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Dredging Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

Swanton Welding

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Industrial Fabrication Estimator

Griffin, GA · On-site

$75K - $850K/yr

Sheet metal weldments and assemblies; dredging or industrial equipment components; custom fabricated assemblies for OEM manufacturers; architectural or decorative steel fabrications. Qualifications ...

Swanton Welding

Be Seen First

Industrial Fabrication Estimator

Griffin, GA · On-site

$75K - $850K/yr

Sheet metal weldments and assemblies; dredging or industrial equipment components; custom fabricated assemblies for OEM manufacturers; architectural or decorative steel fabrications. Qualifications ...

All JobsDredging JobsDredging Jobs in Atlanta, GA

Dredging information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$13

$25

$39

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Atlanta, GA is $25.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.82 and $27.50 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.
More about Dredging jobs

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Cities near Atlanta, GA with the most Dredging job openings:

Dredging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Atlanta, GA 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 $52,322 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Industrial Fabrication Estimator

Griffin, GA • On-site

Swanton Welding
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Swanton Weldingexternal

$75K - $850K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

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Job description

About the Position
Swanton Welding & Machining Company is seeking an experienced Industrial Fabrication Estimator to support our growing portfolio of custom steel fabrication projects. This role evaluates customer RFQs and develops accurate cost estimates for fabricated steel projects ranging from architectural and structural steel to large industrial fabrications and equipment components. The Estimator works closely with sales, engineering, and production teams to ensure projects are quoted competitively and manufactured efficiently.

What Makes This Role Different
Our estimators work on diverse fabrication projects utilizing modern manufacturing capabilities including laser cutting, robotic welding (Georgia facility), structural beam line processing, press brake forming, heavy plate fabrication, and CNC machining (Wauseon facility). Projects range from decorative architectural steel to large industrial assemblies supporting OEM manufacturers, infrastructure contractors, and industrial equipment companies.

Key Responsibilities
Review RFQs, drawings, and specifications to determine project scope. Perform material takeoffs and labor calculations for fabricated steel assemblies. Develop detailed project cost estimates including materials, labor, equipment usage, and outside services. Determine the most efficient manufacturing path using company capabilities. Work closely with sales, engineering, and production teams to ensure estimates reflect real manufacturing conditions. Communicate with vendors and suppliers to obtain pricing. Participate in pre-bid meetings when required and assist with project handoff once work is awarded.

Projects You Have Likely Estimated Before
Structural Steel Assemblies and weldments; industrial dust collection or material handling systems; tanks or heavy plate fabrications; Sheet metal weldments and assemblies; dredging or industrial equipment components; custom fabricated assemblies for OEM manufacturers; architectural or decorative steel fabrications.

Qualifications
Experience estimating metal fabrication, structural steel, or custom manufacturing projects. Strong blueprint reading and technical interpretation skills. Understanding of fabrication processes including cutting, forming, welding, and machining. Strong analytical and organizational abilities with the ability to manage multiple estimates and deadlines simultaneously.

Experience estimating metal fabrication or manufacturing projects is strongly preferred. This role is focused on fabrication estimating rather than commercial construction estimating. Experience estimating projects involving laser cutting, welding, forming, machining, or structural steel fabrication is highly valued.

Preferred Background
4+ years estimating experience in fabrication or manufacturing environments. Experience working with fabrication equipment or manufacturing processes. Engineering, manufacturing, or construction management education a plus. Equivalent industry experience will be considered. CNC Programming and layout (Sigmanest) a plus, SolidWorks or other CAD programming desirable

Company Description

We are a family-owned metal welding and fabrication business that strives for a culture of excellence. Since 1956, we have grown our footprint and expanded with three facility locations. We are driven by ingenuity and innovation. The company invests with our most valuable resource - our people. A career with us means becoming a part of a diverse group of dynamic professionals. Our work style is collaborative, open, and welcoming of new ideas. Our employees enjoy a company culture that fosters teamwork as well as individual initiative and rewards success. We offer an excellent benefits package with three medical plan options, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, AD&D coverage and a 401(k) plan with company match.