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Hopper Dredge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TMMG

... Hopper Dredge (TSHD) Adele--a next-generation 347-foot, Royal IHC Beagle Mk2-class vessel being built for The Dutra Group. This position will serve as a technical and coordination hub between ESG ...

THE MCHENRY MANAGEMENT GROUP, LLC

... Hopper Dredge (TSHD) Adele-a next-generation 347-foot, Royal IHC Beagle Mk2-class vessel being built for The Dutra Group. This position will serve as a technical and coordination hub between ESG ...

Levy

Operator/Maintenance - Oxford, MI

Oxford, MI · On-site

$26.46/hr

Operate mobile equipment such as excavator, bulldozer, loader and dredge * Complete various functions such as digging pits, loading trucks, feeding hopper and bins with materials * Load trucks with ...

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Hopper Dredge information

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$15

$36

$41

How much do hopper dredge jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for hopper dredge in the United States is $36.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.62 and $37.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hopper dredge?

A hopper dredge is a type of vessel used in marine construction and maintenance to remove sediment from the bottom of waterways, such as rivers, harbors, and shipping channels. It works by sucking up sand, mud, and silt through dragheads and storing the material in onboard hoppers (large holding tanks). Once full, the hopper dredge transports the dredged material to a designated disposal site and releases it through doors in the hull or by pumping. This process helps maintain navigable depths for ships and prevents the buildup of sediment that can hinder water traffic.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hopper dredge operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hopper Dredge Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of dredging operations, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent along with relevant maritime certifications. Familiarity with dredging equipment, GPS navigation systems, and compliance with maritime safety regulations is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help operators manage challenging environments and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and the successful completion of dredging projects.

What are some common challenges faced by hopper dredge operators and how are they addressed on the job?

Hopper dredge operators often face challenges such as varying weather conditions, navigation in busy waterways, and maintaining equipment performance during long shifts. To address these, teams emphasize clear communication, regular safety drills, and routine equipment inspections. Collaboration with engineers, deckhands, and marine pilots is essential for safe operation and efficient dredging. Ongoing training and adherence to maritime safety regulations help operators stay prepared and adapt to changing conditions on the water.

What is the difference between Hopper Dredge vs Cutter Suction Dredge?

AspectHopper DredgeCutter Suction Dredge
Primary UseTransporting and depositing dredged material in designated areasCutting and removing hard or compacted materials from the seabed
Work EnvironmentOpen water, often in deep or shallow coastal areasSimilar, but often in more confined or complex underwater terrains
CertificationsMarine engineering, dredging operation certificationsSimilar certifications, with additional focus on cutter operation

Hopper Dredges are primarily used for transporting dredged material to designated disposal sites, while Cutter Suction Dredges are designed to cut and remove tough materials from the seabed. Both roles require marine operation certifications and work in open water environments, but their specific functions and equipment differ significantly.

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Hopper Dredge jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hopper Dredge job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,943 per year, or $36 per hour.

Marine Equipment Repairer/Operator (Dual Rate)

Portland, OR

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 49 rated military and defense

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Learn more about U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)external

$30.14/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

This is a Standing Register [Open Continuous] Job Announcement using a Direct Hire Authority 5 U.S.C. 9905, dated 12/22/2023 that is expected to be used to fill full time positions when requested. The initial cut-off for referral consideration is 10/30/2025; applications received by this date will have the first opportunity for review. Applications received after this date will be considered as additional vacancies become available. Referrals will be pulled as needed by management.Qualifications:About the Position: This position is aboard a hopper dredge. The Portland District's hopper dredges Yaquina and Essayons, work to ensure a safe "highway" for ships and other vessels. The hopper dredge is a specialized sea-going vessel designed to dredge and transport dredged material from ocean bars, fast flowing rivers and isolated harbors to open-water disposal areas.
USACE offers a team-inspiring and collaborative work environment; providing challenging and rewarding careers across a variety of disciplines. We rely on leaders with vision, creativity, and programmatic and technical expertise to lead us into the future. Align your talents with your passion and find out why the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is a great place to work!
Who May Apply: US Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Marine Equipment Repairer/Operator (Dual Rate) without more than normal supervision. You must possess a current United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) with a Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) with Oiler's Rating or higher -AND- a current Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC). Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Working Conditions: Exposed to extremes of weather conditions, heat, and noise. There is danger of slippery decks and drowning. Must wear appropriate safety gear and protective clothing as required, and comply with sound safety practices. May be exposed to hot pipes, escaping steam and the effects of acids, solvents, and paint.
  • Physical Effort: Work requires moderate physical effort. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies normally up to 45 pounds. and occasionally over 45 pounds. Work requires prolonged standing, walking and climbing, all of which can cause exertion of the lower back. The employee must maintain good lower back physical condition. Incumbent must have color and depth perception and be ale to see by low visibility conditions in order to perform duties.
IAW NPPR 690-1-530 this position is dual-rated to the position of Junior Engineer, WK-4742-10. If qualified and possesses appropriate U.S. Coast Guard License/Certification, incumbent may be assigned to perform these duties on an intermittent, dual-rated capacity.
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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