Dredge Operators

machine realistic interests depth of excavations cable measure dimensions vehicle maintenance move levers pump water

Dredge Operator, Dredger

What they do:
Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.
On the job, you would:
  • Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.
  • Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
  • Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Safety and Government

  • public safety and security

Business

  • management

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Controlled Movement

  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down

Hand and Finger Use

  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Concern for Others
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Self Control

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software

  • Teledyne Odom Hydrographic ODOM eChart

Industrial control software

  • HYPACK DREDGEPACK
  • Programmable logic controller PLC software

Mobile location based services software

  • Global positioning system GPS software

Education

Education: (rated 2 of 5)
high school diploma/GED
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training
Apprenticeship.gov

Job Outlook

Below Average
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Local Salary Info
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about dredge operators.