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Heavy Equipment Operator Union Jobs in Rutland, VT

Turner Mining Group - Heavy Equipment Operator Turner Mining Group is seeking an energetic mining professionals who can leverage their mining knowledge to expand upon our fast-growing business ...

Turner Mining Group - Heavy Equipment Operator Turner Mining Group is seeking an energetic mining professionals who can leverage their mining knowledge to expand upon our fast-growing business ...

Dozer Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

Turner Mining Group Heavy Equipment Operator Turner Mining Group is seeking an energetic mining professionals who can leverage their mining knowledge to expand upon our fast-growing business ...

Turner Mining Group - Heavy Equipment Operator Turner Mining Group is seeking an energetic mining professionals who can leverage their mining knowledge to expand upon our fast-growing business ...

Equipment Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman - Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled ... heavy industry preferred * Working knowledge of safety systems and processes * Appropriate ...

Equipment Operator - Mining

Ludlow, VT · On-site

$20 - $27.25/hr

Equipment Operator Reports to: Foreman Turner Mining Group The Equipment Operator is a skilled ... heavy industry preferred * Working knowledge of safety systems and processes * Appropriate ...

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Heavy Equipment Operator Union information

See Rutland, VT salary details

$14

$24

$34

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

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for heavy equipment operator union in Rutland, VT is $24.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $27.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, 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.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rutland, VT?

The most popular types of Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Rutland, VT are:

What are popular job titles related to Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs in Rutland, VT?

For Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs in Rutland, VT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Rutland, VT are hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator Union jobs?

Cities near Rutland, VT with the most Heavy Equipment Operator Union job openings:

Infographic showing various Heavy Equipment Operator Union job openings in Rutland, VT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,529 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Local Heavy Equipment Operator

Florence, VT • On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Casella Construction is seeking to hire a Local Heavy Equipment Operator to join our Transportation Team in Pittsford, Vermont. The Local Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating heavy equipment at multiple site locations, including loader operations at Omya and Middlebury Quarry, while also supporting CDL driving needs as required.
The person in this role is a self-motivated, professional Local Heavy Equipment Operator who wants to contribute to a team that embraces innovation and is an Industry leader.
Responsibilities:
  • Safely operate heavy equipment, including Caterpillar 980 loaders and Caterpillar 30-ton excavators
  • Serve as a swing operator to support full-time operator schedules, reduce overtime, and cover vacations
  • Learn and perform loader responsibilities at the Omya site, including:
    • Pushing and managing material piles
    • Maintaining a clean, level floor where trucks dump
    • Maintaining roads around material piles and keeping them free of potholes
    • Learning the Omya rock blend to properly feed the hopper
  • Learn and perform loader responsibilities at Middlebury Quarry, including:
    • Maintaining clean and organized inventory piles
    • Maintaining roads where equipment and trucks travel to reduce excessive wear on suspensions and tires
    • Learning the Middlebury rock blend to properly load trailers
  • Grease and perform routine care of assigned loaders
  • Maintain a clean and organized loader cab
  • Support the rotation of loaders to Pittsford for washing
  • Drive the loader from Omya to Pittsford for washing and return it to the site as needed
  • Operate Class A or Class B vehicles as needed to support the schedule and maintain full-time hours
  • Follow all company safety policies, site procedures, and equipment operating standards
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, operators, drivers, and other team members
  • Training requirements, both in person and online, as needed or required

Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years of experience as a Heavy Equipment Operator
  • Proven experience operating Caterpillar 980 loaders
  • Experience operating Caterpillar 30-ton excavators
  • Must have experience with Caterpillar controls
  • Current and valid CDL Class A or Class B license preffered
  • Ability to operate Class A and/or Class B vehicles as assigned
  • Ability to work across multiple site locations, including Omya and Middlebury Quarry
  • Ability to learn different site-specific rock blends and loader responsibilities
  • Prior quarry, aggregate, construction, or material-handling experience preferred
  • Ability to workday shift, generally 10-hour shifts, with varying start times depending on site assignment
  • Typical start time is approximately 5:00 a.m.
  • Strong commitment to safety, equipment care, and teamwork

Attributes:
  • Safety-focused and dependable
  • Flexible and willing to support multiple sites and schedules
  • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic
  • Team-oriented and willing to help reduce overtime across the crew
  • Strong attention to detail when maintaining roads, piles, floors, and equipment
  • Able to learn and follow site-specific procedures
  • Good communication skills
  • Takes pride in maintaining clean, well-cared-for equipment
  • Comfortable working in an active quarry/material production environment

Compensation and Benefits:
Casella Construction offers competitive wages and a full benefits package to eligible employees that includes:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurances
  • Voluntary Short & Long-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
  • 401(k) Retirement Savings Program with up-to 4% company match and immediate vesting

Hourly Hiring Range: $25.00/hr. - $28.00/hr.
This range reflects the base pay we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting, considering current market conditions and industry benchmarks.
Final and individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skill set, experience, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.
About our Company:
Joseph Casella and John Casella II are the second generation of the Casella family, carrying on a legacy that was built on hard work, grit, determination, and most of all, innovation. Together with a team equally committed to exemplifying the highest industry standards, and reinventing systems to create effective solutions when old methods no longer serve new thinking, Casella Construction has evolved to become an industry-leading company in the field.
Our strength is in our team, who we continue to invest in and depend on to help expand critical areas of our business, including heavy highway construction, demolition, utility installation, environmental contracting, commercial site development, land management, aggregate, transportation, and fleet maintenance.
Casella Construction's success is attributed to our employees' love of the industry, our leadership's drive to remain at the forefront of technology and environmental stewardship, and our collective ability to thrive in dynamic situations.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.