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Dredging Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Tappahannock, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Performing or directing performance of the inspecting, maintenance, control process and operation of dredging and dewatering equipment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Ability to lead and ...

Equipment Operator

Tappahannock, VA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Performing or directing performance of the inspecting, maintenance, control process and operation of dredging and dewatering equipment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Ability to lead and ...

Equipment Operator

Richmond, VA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Performing or directing performance of the inspecting, maintenance, control process and operation of dredging and dewatering equipment. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Ability to lead and ...

Showing results 21-29

Dredging information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$25

$41

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Virginia is $25.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $28.37 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Dredging jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Dredging jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Dredging job openings:

Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Virginia 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 $53,941 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Synagro Technologies

Tappahannock, VA • On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Synagro rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 91 rated recycling and waste


Job description

Synagro partners with stakeholders to clean our water, protect our environment and serve our communities by generating worth from what others consider waste. We work to protect the health of our water, our Earth and those who depend on them now and in the future. What good is a job without great benefits to reward your hard work?

Here are some highlights of what Synagro has to offer:

  • 15 days paid time off
  • 10 Holidays
  • Medical/Dental/Vision (within 30 days of hire)
  • Health Saving Account (HSA) with company match
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • 401(k) with company match (fully vested upon hire)
  • Career growth and promotional opportunities
  • Tuition Reimbursement

JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for being the lead person of an operations team for assigned projects or work events. Performing or directing performance of the inspecting, maintenance, control process and operation of dredging and dewatering equipment.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Ability to lead and mentor others
2. Serve as a brand advocate and ambassador in every interaction with clients and the public
3. Conduct daily inspections and perform preventative maintenance on the truck/equipment
4. Comply with all DOT, state, local and in-house regulations, procedures, and rules
5. Perform loading, unloading, and timely delivery of material to assigned/approved destination
6. Travel from job site to job site or plant to job site. May involve overnight travel
7. Perform shop clean up, maintenance, and equipment/tools setup
8. Maintain operation records and enforce and maintain standard safety procedures
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
1. Ability to operate in confined spaces, including digester, storage tanks and holding tanks
2. Ability to work varying shifts, overtime hours and/or weekend duties, including overnight stay , and travel
3. Communication skills – verbal and written
4. Ability to operate heavy or agricultural equipment in a safe manner and perform basic maintenance of truck/equipment and process strong mechanical and electrical aptitude
5. Demonstrated strong interpersonal, problem solving and relationship building skills
6. Ability to prioritize and multi-task
7. Ability to work in a fast-paced environmental, process work rapidly, set priorities, work under pressure and follow through with assigned tasks
8. Processes and system oriented
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCES
1. Minimum High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)
2. Minimum of 2 years’ experience
3. Valid Driver’s License
4. Experience in making minor repairs and adjustments to operating equipment
5. Experience in computer operation and electronic controls
6. Safe driving record: No serious tickets or accidents in last 5 years or DWI/DUI in last 10 years
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Talking, Hearing, Seeing, Visual, Pulling, Pushing, Grasping, Stooping, Crawling, Kneeling, Climbing, and Lifting up to 50-100 lbs
2. The worker is subject to both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and out.
3. The worker is subjected to extreme heat: Temperatures above 100 degrees for periods of more than hour
4. The workers frequently is in close quarters, crawl space, shafts, manholes, small, enclosed rooms, small sewage and water line pipes, and other areas which could cause claustrophobia.
5. The worker is required to function in narrow aisles or passageways.

Salary Range: $20.00-$24.00 per hour (commensurate with experience)

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential job functions, knowledge, skills, abilities, efforts, and physical or working conditions associated with a position.

AA/EOE/M/F/D/V

We thank all individuals for their interest in Synagro however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.


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