[Core] [81% incumbents] Move levers to position dredges for excavation, to engage hydraulic pumps, to raise and lower suction booms, and to control rotation of cutterheads.
  DWAs: Operate excavation equipment.

[Core] [81% incumbents] Start power winches that draw in or let out cables to change positions of dredges, or pull in and let out cables manually.
  DWAs: Operate excavation equipment. | Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.

[Core] [81% incumbents] Pump water to clear machinery pipelines.
  DWAs: Control pumps or pumping equipment.

[Core] [81% incumbents] Direct or assist workers placing shore anchors and cables, laying additional pipes from dredges to shore, and pumping water from pontoons.
  DWAs: Control pumps or pumping equipment. | Direct material handling or moving activities.

[Core] [80% incumbents] Start and stop engines to operate equipment.
  DWAs: Operate excavation equipment.

[Core] [78% incumbents] Lower anchor poles to verify depths of excavations, using winches, or scan depth gauges to determine depths of excavations.
  DWAs: Measure work site dimensions.

[EMERGING:New] Perform maintenance on dredge equipment, such as changing engine oil.

--- SKILLS ---
  Critical Thinking (imp:3.00 lvl:2.75) — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternativ
  Active Listening (imp:2.88 lvl:2.38) — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand
  Speaking (imp:2.88 lvl:2.25) — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  Monitoring (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organization
  Reading Comprehension (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  Active Learning (imp:2.50 lvl:2.12) — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future pr
  Learning Strategies (imp:2.38 lvl:2.50) — Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate fo
  Writing (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audienc
  Mathematics (imp:2.00 lvl:1.88) — Using mathematics to solve problems.
  Science (imp:1.25 lvl:0.50) — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

--- KNOWLEDGE ---
  Mechanical (imp:4.06 lvl:5.03) — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and main
  English Language (imp:3.43 lvl:3.39) — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the mea
  Public Safety and Security (imp:3.18 lvl:1.97) — Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote
  Administration and Management (imp:3.15 lvl:3.38) — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, 
  Production and Processing (imp:2.94 lvl:3.26) — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ot
  Mathematics (imp:2.81 lvl:1.85) — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their appl
  Education and Training (imp:2.62 lvl:3.29) — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching
  Physics (imp:2.45 lvl:2.22) — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships,
  Engineering and Technology (imp:2.24 lvl:2.40) — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. Th
  Building and Construction (imp:2.17 lvl:2.28) — Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or r
  Computers and Electronics (imp:2.15 lvl:2.23) — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and comput
  Law and Government (imp:2.03 lvl:1.72) — Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulat
  Transportation (imp:1.96 lvl:1.83) — Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea
  Personnel and Human Resources (imp:1.94 lvl:1.13) — Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, tra
  Medicine and Dentistry (imp:1.89 lvl:0.78) — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human i
  Telecommunications (imp:1.72 lvl:1.02) — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of te
  Sales and Marketing (imp:1.65 lvl:1.07) — Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products
  Geography (imp:1.57) — Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, an
  Communications and Media (imp:1.57 lvl:0.80) — Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and m
  Design (imp:1.48) — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of 
  Customer and Personal Service (imp:1.43) — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal servic
  Administrative (imp:1.42) — Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word proce
  Psychology (imp:1.34) — Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, 
  Chemistry (imp:1.33) — Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances a
  Economics and Accounting (imp:1.29) — Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial mar
  Biology (imp:1.22) — Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interd
  Foreign Language (imp:1.18) — Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language inclu
  Sociology and Anthropology (imp:1.16) — Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human 
  Therapy and Counseling (imp:1.15) — Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and r
  History and Archeology (imp:1.15) — Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civi
  Philosophy and Theology (imp:1.13) — Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their 
  Fine Arts (imp:1.08) — Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform
  Food Production (imp:1.06) — Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food

--- ABILITIES ---
  Control Precision (imp:4.00 lvl:4.00) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehi
  Multilimb Coordination (imp:3.75 lvl:4.00) — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or
  Depth Perception (imp:3.50 lvl:3.62) — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you
  Arm-Hand Steadiness (imp:3.38 lvl:3.12) — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while hold
  Manual Dexterity (imp:3.38 lvl:2.88) — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your
  Reaction Time (imp:3.38 lvl:3.62) — The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sou
  Problem Sensitivity (imp:3.25 lvl:2.75) — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does no
  Near Vision (imp:3.25 lvl:2.88) — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  Far Vision (imp:3.25 lvl:3.50) — The ability to see details at a distance.
  Selective Attention (imp:3.12 lvl:3.00) — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distrac
  Finger Dexterity (imp:3.12 lvl:2.88) — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or bot
  Hearing Sensitivity (imp:3.12 lvl:2.62) — The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch 
  Information Ordering (imp:3.00 lvl:2.88) — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according
  Auditory Attention (imp:3.00 lvl:3.38) — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distra
  Speech Recognition (imp:3.00 lvl:2.50) — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  Speech Clarity (imp:3.00 lvl:2.50) — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  Oral Comprehension (imp:2.88 lvl:3.25) — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through 
  Oral Expression (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will unde
  Flexibility of Closure (imp:2.88 lvl:3.00) — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or so
  Perceptual Speed (imp:2.88 lvl:3.12) — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among
  Response Orientation (imp:2.88 lvl:3.38) — The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two o
  Static Strength (imp:2.88 lvl:2.88) — The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
  Trunk Strength (imp:2.88 lvl:2.75) — The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the 
  Deductive Reasoning (imp:2.75 lvl:2.62) — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that 
  Visualization (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when 
  Rate Control (imp:2.75 lvl:2.75) — The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in an
  Inductive Reasoning (imp:2.62 lvl:2.38) — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusion
  Category Flexibility (imp:2.62 lvl:2.25) — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping
  Spatial Orientation (imp:2.62 lvl:2.38) — The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know wher
  Time Sharing (imp:2.50 lvl:2.50) — The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of
  Visual Color Discrimination (imp:2.50 lvl:2.25) — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of c
  Glare Sensitivity (imp:2.50 lvl:2.62) — The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
  Written Comprehension (imp:2.38 lvl:2.25) — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
  Written Expression (imp:2.38 lvl:2.00) — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will under
  Fluency of Ideas (imp:2.38 lvl:2.00) — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas
  Wrist-Finger Speed (imp:2.38 lvl:2.12) — The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and 
  Speed of Limb Movement (imp:2.25 lvl:1.75) — The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
  Dynamic Strength (imp:2.25 lvl:2.25) — The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This inv
  Stamina (imp:2.25 lvl:1.50) — The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getti
  Peripheral Vision (imp:2.25 lvl:1.88) — The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes ar
  Speed of Closure (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into mea
  Extent Flexibility (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
  Gross Body Coordination (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together wh
  Gross Body Equilibrium (imp:2.12 lvl:1.62) — The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unsta
  Originality (imp:2.00 lvl:1.75) — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situa
  Mathematical Reasoning (imp:2.00 lvl:1.38) — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a prob
  Number Facility (imp:2.00 lvl:1.38) — The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
  Memorization (imp:2.00 lvl:1.62) — The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and proced
  Sound Localization (imp:1.88 lvl:1.62) — The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
  Night Vision (imp:1.75 lvl:1.12) — The ability to see under low-light conditions.
  Explosive Strength (imp:1.25 lvl:0.38) — The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping
  Dynamic Flexibility (imp:1.12 lvl:0.25) — The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with yo

--- WORK ACTIVITIES ---
  Controlling Machines and Processes (imp:4.23 lvl:4.43) — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines 
  Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (imp:3.97 lvl:2.89) — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors o
  Handling and Moving Objects (imp:3.94 lvl:4.80) — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials,
  Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment (imp:3.76 lvl:4.13) — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, an
  Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings (imp:3.75 lvl:2.94) — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment,
  Getting Information (imp:3.72 lvl:1.94) — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sour
  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates (imp:3.64 lvl:3.26) — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone,
  Making Decisions and Solving Problems (imp:3.61 lvl:2.92) — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and sol
  Performing General Physical Activities (imp:3.54 lvl:4.08) — Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require co
  Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards (imp:3.47 lvl:1.99) — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events o
  Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships (imp:3.39 lvl:3.76) — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and m
  Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events (imp:3.26 lvl:2.13) — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or 
  Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment (imp:3.21 lvl:2.85) — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, s
  Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge (imp:3.17 lvl:2.38) — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others (imp:3.05 lvl:1.92) — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  Documenting/Recording Information (imp:2.99 lvl:2.75) — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in writte
  Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others (imp:2.96 lvl:2.56) — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
  Training and Teaching Others (imp:2.82 lvl:2.48) — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or tr
  Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work (imp:2.77 lvl:3.76) — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your
  Developing and Building Teams (imp:2.74 lvl:1.44) — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team membe
  Thinking Creatively (imp:2.70 lvl:1.81) — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, syste
  Coaching and Developing Others (imp:2.70 lvl:2.18) — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherw
  Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates (imp:2.67 lvl:2.28) — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance 
  Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People (imp:2.65 lvl:1.76) — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
  Processing Information (imp:2.62 lvl:1.30) — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying
  Developing Objectives and Strategies (imp:2.62 lvl:1.71) — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to 
  Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information (imp:2.61 lvl:1.53) — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resourc
  Analyzing Data or Information (imp:2.55 lvl:1.59) — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by break
  Communicating with People Outside the Organization (imp:2.42 lvl:1.06) — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organizatio
  Monitoring and Controlling Resources (imp:2.28 lvl:1.76) — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
  Assisting and Caring for Others (imp:2.25 lvl:1.75) — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other pe
  Performing for or Working Directly with the Public (imp:2.18 lvl:1.65) — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving
  Providing Consultation and Advice to Others (imp:2.15 lvl:1.14) — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical,
  Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others (imp:2.01 lvl:1.39) — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, 
  Selling or Influencing Others (imp:1.96 lvl:0.60) — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or
  Performing Administrative Activities (imp:1.96 lvl:1.00) — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files
  Scheduling Work and Activities (imp:1.80 lvl:1.64) — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
  Staffing Organizational Units (imp:1.77 lvl:0.45) — Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organ
  Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment (imp:1.76 lvl:1.24) — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines,
  Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment (imp:1.63 lvl:1.04) — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to t
  Working with Computers (imp:1.57 lvl:0.69) — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to progra

--- WORK STYLES ---
  Dependability (imp:2.19) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Cautiousness (imp:2.03) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Dependability (imp:2.00) — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related o
  Attention to Detail (imp:1.57) — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Stress Tolerance (imp:1.29) — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Perseverance (imp:1.12) — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Cautiousness (imp:1.00) — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related
  Integrity (imp:0.98) — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Self-Control (imp:0.80) — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Self-Confidence (imp:0.69) — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Achievement Orientation (imp:0.68) — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Adaptability (imp:0.64) — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Cooperation (imp:0.53) — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Initiative (imp:0.22) — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Leadership Orientation (imp:0.16) — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Sincerity (imp:0.09) — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Innovation () — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Achievement Orientation () — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, 
  Intellectual Curiosity () — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity () — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
  Initiative () — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may
  Adaptability () — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas 
  Self-Confidence () — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control 
  Perseverance () — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in 
  Leadership Orientation () — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
  Humility () — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Sincerity () — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, withou
  Empathy () — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Cooperation () — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
  Optimism () — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Social Orientation () — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Attention to Detail () — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
  Integrity () — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
  Stress Tolerance () — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
  Self-Control () — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in res
  Optimism (imp:-0.02) — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even un
  Empathy (imp:-0.14) — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feel
  Intellectual Curiosity (imp:-0.19) — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep 
  Humility (imp:-0.38) — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
  Social Orientation (imp:-0.41) — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
  Innovation (imp:-0.45) — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on 
  Tolerance for Ambiguity (imp:-0.48) — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

--- TRANSFERABLE SKILLS ---
  Operation and Control (imp:3.75 lvl:3.25) — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  Operations Monitoring (imp:3.50 lvl:3.62) — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working pr
  Coordination (imp:3.00 lvl:3.12) — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  Judgment and Decision Making (imp:3.00 lvl:2.62) — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the m
  Troubleshooting (imp:2.88 lvl:2.62) — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
  Social Perceptiveness (imp:2.75 lvl:2.38) — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  Complex Problem Solving (imp:2.75 lvl:2.50) — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and ev
  Equipment Selection (imp:2.75 lvl:2.50) — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
  Time Management (imp:2.75 lvl:2.38) — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  Management of Personnel Resources (imp:2.62 lvl:2.88) — Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best 
  Equipment Maintenance (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind o
  Repairing (imp:2.50 lvl:2.38) — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
  Quality Control Analysis (imp:2.50 lvl:2.75) — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate
  Instructing (imp:2.38 lvl:2.62) — Teaching others how to do something.
  Persuasion (imp:2.25 lvl:2.00) — Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  Negotiation (imp:2.25 lvl:1.88) — Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
  Service Orientation (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — Actively looking for ways to help people.
  Systems Analysis (imp:2.12 lvl:1.88) — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, 
  Systems Evaluation (imp:2.12 lvl:2.00) — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed 
  Management of Material Resources (imp:1.88 lvl:1.38) — Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materi
  Operations Analysis (imp:1.75 lvl:1.00) — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  Technology Design (imp:1.75 lvl:0.88) — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
  Management of Financial Resources (imp:1.75 lvl:1.25) — Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for the
  Installation (imp:1.00) — Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
  Programming (imp:1.00) — Writing computer programs for various purposes.

--- NATIONAL WAGES ---
  total_employment : 1,040
  annual_median    : $49,640
  annual_pct10     : $41,080
  annual_pct25     : $46,430
  annual_pct75     : $62,070
  annual_pct90     : $74,140
  annual_mean      : $56,120
  hourly_median    : $23.86

--- GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSION ---
  highest_state    : Texas ($65,580)
  lowest_state     : Nebraska ($45,290)
  dispersion_ratio : 1.448x

--- TOP STATES BY WAGE (9 total) ---
  Construction                             emp:      590  median: $  48,980
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:      280  median: $  56,090
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:       90  median: $  52,800

--- TOP INDUSTRIES BY EMPLOYMENT (3 total) ---
  Construction                             emp:      590  median: $  48,980
  Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction emp:      280  median: $  56,090
  Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) emp:       90  median: $  52,800

exact_match_status : no_exact_match
matched_title      : N/A
match_score        : 0.0000
wikidata_qid       : N/A
word_count         : 0
wikipedia_url      : N/A
license            : CC BY-SA 4.0
fetched_at         : 2026-06-02T23:38:10.403609Z

--- SEMANTIC NEIGHBORS (5) ---

  Title: Dredging (similarity: 0.4167)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dredging
  QID: Q852170
  Extract: Dredging is the excavation of material from a water environment. Possible reasons for dredging include improving existing water features; reshaping land and water features to alter drainage, navigability, and commercial use; constructing dams, dikes, and other controls for streams and shorelines; an

  Title: Miss Katie (2022 ship) (similarity: 0.1579)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miss_Katie_(2022_ship)
  QID: Q116987018
  Extract: Miss Katie is a hopper dredge owned by EJE Dredging Service, LLC. Her primary mission is to maintain the channels through Oregon Inlet and nearby Hatteras Inlet in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Keeping these navigable waterways open is important to local fishing, recreational boating, and other

  Title: Gold Rush: White Water (similarity: 0.3158)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Rush%3A_White_Water
  QID: Q48815271
  Extract: Gold Rush: White Water was a reality television series that aired on the Discovery Channel. A spin-off of Gold Rush, the series followed placer gold miners "Dakota" Fred Hurt and his son Dustin Hurt, in their return to the wilderness of Haines Borough, Alaska, to seek their fortune by suction dredge

  Title: Gepanzerte Pioniermaschine (similarity: 0.3333)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gepanzerte_Pioniermaschine
  QID: Q1509624
  Extract: Gepanzerte Pioniermaschine (GPM) was the design for two prototype armored engineer vehicles for the Bundeswehr.

  Title: Ellicott Dredges (similarity: 0.4375)
  URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellicott_Dredges
  QID: Q5365310
  Extract: First established as the Ellicott Machine Company in 1885, Ellicott Dredges is one of the oldest manufacturers in the world that specializes in the design and building of dredges and dredge machinery. Throughout its 125 years of existence, Ellicott has built over 1,500 dredges and exported to over 8

model_pass1          : claude-sonnet-4-20250514
model_pass2          : claude-haiku-4-5-20251001
inference_confidence : high
confidence_notes     : Strong confidence based on detailed O*NET work activity data, clear task descriptions, and comprehensive ability/knowledge profiles. Geographic and wage data from BLS provides robust market intelligence foundation.
inferred_at          : 2026-06-04T03:26:26.262204+00:00
tokens_input         : 4,551
tokens_output        : 4,497
cost_usd             : $0.047305
wikipedia_used       : False
wikipedia_title      : None
wikipedia_note       : No exact Wikipedia match exists for 'Dredge Operators' as a specific occupation, though the general process of 'Dredging' provides relevant technical context. The occupation represents a specialized role within the broader dredging industry.

--- PROSE FIELDS ---

ROLE SUMMARY:
Dredge Operators operate heavy machinery to excavate sand, gravel, and other materials from waterways to maintain navigable channels for shipping and transportation. They control complex hydraulic systems and positioning equipment while ensuring safety protocols are followed in marine environments. These skilled equipment operators are essential for maintaining ports, harbors, and inland waterways across the transportation infrastructure.

DAY IN THE LIFE:
Dredge Operators start their shifts by inspecting equipment and checking hydraulic systems before positioning the dredge vessel for excavation work. They move levers to control suction booms, engage hydraulic pumps, and operate winches to adjust cable positions for optimal dredging angles. Throughout the day, they monitor depth gauges and use anchor poles to verify excavation depths while pumping water to clear machinery pipelines. They coordinate with crew members to position shore anchors and lay additional pipes from the dredge to shore. Regular maintenance tasks include changing engine oil and troubleshooting mechanical issues to ensure continuous operation.

WHO THRIVES:
Successful Dredge Operators possess strong mechanical aptitude and enjoy working with complex heavy machinery in marine environments. They demonstrate excellent hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and the ability to maintain steady control under varying water conditions. These individuals are detail-oriented problem solvers who can work independently while maintaining constant vigilance for safety hazards. They typically prefer hands-on work over desk jobs and feel comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. The role attracts people who appreciate the combination of technical skill and physical engagement required to operate sophisticated dredging equipment.

CAREER ENTRY:
Most Dredge Operators enter the field with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training or apprenticeship programs. Some operators benefit from post-secondary certificates in heavy equipment operation or marine technology programs. Entry-level positions often start as dredge deckhands or helpers, where workers gain familiarity with equipment and safety procedures before advancing to operator roles. The specialized nature of dredging work means most training occurs directly with dredging companies or marine construction firms.

CAREER TRAJECTORY:
Experienced Dredge Operators can advance to supervisory roles such as Dredgemaster, overseeing entire dredging operations and crew management. Some operators transition to related heavy equipment roles in construction or mining, leveraging their mechanical skills and equipment operation experience. Career progression may also lead to specialized positions in marine construction, port management, or equipment maintenance and repair roles within the maritime industry.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE:
According to BLS OEWS May 2025 data, Dredge Operators earn a median annual wage of $49,640, with experienced operators earning up to $74,140 annually. Employment totals 1,040 workers nationally, with the highest concentrations in Texas where operators earn $65,580 annually. The construction industry employs the majority of dredge operators (590), followed by mining and extraction (280), and government agencies (90). Geographic wage variation is moderate, with Texas offering 45% higher wages than lower-paying states like Nebraska. Demand is tied to infrastructure maintenance, port expansion projects, and waterway management needs.

AUTOMATION OUTLOOK:
Dredging operations face moderate automation pressure as GPS-guided systems and automated depth control become more sophisticated. However, the complex decision-making required for positioning equipment, responding to changing water conditions, and coordinating with crew members limits full automation potential. The need for real-time troubleshooting and equipment maintenance ensures continued demand for skilled human operators in the foreseeable future.

--- REASONED EDGES ---
  [skill_overlap] Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators (47-2073.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles share identical core activities of controlling machines and processes (4.2+ importance) and repairing mechanical equipment (3.8+ importance).
    data: Controlling Machines and Processes importance 4.2
    data: Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment importance 3.8
    data: Mechanical knowledge level 5.0
  [task_similarity] Hoist and Winch Operators (53-7041.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both roles operate winch systems extensively, with dredge operators using power winches to position equipment and control cables.
    data: Start power winches to draw in or let out cables
    data: Control Precision ability importance 4.0
    data: Operation and Control transferable skill 3.8
  [riasec_cluster] Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining (47-5022.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both occupations share dominant Realistic orientation (R:6.63) and involve operating heavy excavation equipment for material removal.
    data: RIASEC R:6.63
    data: Operate excavation equipment task
    data: Handling and Moving Objects importance 3.9
  [ability_overlap] Crane and Tower Operators (53-7021.00) — confidence:high
    reasoning: Both require exceptional control precision (4.0 importance) and multilimb coordination (3.8 importance) for operating complex positioning equipment.
    data: Control Precision importance 4.0
    data: Multilimb Coordination importance 3.8
    data: Depth Perception importance 3.5
  [wage_band] Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas (47-5012.00) — confidence:medium
    reasoning: Both occupations fall within similar wage ranges and require specialized heavy equipment operation skills in industrial settings.
    data: Median wage $49,640
    data: Job Zone 2 classification
    data: Mechanical knowledge importance 4.1

--- NORMALIZER SIGNALS ---
  match_keywords   : ['dredge operator', 'dredging equipment', 'hydraulic excavation', 'waterway maintenance', 'suction dredge', 'marine excavation', 'channel maintenance', 'dredgemaster']
  exclude_keywords : ['crane operator', 'bulldozer', 'land excavation', 'road construction', 'building construction']
  title_patterns   : ['dredge operator', 'dredge engineer', 'dredgemaster', 'dredge hand', 'hydraulic leverman']
  common_variations: ['dredge boat engineer', 'dredge deckhand', 'dredge mate', 'dredge worker', 'dredger', 'dredge lever operator', 'hydraulic dredge operator', 'suction dredge operator']

total_terms    : 40
top_words      : ['equipment', 'tendency', 'others', 'control', 'principles', 'dredge', 'operators', 'includes', 'objects', 'operate', 'materials', 'ideas', 'dredging', 'management', 'techniques', 'activities', 'body', 'water', 'maintenance', 'problems']
source_layers  : onet_tasks | onet_dimensions | dwas | wikipedia | inference

TERM                    COUNT     FREQ  DOMINANT SOURCE      SOURCE BREAKDOWN
──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
equipment                  42  0.01595  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:55%  inference:26%  dwas:14%
tendency                   42  0.01595  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
others                     38  0.01443  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
control                    19  0.00722  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:63%  inference:21%  dwas:11%
principles                 16  0.00608  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
dredge                     15  0.00570  inference            inference:73%  wikipedia:20%  onet_tasks:7%
operators                  14  0.00532  inference            inference:100%
includes                   12  0.00456  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
objects                    12  0.00456  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
operate                    11  0.00418  dwas                 dwas:36%  onet_dimensions:27%  inference:27%
materials                  11  0.00418  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:91%  inference:9%
ideas                      11  0.00418  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
dredging                   11  0.00418  inference            inference:73%  wikipedia:27%
management                 10  0.00380  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:70%  inference:30%
techniques                 10  0.00380  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
activities                 10  0.00380  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:90%  dwas:10%
body                       10  0.00380  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
water                       9  0.00342  wikipedia            wikipedia:44%  inference:33%  onet_tasks:22%
maintenance                 9  0.00342  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:44%  inference:44%  onet_tasks:11%
problems                    9  0.00342  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
procedures                  9  0.00342  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
needs                       9  0.00342  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:89%  inference:11%
resources                   9  0.00342  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
moving                      9  0.00342  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:78%  dwas:22%
quickly                     9  0.00342  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
orientation                 9  0.00342  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
excavation                  8  0.00304  dwas                 dwas:38%  wikipedia:25%  inference:25%
monitoring                  8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
problem                     8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
rules                       8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
mechanical                  8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:62%  inference:38%
operations                  8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  inference:25%
human                       8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
production                  8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
design                      8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:75%  wikipedia:25%
standards                   8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
events                      8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
performing                  8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%
hand                        8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:88%  inference:12%
actions                     8  0.00304  onet_dimensions      onet_dimensions:100%