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Wharf Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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Wharf information

See Michigan salary details

$10

$12

$14

How much do wharf jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for wharf in Michigan is $12.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.92 and $12.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wharf worker?

A wharf worker, also known as a dockworker or stevedore, is responsible for loading and unloading cargo from ships at a wharf or dock. Their duties typically include operating cranes and forklifts, securing cargo, ensuring safety procedures are followed, and sometimes handling paperwork related to shipments. Wharf workers play a vital role in the shipping and logistics industry by ensuring goods are moved efficiently and safely between ships and land transport.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a wharf worker?

To thrive as a Wharf Worker, you need physical stamina, knowledge of cargo handling, and familiarity with safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Competence in operating forklifts, cranes, and other loading equipment, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help ensure smooth coordination and accident prevention on the docks. These skills and qualifications are vital for maintaining efficient, safe, and timely port operations.

What are common challenges faced when working as a wharf worker, and how can they be addressed?

Wharf laborers frequently encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy cargo, and adhering to strict safety protocols. These challenges can be managed by following proper lifting techniques, wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), and participating in ongoing safety training provided by employers. Additionally, maintaining open communication with team members and supervisors helps ensure efficient cargo handling and minimizes risks. Adapting to shift work and being flexible with schedules is also important, as port operations often run around the clock.

What is the difference between Wharf vs Dockworker?

AspectWharfDockworker
CredentialsMay require safety certifications, maritime knowledgeTypically requires safety training, physical fitness
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, near ships and cargoOutdoor, at docks and loading areas
Industry UsageUsed broadly for port areas and shippingSpecific to cargo handling and loading/unloading

Both Wharf and Dockworker roles involve working at ports and handling cargo, but a Wharf generally refers to the area or structure where ships dock, while a Dockworker is a person who physically loads and unloads cargo. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is a wharf attendant?

A wharf attendant is responsible for managing cargo loading and unloading at a dock or port. They operate equipment such as forklifts and cranes, ensure safety protocols are followed, and assist with vessel and cargo handling tasks. Strong communication skills and knowledge of safety procedures are important for this role.

What are popular job titles related to Wharf jobs in Michigan?

For Wharf jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wharf jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Wharf jobs in Michigan are:

Wharf jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wharf job openings in Michigan 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 $26,147 per year, or $12.6 per hour.

Lead Waterfront Engineer/Project Manager

Foth

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Foth is a 100% member-owned science and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Wisconsin, with over 85 years of success. Our 750 members across 33 locations are dedicated to solving our clients' toughest science and engineering challenges. Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based, collaborative, and flexible work environment with professional growth opportunities. If you thrive working alongside a smart and caring team, Foth may be the place for you.
Join our team and experience the Foth difference that contributes to our impressive 92+% member retention rate! Learn more at foth.com/careers. 


Foth is seeking a Lead Waterfront/Marine Structural Engineer & Project Manager to support and grow our Ports, Harbors, and Waterfront practice in Detroit, MI. This role will serve as a technical and project delivery leader on waterfront and marine infrastructure projects across the United States, including the Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific coasts as well as the Great Lakes while playing a key role in expanding Foth's presence in the Great Lakes market.

The successful candidate will lead the planning, design, and delivery of waterfront, marine, and coastal infrastructure projects nationwide, including ports and terminals, piers, wharves, bulkheads, berthing and mooring systems, and shoreline protection systems. While the role offers exposure to projects across multiple regions of the country, the position will be anchored in Detroit, with a strong emphasis on local market growth, client development, and bolstering Foth in the region.

This position will work closely with Foth's existing Great Lakes's Ports and Harbors team  to help establish strengthen local client relationships, and support project delivery nationally.

Key Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & Engineering
  • Serve as technical lead and engineer-of-record for waterfront, marine, and coastal structural engineering projects nationwide
  • Lead the planning, analysis, and design of marine structures including piers, wharves, dolphins, bulkheads, seawalls, revetments, and related infrastructure
  • Perform and oversee coastal analysis, load development, structural modeling, and engineering calculations
  • Develop, review, and oversee construction documents, including plans, specifications, and technical reports
  • Maintain working knowledge of regulations and codes affecting waterfront infrastructure, with familiarity of local environments
  • Proactively identify and help implement new design tools, analysis methods, and execution technologies relevant to marine and waterfront engineering
Project Management & Delivery
  • Serve as Project Manager on select projects, responsible for scope, schedule, budget, and quality
  • Support and manage projects across multiple regions, including the Northeast, Southeast, California, and Midwest
  • Coordinate with internal multidisciplinary teams including coastal, geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction services
  • Develop project work plans, staffing plans, schedules, and budgets in collaboration with discipline leads
  • Monitor project performance, financials, and risks throughout project execution
  • Support construction-phase services including shop drawing review, RFIs, inspections, and on-site construction support
Detroit Market Growth
  • Help grow Foth's waterfront and marine presence in the Detroit and greater Great Lakes region, while leveraging experience from national projects
  • Assist with local and national business development efforts, including identifying opportunities, supporting pursuits, and developing proposals
  • Build and maintain relationships with public agencies, port authorities, terminal operators, industrial clients, and private developers
  • Represent Foth at industry events, client meetings, and professional organizations in the Detroit region and nationally as appropriate
Leadership, Mentorship & Collaboration
  • Mentor and develop junior and mid-level engineers within the waterfront/marine structural discipline
  • Support development of standard work practices, design guides, and technical resources for the discipline
  • Collaborate with Foth's Technical Competency Leaders to strengthen firmwide technical excellence
  • Lead and participate in technical and client-facing presentations for both national and local audiences
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Ocean, or Structural Engineering
  • Minimum of 10 years of engineering experience, with a background in structural, coastal, mechanical, or environmental engineering, including at least 7 years focused specifically on structural engineering in feasibility, design, and/or construction management
  • Experience with developing construction documents including plans and specifications
  • Professional Engineer License (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering
  • 15+ years of experience with an engineering consulting firm, with emphasis on waterfront, marine, coastal, or port infrastructure
  • Experience serving in Project Manager or Task Manager roles on multi-disciplinary projects
  • Professional experience with regulatory frameworks across the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and/or West Coast
  • Existing professional relationships with port authorities, public agencies, or waterfront clients
  • Ability to obtain PE licensure in additional jurisdictions by comity
$110,000 - $180,000 a year
The base compensation listed for this job posting reflects a general range for the posted position.  Base compensation will vary based on factors such as: years of experience, location, level of responsibility and licenses/certifications. In addition to base compensation, Foth members may be eligible to receive bonuses through our Earned Performance Incentive program. All employees are eligible for On-the-Spot bonuses.  Exempt members are also eligible for either quarterly and/or annual bonuses.  Eligible full-time and part-time members will be offered medical, dental, vision insurance, employee assistance program, disability, retirement, holiday pay, paid time off, and several other voluntary benefits. Please reach out to the recruiting team to discuss any specific benefits or compensation questions.  
 
Note: In some situations, we may consider an alternative position based on your skill set and experience. This may result in a different compensation range.
All Foth Companies are equal opportunity employers, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. All locations are tobacco-free.  Subject to applicable state law, all applicants who have received a written offer of employment and a copy of Foth's Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Program Policy, will be required to undergo testing for commonly abused controlled substances. Applicants must complete the required drug testing within two business days of offer acceptance.  Foth will pay for all drug testing, which will be conducted by a licensed independent medical laboratory that follows testing requirements in accordance with applicable state law.
 
Colorado Residents: In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
 
Notice to Third Party Recruiters/Agencies: Foth does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed recruiting agreement coordinated through Foth, Foth reserves the right to pursue and hire candidates without financial obligation to third party recruiters or agencies.
Artificial Intelligence: Foth uses artificial intelligence and other technology-assisted tools in connection with parts of our recruiting and hiring process, including to assist with reviewing application materials, identifying potentially qualified candidates, sourcing candidates, and supporting interview preparation. These tools are used to support, but do not replace, human decision-making, and all employment decisions are made by qualified human reviewers. Where required by law, we will provide additional information regarding the use of these tools, and applicants may contact us with questions or request reasonable accommodation regarding their use.
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