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Dredging Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Production Supervisor

Portage, WI

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Direct employees in mineral processing activities that include: * dredging, washing and tailings * drying, screening, loading * product shipment and inventory levels * bagging * Coordinate and direct ...

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN IV

Milwaukee, WI

$68K - $87K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conduct surveys relative to grade separation, structures, major arterials, properties, street and alley openings, sewers, water mains, tunnel dredging, street repairs, obstructions, land descriptions ...

Production Supervisor

Portage, WI ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Direct employees in mineral processing activities that include: * dredging, washing and tailings * drying, screening, loading * product shipment and inventory levels * bagging * Coordinate and direct ...

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

The FBS portfolio includes articulated tug-barge units, OPA 90-compliant vessels, dredges and dredging support equipment, and offshore supply vessels along with specializing in Great Lakes self ...

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

New Berlin, WI ยท 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 ...

WI ยท On-site

$100 - $130/hr

  • Medical

As a Lead Engineer - New Builds within the Fleet Investments department, you play a key role in the technical realization of DEME's new build vessels and asset development projects. You are ...

Showing results 41-51

Dredging information

See Wisconsin salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Wisconsin is $26.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $28.89 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 cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Dredging jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Dredging job openings:

Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Wisconsin 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 $54,917 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Fabrication Machine Operator - PRESS BRAKE

Fincantieri Marine Group

Sturgeon Bay, WI โ€ข On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Position Summary: This position is responsible for working with heavy machinery from setup to operation. Fabrication Machine Press Operators fits and fabricates structural steel, completes layout, and inspects finished product, at our, 63-acre facility. Significant heavy manufacturing takes place both in several fab shops, as well as on the waterfront. The successful candidate will support the working men and women on our waterfront.
Detailed Description:
* Operate press brake machine.
* Run bend and forming operations using standard and custom punches.
* Use a CNC controller to input information into machine.
* Adjust ram and back gauge locations per process control instructions and blueprints.
* Checks height, depth and thickness using micrometers, dial indicators, calipers, gauges and other precision-measuring instruments.
* Perform complex programming using all features of the press brake.
* Work with tight tolerances.
* Produce parts for assembly operations.
* Meet customer specifications and delivery requirements.
* Program the CNC to produce new parts meeting specifications.
* Perform spot inspections of parts.
* Perform all required routine and minor maintenance activities according to procedures.
* Complete and maintain paperwork.
* Identify assembly parts.
* Set up light gauge metal.
* Configure bend allowances for sheet metal (stainless, aluminum & regular steel).
* Check machine for defects and repair if necessary.
* Ensure machine is calibrated and cleaned.
* Read drawings and blueprints.
* Perform necessary pre-operation activities to ensure proper equipment startup and operation on multiple pieces of equipment.
* Responsible for setting up and operating metal fabricating machines, such as burning machines, saws and presses, to cut, bend, straighten and form metal plates, sheets and structural shapers according to blueprints and specifications.
* Reads and interprets blueprints, engineering specifications and shop orders to determine machine setup, production methods and sequence of operation.
* Starts machine and observes machine operation to reposition work piece, change dies or adjust machine settings for multiple or successive passes.
* Ability to follow standardized work and adhere to safe work practices in a continuous improvement environment.
* Communicate within team members and other departments to ensure continuous production at high quality levels with minimal wasted time and materials
* Attendance is an essential function of the job.
* Ability and willingness to engage in highly energetic pursuits on the waterfront.
* Abide by safety and sanitation regulations.
* Maintain a commitment to and promote the Quality Policy.
* Abide by all organizational policies and procedures.
Core Competencies:
* Action Oriented -- Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
* Drives Results -- Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
* Optimizes Work Processes (Quality & Continuous Improvement) -- Knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Company Overview:
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS) is located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. With roots dating back to 1918, we currently exist as an industry leader in new construction, repair, and major conversions. The FBS portfolio includes articulated tug-barge units, OPA 90-compliant vessels, dredges and dredging support equipment, and offshore supply vessels along with specializing in Great Lakes self-unloading vessels. We strive to be the shipbuilder of choice in safety, quality, value and dependability by offering innovative and competitive maritime solutions tailored to our customers' needs. Our mission is to build, repair and sustain maritime vessels that proudly supply, service and defend our nation and the world.
EEO Statement:
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We promote a Drug Free Work Environment and require pre-employment drug testing as well as mandatory random drug testing.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
If you are an individual with a disability and you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, email our Human Resources Department at Bayshipbuilding-HR@us.fincantieri.com
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Experience as a Machine Operator
  • Ability to read Blueprints, Schematics and Manuals
  • Knowledge of Production Procedures
  • Ability to Handle Heavy Equipment

Desired Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience preferred
  • Prior shipyard experience a plus
  • Bilingual language skills (oral & written) a plus
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in construction / repair