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Dredging Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Orion's construction teams specialize in self-perform construction, including ports and marine terminals, bridges, piers and wharves, pile driving and deep foundations, marine concrete, dredging ...

Orion's construction teams specialize in self-perform construction, including ports and marine terminals, bridges, piers and wharves, pile driving and deep foundations, marine concrete, dredging ...

Orion's construction teams specialize in self-perform construction, including ports and marine terminals, bridges, piers and wharves, pile driving and deep foundations, marine concrete, dredging ...

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Dredging information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$15

$29

$47

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in Seattle, WA is $29.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.62 and $32.55 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Dredging jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Dredging jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Dredging jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Dredging jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Dredging jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Dredging jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Dredging job openings:

Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $61,917 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Environmental Consultant - Mid/Senior Level - Sediment Remediation

Jobtailor

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description


  • Barr is seeking an engineer, geologist, or hydrogeologist with specialized expertise in sediment remediation

  • Support the Assessment and Remediation business unit and lead work on complex sediment remediation projects

  • Leading activities associated with designing and managing remedial dredging programs; leading sediment investigations; developing conceptual site models; preparing feasibility studies and alternatives analyses; performing remedial design (including capping, dredging, and bank stabilization)

  • Coordinating structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, and water-quality evaluations; supporting the permitting and implementation of sediment remedies

  • Managing multidisciplinary teams; preparing technical work plans, reports, and design packages; developing cost estimates and scopes of work

  • Monitoring field activities (such as turbidity, structural movement, and geotechnical performance); summarizing results for regulatory review

  • Involvement in regulatory and stakeholder engagement with agencies such as the U.S. EPA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state environmental departments, and local entities


Requirements

  • bachelorโ€™s degree in environmental, civil, or geological engineering; geology; hydrogeology; or a related discipline

  • 8 or more years of relevant experience, including demonstrated experience in sediment remediation, dredging, feasibility studies, or sediment remedial design

  • Registered Professional Engineer or Geologist or the ability to become registered within one year

  • strong computer skills, including word processing and use of spreadsheets

  • Familiarity with the Microsoft Suite

  • possession of a current, valid driver's license and acceptable driving record

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future


Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in sediment remediation, including dredging, feasibility studies, and remedial design. Capable of managing multidisciplinary teams and engaging with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and successful project execution.


Highest-signal resume keywords

  • Sediment Remediation

  • Dredging

  • Feasibility Studies

  • Remedial Design

  • Regulatory Engagement


ATS Optimization Keywords
Hard Skills

  • Sediment Investigations

  • Conceptual Site Models

  • Technical Work Plans

  • Cost Estimates

  • Field Monitoring


Soft Skills

  • Team Management

  • Communication


Certifications & Qualifications

  • Registered Professional Engineer

  • Registered Professional Geologist


Industry Keywords

  • Environmental Engineering

  • Hydrogeology

  • Geotechnical Evaluations

  • Water-Quality Evaluations

  • U.S. EPA

  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers


Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Suite

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