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Wharf Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Collins Engineers, Inc

Engineer (48426)

Fairfax, VA

Projects primarily include transportation structures (bridges and ancillary) and waterfront facilities (piers, wharves, and bulkheads). The position is a mix of office and fieldwork with some travel ...

Collins Engineers Inc.

Engineer (48426)

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$66K - $83K/yr

Projects primarily include transportation structures (bridges and ancillary) and waterfront facilities (piers, wharves, and bulkheads). The position is a mix of office and fieldwork with some travel ...

Colada Shop - National Landing

Line Cook

Arlington, VA

$17 - $19/hr

Colada Shop is hiring Line Cooks for our Wharf & for National Landing locations** DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Promote a strong work culture, CUBANISM and uphold brand service standards. * Completes ...

Kokosing

Foreman (Marine Pile Driving)

Richmond, VA

$40/hr

Hopewell, VA Baltimore, MD SUMMARY Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in construction, installation, and repair of bridge structures, piers, wharves and/or revetments by ...

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All JobsWharf JobsWharf Jobs in Virginia

Wharf information

See Virginia salary details

$11

$14

$16

How much do wharf jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for wharf in Virginia is $14.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $14.28 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Wharf jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Wharf job openings:

Wharf jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wharf job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $29,742 per year, or $14.3 per hour.

Engineer (48426)

Fairfax, VA

Collins Engineers, Inc
Civil Engineering Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Collins Engineers, Incexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Collins is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm. We have opportunities for you.

As an Entry Level-Structural Inspection Engineer, in our Fairfax, Virginia, office, you will have the chance to be coached by seasoned engineers. The successful candidate will have a background and interest in structural engineering. This position will provide the opportunity for growth, where continuing development and participation in professional societies will be encouraged and supported. This position includes a combination of structural design and inspection projects. Projects primarily include transportation structures (bridges and ancillary) and waterfront facilities (piers, wharves, and bulkheads). The position is a mix of office and fieldwork with some travel required.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform design and inspection/field work that does not require previous experience.
  • Assist in the completion of inspection and assessment reports.       
  • Prepare design computations and quantity estimates.
  • Keep project managers informed of workload and any changes to project scope or additional services.
  • Use computer-assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare calculation packages and design drawings.
  • Is active in technical societies.
  • Is able to attend meetings or events outside of normal working hours.
  • Has limited communication with clients.
  • Instruct draftspersons/technicians on design drawings, data entry, and report preparation.
  • Actively observes and acts in an appropriate manner related to safety.
  • Field work required, which could include nights and weekends.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

*Relocation is available

Click HERE to see the variety of benefits Collins has to offer.

Education and/or Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited four-year university, plus appropriate continuing education.
  • Between 0-4 years of experience.
  • Previous experience using AutoCAD and MicroStation a plus.
  • Engineer-In-Training (E.I.T.) certification or the ability to obtain within one year.
  • A valid driver's license.

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.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to walk, sit, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • While in the field, the employee may be required to walk in rugged conditions, work in adverse weather conditions, and stand up to eight hours or more at a time. 

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