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Apprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

Mortenson

Operator Apprentice

Kenosha, WI

$17.25 - $22/hr

... operating heavy equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as ... ABOUT MORTENSON As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction ...

M. A. Mortenson Company

Operator Apprentice

Kenosha, WI · On-site

$17.25 - $22/hr

... operating heavy equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as ... ABOUT MORTENSON As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction ...

Constellation Energy

Supv Fuel Handling

Kingston, IL · On-site

$133K - $148K/yr

Associates/non-technical 4-year degree/completion or a relevant, skilled trades apprenticeship program (e.g., boilermaker, pipefitter, operating engineer) with 7 years of industry experience or 5 ...

Chips Manufacturing

Manufacturing Engineer

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$74K - $96K/yr

This includes drawings, inspection documents, tool layouts, offset sheets, operator and setup ... Helping and training Engineering Assistant /Apprentice. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This job has ...

MalaceHR

Chief Engineer

Geneva, IL

Develop and manage engineering department budgets and support overall facility operating budgets ... Trade school certification, union apprenticeship training, military technical training, or college ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Huntley, IL

$98K - $117K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Lakewood, IL

$95K - $114K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Kildeer, IL

$100K - $120K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Johnsburg, IL

$97K - $116K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Hampshire, IL

$94K - $112K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Saint Charles, IL

$96K - $115K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Wadsworth, IL

$94K - $113K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Marengo, IL

$99K - $119K/yr

... operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and ... apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the ...

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All JobsApprentice Operating Engineer JobsApprentice Operating Engineer Jobs in Crystal Lake, IL

Apprentice Operating Engineer information

See Crystal Lake, IL salary details

$11

$21

$36

How much do apprentice operating engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice operating engineer in Crystal Lake, IL is $21.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by Apprentice Operating Engineers during their training period?

As an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding tasks, learning to safely operate a wide range of heavy machinery, and understanding complex site safety protocols. Balancing on-the-job training with classroom instruction can also be demanding, requiring strong time management and a willingness to continuously learn. Additionally, working in varying weather conditions and collaborating closely with seasoned engineers and construction crews are common aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Operating Engineer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, strong math skills, and typically a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic maintenance tools is important, and OSHA safety certifications are often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operation of complex machinery and support the successful completion of construction or industrial projects.

What are Apprentice Operating Engineers?

Apprentice Operating Engineers are individuals who are learning to operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, typically on construction sites. They work under the supervision of experienced engineers as part of a formal apprenticeship program, gaining hands-on experience and classroom instruction. The apprenticeship usually lasts several years and prepares individuals for a career as a fully qualified Operating Engineer, offering skills in equipment operation, safety practices, and routine maintenance.

What is the difference between Apprentice Operating Engineer vs Operating Engineer?

AspectApprentice Operating EngineerOperating Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and apprenticeship program completionRequires relevant certifications and experience, often including a license
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, assisting with operations in industrial or building settingsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining equipment in similar settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting under supervisionIndependent operation and decision-making

The main difference is that an Apprentice Operating Engineer is in training, focusing on learning the skills needed to become an Operating Engineer, who is fully qualified to operate and maintain equipment independently. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for the responsibilities of an Operating Engineer.

What cities near Crystal Lake, IL are hiring for Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs? Cities near Crystal Lake, IL with the most Apprentice Operating Engineer job openings:
Apprentice Operating Engineer jobs near you
Operator Apprentice

Operator Apprentice

Mortenson

Kenosha, WI

$17.25 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Mortenson rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

SUMMARY 

Mortenson is currently seeking an Operator Apprentice that will be responsible for operating heavy equipment as directed and specified while adhering to all rules and regulations as mandated by Mortenson safety policies and procedures. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Operate equipment such as blade, dozer, loader, scraper, forklift/telehandler, crane, bobcat/skid-steer, boom lifts/aerial lifts, and roller 
  • Follow prescribed safety regulations and maintain clear and orderly housekeeping 
  • Perform routine maintenance, observe equipment operation, and detect malfunctions 
  • Follow work plans and pre-task cards; provide leadership by displaying resourcefulness, work habits, and problem-solving skills 
  • Build relationships with diverse backgrounds and organizational levels 
  • Perform all other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS 

  • Equipment certifications as required 
  • Minimum one (1) year of related experience 
  • Current driver's license with proper classification including endorsements as required by law 
  • Strong teamwork orientation, positive attitude, professional customer service skills, and detail-oriented; ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals 
  • Ability to operate equipment by moving levers, shifting gears, depressing pedals, and maneuvering steering wheels; knowledge of equipment and their uses; basic mathematical skills 
  • Ability to work independently with active listening and effective communication skills, open to diverse input and feedback 
  • Repetitive hand, arm, leg movements 
  • *Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling: up to 50 lbs 
  • Please note: this position description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position. The duties and responsibilities of this position may change without notice. 

*Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling over 50 lbs will be done with assistance of another team member or equipment. 

A few benefits offered include: 

  • Mental Healthcare
  • Craft Dependent Scholarship
  • Service Awards
  • The Union provides additional benefits to team members in this position through a collective bargaining agreement, including vacation, health, insurance, pension, and job training. 

Please make note:  

  • Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.  
  • Our postings are typically open a minimum of 5 days and an average of 44 days. 

ABOUT MORTENSON 

As a top builder, developer, and EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), our expertise spans markets like sports, renewable energy, data centers, healthcare, and more. We are builders at heart, working to ensure the built environment has a lasting positive impact. 

Let's Redefine Possible 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Your uniqueness brings new and creative perspectives to the team. Mortenson is committed to providing equal opportunities of employment (EOE) to all individuals, regardless of your race, religion, gender, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, marital status or any other legally protected category. 

Other Items to Note 

  • Mortenson reserves the right to hire any individual without legal or financial obligation on unwanted solicitations.No agency emails, calls, or solicitations are accepted without a valid agreement. 
  • Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status, 0-1, TN, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 

What Mortenson employees say

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Workplace

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M. A. Mortenson logo

About M. A. Mortenson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M. A. Mortenson is a prominent name in the construction industry, based out of Minneapolis, MN, US. Established in 1954 by M.A. Mortenson Sr., the company has over six decades of experience offering construction services that have contributed to building lasting infrastructures across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, corporate, and sports. Mortenson has proven its exceptional expertise through a range of complex building and facility projects across the US fulfilling the customer's specifications and exceeding their expectations. Moreover, the company's core values are outlined as ‘Do the Right Thing’, ‘We Before I’, ‘Inspire What’s Possible’, and ‘In it for the long haul’.

Industry

Manufacturing and construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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