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Heavy Equipment Operator Union Jobs in Decatur, IL

Arcosa LWB, LLC

Overhead Crane Operator

Clinton, IL

$25 - $30/hr

... position heavy materials, such as steel plates, beams, and components, within a fabrication ... Conduct daily pre-shift inspections of the crane and rigging equipment (slings, chains, hooks, etc ...

Arcosa Lightweight

Overhead Crane Operator

Clinton, IL · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... position heavy materials, such as steel plates, beams, and components, within a fabrication ... Conduct daily pre-shift inspections of the crane and rigging equipment (slings, chains, hooks, etc ...

Ameren Services

MDF Specialist

Decatur, IL · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

... operating companies, subsidiaries and affiliates. Nearly 1,400 employees serve the company with ... Operation of a fork truck and heavy equipment will be necessary, as well as lifting up to 50 lbs.

AMS Ameren Services

MDF Specialist

Decatur, IL

$19 - $25.25/hr

... operating companies, subsidiaries and affiliates. Nearly 1,400 employees serve the company with ... Operation of a fork truck and heavy equipment will be necessary, as well as lifting up to 50 lbs.

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All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Union JobsHeavy Equipment Operator Union Jobs in Decatur, IL

Heavy Equipment Operator Union information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$13

$23

$32

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

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator union in Decatur, IL is $23.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.89 and $26.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Heavy Equipment Operator Union member, and why are they important?

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.

What are Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs?

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 Union Heavy Equipment Operator 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 are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL? The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Decatur, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs in Decatur, IL? For Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs? Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Union job openings:
Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs near you
Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Union job openings in Decatur, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,848 per year, or $23 per hour.
Decatur, IL Train Conductor

Decatur, IL Train Conductor

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Decatur, IL • On-site

$84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Job description

Description
At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork-which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team and contribute to one of the nation's premier transportation companies, we invite you to explore the conductor role.
Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains across long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. You'll be trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and ensure compliance with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required-we provide all the training you need to succeed.
What You Should Know
  • This is a seniority-based job. You'll start out on the extra board, filling in where needed, until you build enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment.
  • You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, with as little as 90 minutes' notice.
  • Expect to spend 2-3 days away from home weekly.
  • You will be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training.

Training
On the job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location, this training can go beyond 20 weeks. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first 5 weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. During this time, the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from your hire location. The remaining weeks of training will be completed at your assigned location.
To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements. This includes written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules.
Job Responsibilities
  • Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.
  • Operate remote control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars.
  • Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
  • Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all FRA and company safety regulations.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
  • Additional information about roles and responsibilities are detailed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZdUABU2g_k

Qualifications - Required
  • Must be 18 years or older.
  • Must hold a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation.
  • Ability to report to work within 90 minutes.
  • Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident.
  • Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol-related driving incident.
  • Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle.
  • Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

Qualifications - Preferred
  • Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions.
  • Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles.
  • Experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12+ hour shifts.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
  • Must pass physical standards which may include but are not limited to:
  • Hang Test
  • Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact (2 feet & 1 hand) for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
  • Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to meet FRA medical requirements:
  • Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
  • Color vision-ability to pass specific FRA color vision tests (lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted).
  • Hearing-no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).

Work Conditions
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Irregular schedules, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be available for call 24/7.
  • This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Conductor Trainees earn a minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30/hour.
  • First-year conductors average $70,000 annually; experienced conductors average $84,000.
  • Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000.
  • Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins the second calendar month of employment.
  • After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility.
  • Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes.

Vacation Eligibility
  • Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation *
  • 1 yr. -1 wk.
  • 2 yrs - 2 wks.
  • 8 yrs. -3 wks.
  • 17 yrs .-4 wks.
  • 25 yrs.- 5 wks.

*must meet qualifying days minimum
Company Overview
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.
At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.
Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.

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