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Dredging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Viking Dredging

Diesel Mechanic

Freeport, TX · On-site

$22.75 - $30.25/hr

Join Viking Dredging as a Full-Time Diesel Mechanic ! Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, this onsite position offers the chance to work with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge ...

Viking Dredging

Diesel Mechanic

Freeport, TX · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Join Viking Dredging as a Full-Time Diesel Mechanic ! Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, this onsite position offers the chance to work with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge ...

Viking Dredging

Diesel Mechanic

Freeport, TX · On-site

$33 - $35/hr

Join Viking Dredging as a Full-Time Diesel Mechanic! Located in the heart of Houston, Texas, this onsite position offers the chance to work with state-of-the-art equipment and cutting-edge technology ...

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How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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.
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What cities are hiring for Dredging jobs?

Cities with the most Dredging job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Dredging jobs?

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What states have the most Dredging jobs?

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What are popular job titles for Dredging?

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dredging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Director of Dredging Contracts

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Curtin Maritime
Water Transportation • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Curtin Maritimeexternal

$160K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Position: Director of Dredging Contracts
Location: Remote
Department: Legal
Reports to: General Counsel
Schedule: Full-Time (Minimum 40 hours/week)
Efficiency. Innovation. Integrity. These are our 3 Pillars. At Curtin Maritime, these core values are the framework for safe performance and operational excellence; proof of these pillars is evident in our people and our fleet. For 25 years, Curtin Maritime has been an industry leader in quality maritime solutions. With current and upcoming projects expanding rapidly, we are looking to utilize your claims and contracts expertise to support us in accelerating our organizational growth.
THIS ROLE: The Director of Dredging Contracts acts as the conduit between dredging operations and the Legal department, leading the REA/VEQ/Change Order claim process from identification through resolution, representing Curtin as the primary point of contact for clients on disputes and claims, and ensuring documentation and compliance are maintained throughout each project.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Act as the primary conduit between dredging operations and the Legal department
  • Lead the REA / VEQ / Change Order claim process from identification through resolution
  • Represent Curtin as the primary point of contact for clients on disputes and claims
  • Lead negotiations on change orders and claims with Curtin's team in support
  • Maintain the active claims tracker and ensure all deadlines and notices are met
  • Collaborate with Legal to draft letters, responses, and claim documents

WHO YOU ARE:
Mental Aptitudes
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Strong integrity, work ethic, and negotiation skills
  • Ability to multi-task and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment
  • Self-motivated team player able to work independently with minimal guidance
  • Ability to understand and execute complex instructions
  • Big-picture thinker who considers long-term implications of contract and claim decisions
  • Strong documentation and organizational skills

Requirements/Preferences
  • USACE experience strongly preferred, including direct work on the REA/VEQ claim process
  • Construction or marine construction claims experience preferred
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Valid Driver's License with clean driving record required

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Monitor active projects and coordinate with Project Management to identify and prepare potential claims
  • Work with Project Management and Accounting to gather documentation for USACE submittals
  • Maintain an active claims tracker and track all deadlines, responses, and notices
  • Represent Curtin in client disagreements, disputes, and claims
  • Maintain reporting documenting production variations, project events, payment, and quality
  • Understand contract requirements and support project teams with compliance
  • Attend contract/client meetings and manage dredging project subcontracts
  • Support the Bid Team with contract compliance
  • Check in with active projects, Legal, and Accounting/Finance daily
  • Attend daily production calls and document variations from bid estimates and their causes

WHAT WE OFFER:
  • Competitive compensation
  • Generous benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, STD & AD&D/Life Insurance, plus optional additional Life Insurance and Flexible Spending Accounts

Curtin Maritime is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Apply