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Dredging Jobs in Milwaukee, WI (NOW HIRING)

Veitusa

Diver/Tender - Marine

New Berlin, WI

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 ...

Veit

Diver/Tender - Marine

New Berlin, WI · On-site

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 ...

All JobsDredging JobsDredging Jobs in Milwaukee, WI

Dredging information

See Milwaukee, WI salary details

$13

$25

$40

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Milwaukee, WI is $25.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.30 and $28.17 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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Dredging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Milwaukee, WI 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 $53,605 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Senior Hydrographic Surveyor - Michels Construction, Inc.

Michels Corporation

Milwaukee, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

If you like variety and challenge and take satisfaction from knowing your work supports modern construction, consider joining the Michels Construction, Inc., Marine Operations team. Marine Operations provides services to include mechanical and hydraulic dredging, certified commercial diving, lock and dam repair, inspection, and debris removal, just to name a few. The end product might not be visible, but it will be essential. Our work improves lives. Find out how a career at Michels Construction, Inc. can change yours.

As a Senior Hydrographic Surveyor, your key responsibilities will be to support dredging and construction projects and specialize in the precise positioning of equipment in order to complete surveys to obtain and process data in a marine environment. 

Why Michels Construction, Inc.?

  • We support dynamic and growing industries
  • We are family owned and operated
  • We invest an average of $5,000 per employee on training each year
  • We reward hard work and dedication with limitless opportunities
  • We are a part of the Michels family of companies - one of North America's largest, most diversified energy and infrastructure contractors
  • We offer a comprehensive benefits program, including Health, Dental, Life, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account, Short Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, 401(k) plan, Legal Plan, and Identity Theft and Monitoring Plan.  Depending on your positions and location you may participate in a different benefit plan. 

Why you?

  • You thrive in fast-paced environments under tight deadlines
  • You relish new challenges and evolving technology
  • You enjoy collaborating and communicating with your teammates
  • You like to know your efforts are noticed and appreciated
  • You are comfortable towing vessels
  • You have the ability to operate a small boat or watercraft

What it takes:

  • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Geography or related field and 3-5 years of experience or an equivalent combination of both
  • Experience utilizing hydrographic data acquisition software
  • Proficient in utilizing survey tools, GPS equipment and hydrographic equipment
  • Extensive travel required
  • Must posses a valid driver license for the type(s) of vehicles which may be driven and an acceptable driving record

AA/EOE/M/W/Vet/Disability

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