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Dredging Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

PBSGC

Surveyor

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Army Corps of Engineers to obtain dredging orders and specific information to complete dredging assignments. * Responsible for assigned assets including vessels, barges, equipment and materials.

PBSGC Marine Group

Surveyor

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

S. Army Corps of Engineers to obtain dredging orders and specific information to complete dredging assignments.Responsible for assigned assets including vessels, barges, equipment and materials.

PBSGC Marine Group

Surveyor

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

Army Corps of Engineers to obtain dredging orders and specific information to complete dredging assignments. * Responsible for assigned assets including vessels, barges, equipment and materials.

Quanta Services

Operator

Prairieville, LA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Perform specialized work, using equipment, such as pile drivers, dredging rigs, drillers, or concrete pumpers. * Load/unload trucks that require lifting 50 to 75 pounds * Responsible for housekeeping ...

Halff

Senior Coastal Engineer

Baton Rouge, LA

$91K - $125K/yr

The Senior Coastal Engineer will play a pivotal role in the design, analysis, and implementation of coastal engineering projects, including shoreline protection, coastal restoration, dredging, flood ...

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Dredging information

See Baton Rouge, LA 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 Baton Rouge, LA is $25.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.77 and $27.45 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.
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The top searched job categories for Dredging jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

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Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Dredging job openings:

Dredging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,250 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Dredge Operator

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

Handex Consulting & Remediation
Environmental Consulting Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Handex Consulting & Remediationexternal

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description

Handex is on the move!


Are you ready to put your industrial hydraulic dredging skills to the test?


If your answer is yes, then let's talk. Handex is seeking Field Dredge Operators for our Industrial Services Team.


As a Dredge Operator, you will be part of our Industrial Services Team, assisting with dewatering and processing operations at our client's site in Macon, GA. Once project is completed, you have an opportunity to be placed at other client locations in the North/Southeast and Midwest regions.


Handex Consulting & Remediation, LLC is a full-service environmental company focused on providing professional environmental consulting, remediation, construction and sludge dewatering services in the United States. Founded in 1968, we have over 58+ years of experience and have no intention of slowing down!


What will be my responsibilities?

  • Under the direction of the PM or site foreman, you will operate hydraulic/electrical, auger, or mechanical dredging systems for sludge removal in ponds, lagoons, and containment areas at assigned projects.
  • Set up, position, operate and maintain dredging systems (pumps, pipelines, floats, anchors).
  • Control dredge depth, swing, and production rates for efficient solids removal.
  • Assess sludge characteristics and adjust methods to maximize recovery and minimize water entrainment.
  • Coordinate with dewatering operations (centrifuge/filter press) to maintain steady feed.
  • Monitor flow rates, pressures, and solids concentration; adjust to meet production targets.
  • Manage discharge lines and production logs to ensure proper material transfer to downstream processes (volumes, conditions, equipment performance).
  • Learn and follow all safety protocols (confined space, lockout/tagout, site requirements) at all times.
  • Support mobilization/demobilization and keep work areas clean and organized
  • Accurately maintain and promptly process expenses and timesheets.
  • Consistently represent Handex in a professional manner while assigned to projects, collaborating effectively with teammates, and maintaining respectful and positive working relationships with the team.


Requirements

Skills needed for project success:

  • High school diploma/GED.
  • 1-3 years of experience operating hydraulic/electric dredge systems equipment to clean out basins, ponds and lagoons in an industrial, processing or manufacturing environment.
  • Commit to project duration and work a 6-day work week and 12-hour shifts (day/night as needed) with a start date of August 22, 2026. Flexibility with a rotational schedule and overtime until project completion.
  • Reliable vehicle is a must with a valid driver license in good standing as well as a Real ID or valid passport.
  • Willingness to travel to client's project sites as required.
  • Comfortable being in an industrial setting both indoors and outside, confined spaces as well as being able to lift 50 lbs or more.
  • TWIC card required.
  • OSHA 40 a plus. If not will be required to take.
  • Excellent customer service skills, reliability and dependable along with a can-do attitude is a must.
  • Required to pass pre-employment background checks (physical/drug/alcohol/criminal).

Salary Range:$25.00 to $28.00 an hour plus OT.


Benefits of joining Handex:

  • Competitive compensation and travel expenses.
  • Excellent benefits, and 401(k).
  • Holiday and vacation time off.
  • Career and development opportunities.
  • Be a valued and respected member of the team.


Handex Consulting & Remediation, LLC is an equal opportunity employer.


To learn more about Handex, please view our website at www.hcr-llc.com

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