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Dredging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Port Lavaca, TX ยท On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Monitor dredging production, performance, and project progress. * Manage maintenance of dredgers, support vessels, and associated equipment. * Lead and mentor operations personnel, contractors, and ...

New

Diesel Mechanic 3

Ellsworth, WI ยท On-site

$27 - $42/hr

Diesel Mechanic (Certified) Compensation: $27 - $42 per hour + overtime Position Summary United Dredging is seeking an experienced Diesel Mechanic to support maintenance and repair operations for ...

Shoreman

Brunswick, GA ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

C&M Dredging Inc. - Travel Position (Southeast U.S.) C&M Dredging is seeking motivated Construction Laborers and Shoremen to support dredging and marine construction projects across Florida and the ...

Shoreman

Mobile, AL ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

C&M Dredging Inc. - Travel Position (Southeast U.S.) C&M Dredging is seeking motivated Construction Laborers and Shoremen to support dredging and marine construction projects across Florida and the ...

Yard Laborer - Helper

Largo, FL ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Gator Dredging - Yard Laborer - HelperGator Dredging is looking for a safe, dependable, stable, and hardworking person for this the Yard Laborer - Helper. This position will be based out of our Yard ...

Diesel Mechanic 2

Ellsworth, WI ยท On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Diesel Mechanic2 Position Summary United Dredging isseekinga skilled and dependable Diesel Mechanic to support the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of heavy equipment and diesel-powered ...

Operator

Ellsworth, WI ยท On-site

$20 - $28/hr

While prior equipment experience is valued, dredging is a highly specialized industry with unique systems and processes. Success in this role requires a strong willingness to learn, absorb knowledge ...

Diesel Mechanic 3

Ellsworth, WI ยท On-site

$27 - $42/hr

Diesel Mechanic (Certified) Compensation: $27 - $42 per hour + overtime Position Summary United Dredging is seeking an experienced Diesel Mechanic to support maintenance and repair operations for ...

Shoreman

Sebring, FL ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

C&M Dredging Inc. - Travel Position (Southeast U.S.) C&M Dredging is seeking motivated Construction Laborers and Shoremen to support dredging and marine construction projects across Florida and the ...

Shoreman

Brunswick, GA ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

C&M Dredging Inc. - Travel Position (Southeast U.S.) C&M Dredging is seeking motivated Construction Laborers and Shoremen to support dredging and marine construction projects across Florida and the ...

Yard Laborer - Helper

Largo, FL ยท On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Gator Dredging - Yard Laborer - Helper Gator Dredging is looking for a safe, dependable, stable, and hardworking person for this the Yard Laborer - Helper. This position will be based out of our Yard ...

Showing results 41-60

Dredging information

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$13

$26

$41

How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for dredging in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 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 are hiring for Dredging jobs?

Cities with the most Dredging job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Dredging jobs?

The most popular types of Dredging jobs are:

What states have the most Dredging jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dredging jobs include:

Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Project Manager - Dredging West Coast

Dutra Group

San Rafael, CA โ€ข On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Project Manager - Dredging West Coast
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
SUMMARY: Provide overall management direction for project and develop new business opportunities relative to a specific geographic location
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Organizes and directs crewing on field project assignments.
  • Assists in obtaining, outfitting and maintaining equipment necessary for project assignment.
  • Understands scope of work and identifies differing site conditions or other changes to the scope.
  • Documents daily resources utilized in performance of work.
  • Identifies and implements alternative production methodologies.
  • Reviews project proposal or plan to determine time frame, funding limitations, procedures for accomplishing project, staffing requirements, and allotment of available resources to various phases of project.
  • Establishes work plan and staffing for each phase of project and arranges for recruitment or assignment of project personnel. Confers with project staff to outline work plan and to assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority.
  • Directs and coordinates activities of project personnel to ensure project progresses on schedule and within prescribed budget.
  • Reviews status reports prepared by project personnel and modifies schedules or plans as required. Prepares project reports for management, client, or others.
  • Initiate and maintain liaison with prime client and contacts, to facilitate dredging or construction activities.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should possess and demonstrate the following competencies:
  • Business Literacy: ability to understand the line of business, to take the business vision and translate it into the project vision.
  • Corporate Procedures and Tools: ability to understand and apply established policies and procedures, corporate tools and requirements to the project.
  • Communications: ability to produce clear status reports, writes clearly, communicates tactfully and candidly, exhibits clear verbal skills and an excellent listener.
  • Financial Acumen: ability to understand how decisions affect the bottom line; know about general financial and accounting principles and practices that affect operations; and know about the links between operations and the department's financial performance, which is essential to create value for all the organization's stakeholders.
  • Leadership: ability to motivate project members, set achievable objectives, maintains a positive outlook, take responsibility, make decisions, and provide constructive feedback.
  • Time Management: ability to manage competing priorities effectively, to be resourceful and to use time as a resource.
  • Environmental, Health and Safety Management: Understand and know how to comply with all regulations; implement a positive attitude toward health and safety in the design and
  • execution of the project; ensure safe deliverables and incorporate sustainable development practices.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree (B. A. or B.S.) from four-year college or university in Engineering or Construction Management and at least five years' experience with project management in Marine Construction or Dredging; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Language Ability: ability to communicate clearly and effectively in order to manage and motivate staff individually and as a team.
  • Reasoning Ability: must have a record of impartial, objective analysis, approaching issues with an open mind; be able to identify possible solutions that are technically and conceptually sound.
  • Computer Skills: to perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of and experience with HCSS, Primavera, Excel and CAD. Vista experience preferred but not required.
  • Physical Presence: Regular and predictable physical presence at assigned work location is an essential qualification for this position due to the importance of the team-related aspects of the essential duties, the aggressive timeframes under which the employee will operate, and the need for face-to-face interaction with employees in order to properly perform job-related functions.
  • Current valid Driver's License required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Supervises construction or dredging work and employees at a project location.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to frequently inspect the project and may be exposed to ongoing construction and various weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment may range from moderate to loud.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle or feel.
  • The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.
Pay Range: $110,000 to $130,000 per year
PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS AND EMPLOYEES
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For more information about the types of information we collect and use in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general Privacy Policy for Dutra's Website found here: https://www.dutragroup.com/privacy/.
How Dutra Collects Your Information
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Use and Disclosure of Personal Information
We collect and use your personal information for the following business purposes, consistent with and only as permitted by applicable law:
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Pursuant to this Notice, Dutra may disclose some of the personal information to a third-party vendor as necessary for our hiring practices. For example, such vendors could include the agencies we use to conduct pre-employment screening (such as background checks) and conduct drug testing.
Dutra may use or disclose information provided if required by law, to protect its rights, comply with legal processes, comply with government authorities, or safeguard users, employees, or the public.
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