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Dredging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eastern Dredging

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Marine Dredge & Barge Operator

Deerfield Beach, FL · On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

The ideal candidate has at least two years of marine dredging experience, strong mechanical abilities, and the physical capacity to perform demanding work in an outdoor marine environment.

United Dredging

Operator 2

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

While dredging experience is highly valued, the industry involves specialized equipment, systems, and operating conditions that require continuous learning and adaptability. Success in this role ...

United Dredging

Diesel Mechanic 2

Ellsworth, WI · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Diesel Mechanic 2 Position Summary United Dredging is seeking a skilled and dependable Diesel Mechanic to support the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of heavy equipment and diesel ...

Gator Dredging

Excavator Operator

Melbourne, FL · On-site

$20.75 - $27.50/hr

Gator Dredging Excavator Operator Position This is a great opportunity for an experienced Excavator Operator to join our growing team! Excellent benefits, vacation, sick and holiday paid time off.

United Dredging

Diesel Mechanic 2

Ellsworth, WI · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Diesel Mechanic 2 Position Summary United Dredging is seeking a skilled and dependable Diesel Mechanic to support the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of heavy equipment and diesel ...

United Dredging

Operator 2

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

While dredging experience is highly valued, the industry involves specialized equipment, systems, and operating conditions that require continuous learning and adaptability. Success in this role ...

United Dredging

Operator

Ellsworth, WI · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

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 ...

United Dredging

Diesel Mechanic 3

Ellsworth, WI · 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 ...

Viking Dredging

Excavator Operator

Palacios, TX · On-site

$25 - $32/wk

Pay: $25.00 - $32.00 per hour Viking Dredging - Excavator OperatorImmediate Positions available for separate positions for an excavator and dozer operator. This is a great opportunity for an ...

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dredging information

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How much do dredging jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 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.
More about dredging jobs

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:

What job categories do people searching Dredging jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Dredging jobs are:

dredging jobs near you
Infographic showing various Dredging job openings in the United States 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 $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Dredging Operator 4 - Dakota City, NE

Tyson Foods, Inc.

Dakota City, NE • On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 24 days ago

Tyson Foods rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 552 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

297th of 442 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Job Details:
SUMMARY:
  • Responsible for the proper land application of wastewater treatment plant bio solids and repairing production trolleys.
  • Duties may include the setup operation, maintenance, and repair of dredging equipment, and trolley repair equipment; daily monitoring of equipment fluids and lubricants during dredging operations; ensure the operation of dredging equipment is performed in a safe and proper manner.
  • Supervision of shift operations that may include some night shifts or as needed and other duties as assigned by dredging supervisor. When dredging is not required, will be repairing trolleys, or working in the shop.
  • Candidates will be required to drive Fleet and/or Tyson owned equipment. Be available for emergency operations when needed.

REQUIREMENTS:
  • Agricultural background preferred.
  • Must have a High School diploma
  • Must have working experience in one or more of the following: general equipment repair, maintenance, engine repair, welding, and farming background that includes knowledge and experience with agricultural equipment operations equipment repair and maintenance.
  • Must be self-motivated and able to work without direct supervision; must have & maintain valid Driver's License
  • Strong verbal/written communication skills
  • Must be willing to participate in random drug screening to operate company owned equipment & Fleet vehicles.

Physical Requirements:
Work requires physical strength and agility necessary to perform lifting of fifty (50) lbs. or more.
Travel:
  • Extensive seasonal travel for project work at company locations.
  • Work at Tyson locations will entail working a minimum of twelve (12) plus hour days for eleven (11) days with a turnaround of three (3) days off. NOTE: Location time may be extended due to weather and project needs.

Non-Travel periods:
Work will be Four (4), ten (10) hour days, Monday through Thursday.
Here at Tyson Foods, we offer a full range of benefits and perks including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Telehealth services
  • Well-Being Support Programs
  • FSA and HSA available
  • 401k
  • Stock Purchase Plan
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Short-Term & Long- Term Disability
  • Fully Funded Education
  • Discount Program

MUST PROVIDE A RESUME TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Work Shift:
A Shift (United States of America)
Pay Range/Rate:
$28.45
Incentives:
Annual Incentive Plan:
No
Long-Term Incentive Plan:
No
Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
Any listed amounts represent the base pay range. Additional compensation may be available for this position based on various factors such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonuses. Pay is just one part of Tyson's total compensation package.
Tyson will develop an offer based on a candidate's or team member's relevant skills and capabilities, the market data for the role described in this requisition, internal equity, and other information relevant to the candidate and role.
Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
CCPA Notice. If you are a California resident, and would like to learn more about what categories of personal information we collect when you apply for this job, and how we may use that information, please read our CCPA Job Applicant Notice at Collection, click here

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