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Occupation AtlasDredge Operators

O*NET · 53-7031.00

Dredge Operators

Operate dredge to remove sand, gravel, or other materials in order to excavate and maintain navigable channels in waterways.

Also called Dredge Boat Engineer · Dredge Deckhand · Dredge Engineer · Dredge Hand · Dredge Lever Operator · Dredge Mate · Dredge Operator · Dredge Worker
3 more

Dredgemaster · Dredger · Hydraulic Leverman

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.63
  • C Conventional3.48
  • I Investigative2.99
  • E Enterprising2.33
  • S Social1.36
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma7%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent80%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate9%
  • Some College Courses4%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (37%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (38%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (40%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Monitoringbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Troubleshooting2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Speakingbasic2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Equipment Selection2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
Show the other 23
  • Time Management2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Quality Control Analysis2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Equipment Maintenance2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Repairing2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Active Learningbasic2.52.1Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Instructing2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Persuasion2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Systems Evaluation2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Writingbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Service Orientation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Analysis2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operations Analysis1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Technology Design1.80.9
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

6 core

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.4.8
  2. Start and stop engines to operate equipment.4.4
  3. Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.4.3
  4. Pump water to clear machinery pipelines.4.3
  5. Lower anchor poles to verify depths of excavations, using winches, or scan depth gauges to determine depths of excavations.4.0
  6. Direct or assist workers placing shore anchors and cables, laying additional pipes from dredges to shore, and pumping water from pontoons.3.8

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Administration and Management3.23.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and Security3.22.0Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Production and Processing2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mathematics2.81.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Education and Training2.63.3Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Physics2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
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  • Building and Construction2.22.3Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Computers and Electronics2.22.2Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Engineering and Technology2.22.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Law and Government2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Transportation2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.90.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.91.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.1Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Geography1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Design1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Administrative1.4—
  • Customer and Personal Service1.4—
  • Chemistry1.3—
  • Economics and Accounting1.3—
  • Psychology1.3—
  • Biology1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Multilimb Coordination3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Depth Perception3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Manual Dexterity3.42.9
  • Reaction Time3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Far Vision3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Near Vision3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.32.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Finger Dexterity3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.12.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Selective Attention3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Auditory Attention3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Information Ordering3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Speech Clarity3.02.5Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Speech Recognition3.02.5Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Flexibility of Closure2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Oral Comprehension2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Perceptual Speed2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Response Orientation2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
  • Static Strength2.92.9
  • Trunk Strength2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Deductive Reasoning2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Rate Control2.82.8
  • Visualization2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Category Flexibility2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
  • Inductive Reasoning2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Spatial Orientation2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Glare Sensitivity2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Time Sharing2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Fluency of Ideas2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Written Comprehension2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Written Expression2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Dynamic Strength2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Peripheral Vision2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.31.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Extent Flexibility2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.11.6Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of Closure2.12.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Originality2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Sound Localization1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Night Vision1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.1—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.24.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.02.9
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.82.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Getting Information3.71.9Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.62.9
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  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.52.0Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.32.1Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.22.9
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.22.4Level 1 looks like: Keep up with price changes in a small retail store
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.11.9Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.02.6
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.02.8
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work2.83.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Training and Teaching Others2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Give coworkers brief instructions on a simple procedural change
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.72.2Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Developing and Building Teams2.71.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People2.71.8Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
  • Thinking Creatively2.71.8Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.61.6Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.61.7Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information2.61.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Processing Information2.61.3Level 1 looks like: Calculate the costs for shipping packages
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.41.1Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.21.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.01.0Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.01.4Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.00.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Scheduling Work and Activities1.81.6Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.80.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Working with Computers1.60.7Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.9
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.7
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.5
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.4
  • Contact With Others4.3
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.2
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.1
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment3.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team3.9

Technology

6 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Tools (6)
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • HYPACK DREDGEPACK
  • Programmable logic controller PLC software
  • Teledyne Odom Hydrographic ODOM eChart
  • Trimble HYDROpro
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Hoist and Winch Operators
  2. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
  3. Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
  4. Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
  5. Helpers--Extraction Workers
  6. Continuous Mining Machine Operators
  7. Riggers
  8. Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
  9. Crane and Tower Operators
  10. Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.