Launch Your Career: Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) with the USACE
Are you looking for a career that goes beyond the office desk? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is hiring a Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) for the St. Louis District. This unique, hands-on role puts you on the water, supporting the maintenance of vital inland waterways. If you have the technical aptitude and a desire to work in marine operations, this is your chance to join a world-class team.
Job Responsibilities
As a Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) on the Dredge Potter, your daily responsibilities will include:
- Operating computerized systems to monitor and control dredge pumps.
- Assisting in the assembly and disassembly of marine machinery.
- Conducting hydrographic surveys using 26-foot motorboats.
- Reading technical manuals to ensure safe and efficient dredging operations.
- Performing routine maintenance on dredging equipment to minimize downtime.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, candidates must demonstrate:
- Technical Proficiency: Ability to perform work without excessive supervision.
- Physical Stamina: The ability to work in a marine environment involving climbing and standing.
- Eligibility: Must meet at least one employment authority (e.g., VEOA, Schedule A, Military Spouse).
- Compliance: Must pass a drug screening and provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
Salary and Work Environment
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $30.88 - $36.05 per hour |
| Location | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Work Environment | Pilot house and outdoor marine deck |
| Physical Demand | Moderate (lifting under 10 lbs, high coordination) |
Benefits
Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers enjoy robust federal benefits, including competitive pay, opportunities for advancement, and the knowledge that their work directly impacts the nation's navigation and infrastructure health.
Application Tips
- Respect the Page Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Overly long resumes will result in immediate disqualification.
- Quantify Experience: Clearly state your hours per week for every position listed.
- Use Plain Language: Avoid cryptic internal acronyms. Ensure a recruiter can understand your skills without deep knowledge of your past employers.
This role is an excellent entry point into the world of federal maritime operations. If you are ready for a challenging career in St. Louis, submit your application package before the November 9, 2026 deadline.
Why This Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) Job Matters
Launch a career on the water with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers—operate heavy marine equipment and support vital river navigation in the heart of St. Louis.
Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a motivated individual to join the Operations Division on the Dredge Potter as a Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee). This permanent, full-time seasonal position offers a unique opportunity to work on marine infrastructure in St. Louis, Missouri. You will gain hands-on experience in river maintenance, equipment operation, and hydrographic survey support, contributing directly to the efficiency and safety of our nation's navigable waterways.
Requirements for Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee)
- Ability to perform dredging operations without more than normal supervision.
- Must be able to operate computer equipment to monitor dredge performance.
- Ability to utilize river currents and vessel movements for navigation assistance.
- Proficiency in operating small craft for survey and inspection tasks.
- Knowledge of marine equipment assembly, maintenance, and repair.
- Must pass a drug test.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Selective Service registration for male applicants born after Dec 31, 1959.
- Must meet at least one eligible employment authority (e.g., Veteran, Military Spouse, Current Federal Employee, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications for Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee)
- Experience in operating industrial dredging machinery.
- Demonstrated ability to perform precise technical practices in a marine environment.
- Experience with hydrographic surveying or operating small motorboats in river settings.
- Ability to perform maintenance on heavy machinery and cables.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly pay with locality adjustments.
- ✓Meaningful work supporting national infrastructure.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development within the USACE.
- ✓Access to Federal employee benefits programs.
- ✓Stable work environment with a premier federal agency.
💡 How to Apply Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Dredging Equipment Operator (Trainee) Job
- Log in or create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that is two pages or less, clearly detailing your experience.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required supporting documentation (e.g., proof of eligibility, performance appraisals).
- Review your application package for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit your application before the closing date of November 9, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit to avoid disqualification.
- Be specific about your hours worked per week and provide clear dates (Month/Year) for all employment.
- Use plain language and avoid internal jargon that a recruiter might not recognize.
- Double-check your proof of eligibility documents, as these vary by the hiring authority you claim.
- Submit early to account for potential delays in the file virus-scanning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a permanent position?
Yes, this is a permanent, full-time seasonal appointment.
What is the physical nature of this job?
The role requires moderate physical effort, including standing for long periods, climbing stairs to the pilot house, and operating controls with both hands and feet.
What hazards should I expect?
Work includes exposure to grease, fumes, noise, and potential risks involving heavy machinery, cables, or working near water.
Do I need a specific degree for this?
There is no specific length of training required, but you must demonstrate the ability to perform the work successfully.
Is relocation covered?
No, Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized for this position.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the world's premier public engineering agencies. Tasked with delivering vital public and military engineering services, the USACE works to strengthen national security, energize the economy, and reduce disaster risks. Working here means being part of a team that builds, manages, and maintains the nation's critical infrastructure.