Career Compass—Dragtenders and Levermen

America’s waterways rely on dredging—excavation of material from a body of water by way of heavy machinery—to maintain their channels and support vital infrastructure. Behind these marine operations, two specialized roles enable this essential dredging work: Dragtenders and Levermen.

The hopper dredge BAYPORT on the Kings Bay and Fernandina Harbor Dredging project in Florida.

What Do They Do?

Dragtender

BAYPORT Dragtender Juan Galvan

Dragtenders are hands-on experts whose primary duty on a hopper dredge involves the maintenance and operation of the dredging gear including dragarms, dredge/jet/hydraulic engines, and valves that control the flow of the slurry.  

“Manson takes care of you, and they are good to us,” Dragtender Juan Galvan says. “The BAYPORT is one family, and I couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Some of the guys have been here for sixteen years so it’s family.”

Leverman

Levermen manage dredging operations on a cuttersuction dredge from onboard control rooms. Using consoles, they guide underwater excavation tools while monitoring material flow through pipelines. Their expertise ensures consistent production by adjusting equipment to changing underwater conditions.  

“I enjoy working with different methods and personalities such as myself,” Leverman James Lee states. “The opportunity to travel is also an added bonus in this trade.”

Both dragtenders and levermen work around a rotational schedule. Dragtenders typically spend two to three weeks on the vessel, followed by an equal amount of time off. At Manson, Levermen on the Gulf and East Coast often work for four-week periods with two weeks of time off. This allows for extended and uninterrupted time at home to pursue personal interests, family life, or travel.  

The Path into the Trade

Both paths start with these core requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Possess a valid ID

• Pass the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) medical exam

• Hold a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) security credential

Dragtenders typically begin through apprenticeships. They start as Able Seamen and eventually shadow a dragtender to learn about the job in the wheelhouse. To do this, prospective dragtenders must acquire a United States Coast guard (USCG) Merchant Mariner Credential with Rating Forming Part of a Navigational Watch and Able Seafarer duties. The most common way to begin is by applying through official union hiring halls or maritime training school placement programs.  

Levermen often advance from deck roles or engineering positions, bringing hands-on experience to the control room. Future levermen should record equipment hours in engineering logs and seek mentorship from experienced operators.  

Union Vs. Non-Union

Throughout the country, tradesmen can choose to be employed via non-union or union depending on the location.

Union roles place them within an organized network where training, work practices, and safety standards are consistent across job sites. For dragtenders and levermen, that can mean access to formal apprenticeship programs and mentorship from seasoned operators. This structure can make it easier to move between projects or employers without having to start from scratch in proving their skills.

Non-union roles are shaped directly by the employer’s policies and culture. Some tradespeople prefer this route for the flexibility it can offer, like choosing their own training providers, negotiating terms one-on-one, and sometimes working with smaller or more specialized crews. It can allow for a more individualized career path, where they decide which skills to develop and which types of projects to pursue, without the framework of union agreements.

Both paths are protected under federal and state labor laws, with safety being a priority. Manson especially has a commitment to safety that deeply resonates with tradesmen, who are equipped with resources to stay protected.

James emphasizes this, stating: “Every safety program at Manson resonates with me, and I pride myself on working safely and monitoring everyone around me to go above and beyond. My first goal is to keep the crew safe and follow the guidelines in the Manson handbook.”

Whether or not they’re in a union, either choice can lead to a fulfilling career.

Ready to Start?

Becoming a dragtender or leverman starts with dedication and hands-on learning, with both career paths offering opportunities for advancement. For a dragtender, progression is built on mastering the vessel's operations, with growth into technical roles in maintenance, hydraulic systems, or sediment management, or advancement into supervisory positions overseeing deck operations. Levermen develop through expertise in control systems and precision operation, advancing by mastering navigation technology and project management to progress toward roles involving the oversight of entire dredging projects.

Interested in starting your career? Contact your local vocational school to learn more about a career as a dragtender or leverman.