ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Heavy Equipment Operator Union Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rachel Contracting

Heavy Equipment Operator

Duluth, MN · On-site

Union Scale Pay_Range: N/A Application Instructions: All applicants must apply online. Please use the Apply Now button above to begin the application process. Follow the prompts and note if you are ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Union Jobs

Heavy Equipment Operator Union information

See salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do heavy equipment operator union jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator union in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get in the union for heavy equipment operator?

To join a union as a heavy equipment operator, you typically need to complete an apprenticeship program or have relevant work experience, pass a skills test, and meet age and safety requirements. Joining a union also often requires paying initiation fees and dues, and being employed by a union-affiliated contractor or applying directly through the union local.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a heavy equipment operator union member?

To thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Union member, you need proficiency in operating and maintaining machinery like bulldozers, excavators, and loaders, often backed by a high school diploma and completion of a union apprenticeship. Familiarity with GPS systems, safety protocols (like OSHA regulations), and relevant equipment certifications are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, teamwork, and a commitment to safety are essential soft skills. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality work on construction sites, supporting both personal safety and project success.

What are some typical challenges faced by heavy equipment operators working in union environments, and how can they be managed?

Heavy Equipment Operators in unionized settings often encounter challenges such as adapting to variable work sites, following strict safety protocols, and coordinating with large, multidisciplinary teams. Navigating shift rotations and adhering to union rules regarding overtime and seniority can also be complex. Successful operators proactively communicate with supervisors and colleagues, stay updated on safety training, and participate in union meetings to remain informed about workplace rights and changes. Embracing ongoing training and maintaining flexibility helps operators manage these challenges while advancing their careers.

What is the difference between Heavy Equipment Operator Union vs Crane Operator?

AspectHeavy Equipment Operator UnionCrane Operator
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL), OSHA certificationsCrane operator certification, OSHA certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projectsConstruction sites, industrial settings, shipping yards
Employer & IndustryUnionized construction and mining companiesConstruction firms, shipping companies, industrial plants

Both Heavy Equipment Operators and Crane Operators often require OSHA certifications and work in construction or industrial environments. While they share similar credentials and work settings, Heavy Equipment Operators typically handle bulldozers, loaders, and excavators, whereas Crane Operators specialize in operating cranes for lifting heavy loads. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path within the heavy machinery industry.

Do heavy equipment operators have a union?

Many heavy equipment operators are members of labor unions, which negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions on their behalf. Union membership can provide job security, training opportunities, and collective bargaining power for operators working in construction, mining, and other industries. However, union presence varies by region and employer.

What is a heavy equipment operator union?

Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs involve operating large machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders on construction sites, roadways, and other infrastructure projects. These operators are members of a labor union, which provides collective bargaining for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union membership often requires completing an apprenticeship program and adhering to safety and operational standards set by both the union and employers. Working as a union heavy equipment operator can provide job security, access to training, and advancement opportunities within the industry.

What does a heavy equipment operator union member do?

A union heavy equipment operator controls machinery during construction, paving, or industrial projects. In this career, you are a member of a labor union, which is an organization that negotiates contracts and ensures employees’ rights through legal assistance and collective bargaining. Your duties include the operation of equipment, such as bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, graders, drills, and other machinery used to build structures, pave roads, or perform demolition tasks. You coordinate with supervisors and crews to ensure that you operate your equipment safely. Your responsibilities also include equipment maintenance and transporting machinery to the worksite, depending on the size of the machine.

More about Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs
What cities are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs? Cities with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Union job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs? The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs? States with the most job openings for Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs are:
Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Union job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,330 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator (Union)

Veolia

Menomonee Falls, WI

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

Position Purpose: 

Responsible for receiving, sampling, labeling, processing and placement of hazardous and non-hazardous materials to include bulking, consolidation, pumping, and processing in accordance with regulatory requirements to ensure that the end product meets the appropriate specifications for disposal.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

  • Operates heavy equipment such as front-end loader, excavator, etc.
  • Mix and process hazardous and non-hazardous materials.
  • Sample and receive drums according to profiles to determine accuracy of identification labeling and route to lab for analytical testing. 
  • Utilize batch sheets to manage the movement of material for processing.  
  • After processing, move empty containers to recycling trailer or drum roll-off for disposal.
  • Perform required maintenance, inspections, and small repairs on equipment
  • Moving material using tractor-trailers. 
  • Act as Emergency Coordinators as requested.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background: 

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • Heavy equipment operation experience preferred.
  • Three to Five years of heavy equipment operation experience under experience.

Additional Information

Benefits: Our employees are covered by comprehensive benefits packages including paid time off policies; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans, savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering and more.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. 

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.