end execution of Curtin Maritime dredging projects from award through final acceptance
  • Manage multiple concurrent projects or large complex programs with full accountability for schedule, budget, safety, and quality
  • Serve as primary client interface and represent Curtin Maritime at all project meetings
  • Oversee mobilization, execution, and demobilization planning and logistics
  • Proactively identify change orders, differing site conditions, claims, and REAs and lead negotiations with clients

Financial & Performance Management
  • Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and cost controls in coordination with Finance
  • Monitor production rates, equipment utilization, and labor efficiency to maximize margin performance
  • Track project KPIs including productivity, safety performance, and schedule adherence
  • Lead recovery plans for at-risk projects

Operational Coordination
  • Coordinate closely with Dredge Superintendents, Port Captains, Engineers, Crewing, HSSE, Survey, Yard Operations, and Field Teams
  • Manage subcontractors, equipment vendors, and third-party service providers
  • Oversee daily reporting, production tracking, and quality control documentation
  • Ensure compliance with USACE, regulatory, environmental, and contractual requirements

Technical & Preconstruction Support
  • Provide senior-level technical expertise to Estimating during bid development
  • Support production planning, means and methods development, and constructability reviews
  • Review dredge plans, survey data, production reports, and technical deliverables
  • Participate in post-project reviews and lessons learned initiatives

Leadership & Development
  • Mentor Project Managers, Project Engineers, and Field Engineers
  • Support training initiatives and SOP development across dredging operations
  • Promote Curtin's safety culture and operational standards
  • Act as a senior leader within the Marine Construction group

WHO YOU ARE:
Experience & Qualifications
  • 10+ years of Project Management experience in dredging, marine construction, or heavy civil marine work
  • 8+ years of direct dredging project leadership strongly preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or construction management preferred
  • USACE Construction Quality Management for Contractors (CQM-C) Certification preferred
  • OSHA 30 and EM 385-1-1 preferred
  • Primavera P6 scheduling experience preferred
  • Strong working knowledge of dredge operations, marine equipment, survey workflows, and production planning

Technical Capabilities
  • Proven ability to manage complex dredging programs with minimal oversight
  • Strong understanding of marine construction logistics and vessel operations
  • Experience managing project controls, CPM schedules, and cost forecasting
  • Ability to interpret survey data, drawings, and production reports
  • Working knowledge of RMS, AutoCAD, Hypack or similar survey platforms preferred

Leadership Attributes
  • Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in field and office environments
  • Strong negotiation and client relationship management skills
  • High accountability mindset with ownership of outcomes
  • Strong communication skills across executive, field, and client stakeholders
  • Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-pressure project environments

Physical & Field Requirements
  • Ability to work onboard vessels and in active marine construction environments
  • Ability to climb ladders, access barges, and navigate industrial job sites
  • Must meet fit-for-duty requirements including physical and drug screening
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed

Schedule & Travel
  • Rotational schedule may apply depending on project assignment
  • Travel to job sites, shipyard, and field operations required
  • Occasional extended project rotations and weekend support may be required

WHAT WE OFFER:
  • Base Salary Range: $150,000 - $190,000 (DOE)
    Highly qualified candidates with extensive dredging leadership experience may qualify for advanced compensation packages.
  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous benefits package including:
    • Medical
    • Dental
    • Vision
    • Short-term Disability
    • AD&D/Life Insurance
    • 401k (with company match)
    • Additional option to elect incremental Life Insurance for employee and dependents, and choice to elect Health and/or Dependent Flexible Spending Account.

Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.