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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment ... Union benefits including, but not limited to medical insurance and pension plan Take your career to ...

Apprentice Operator I

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment ... Union benefits including, but not limited to medical insurance and pension plan Take your career to ...

Apprentice Operator I

Bondurant, IA · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

You will play a vital role in transporting, operating and the servicing of assigned heavy equipment ... Union benefits including, but not limited to medical insurance and pension plan Take your career to ...

Sr. HVAC Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$27.69 - $51.49/hr

Responsible for end to end testing, downloading programming, starting up, commissioning, and ... Operating knowledge of Microsoft office software and working proficiency with hand held computer (i ...

Sr. HVAC Technician

Grimes, IA · On-site

$27.69 - $51.49/hr

Responsible for end to end testing, downloading programming, starting up, commissioning, and ... Operating knowledge of Microsoft office software and working proficiency with hand held computer (i ...

Scheduler II

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

The Senior Scheduling Engineer will provide oversight of all planning and scheduling activities ... on operating group A few benefits offered include: (for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25 ...

Scheduler II

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

The Senior Scheduling Engineer will provide oversight of all planning and scheduling activities ... on operating group A few benefits offered include: (for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25 ...

Scheduler II

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

The Senior Scheduling Engineer will provide oversight of all planning and scheduling activities ... on operating group A few benefits offered include: (for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25 ...

Scheduler II

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

The Senior Scheduling Engineer will provide oversight of all planning and scheduling activities ... on operating group A few benefits offered include: (for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25 ...

Scheduler II

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$89K - $120K/yr

The Senior Scheduling Engineer will provide oversight of all planning and scheduling activities ... on operating group A few benefits offered include: (for Non-Craft & Non-Union Craft working 25 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operating Engineer Union information

See Iowa salary details

$56.4K

$82.4K

$110.8K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Iowa is $82,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Operating Engineer (Union), you need strong mechanical aptitude, a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with union apprenticeship completion. Familiarity with equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, forklifts, and safety systems, as well as relevant certifications like OSHA or NCCCO, is often required. Outstanding problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set exceptional professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, precise, and efficient operation of machinery on construction sites.

What is the difference between Operating Engineer Union vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectOperating Engineer UnionHeavy Equipment Operator
Credentials/CertificationsUnion membership, OSHA certifications, specialized trainingOSHA certifications, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, power plants, industrial facilitiesConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Employer/Industry UsageUnionized construction and industrial companiesPrivate contractors, construction firms

The Operating Engineer Union and Heavy Equipment Operator roles often overlap, with both requiring OSHA certifications and equipment training. Operating Engineers typically work in unionized environments on large-scale projects, handling complex machinery and systems. Heavy Equipment Operators focus on operating specific machinery like bulldozers or cranes, often in similar settings. While their skills are related, Operating Engineers usually have broader responsibilities and union benefits.

What are Operating Engineer Union jobs?

Operating Engineer Union jobs refer to positions held by skilled workers who operate and maintain heavy equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, excavators, and other machinery used in construction and industrial projects. These professionals are typically members of a union, such as the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), which provides training, job placement, and collective bargaining for better wages and benefits. Union operating engineers often work on major construction sites, road projects, and infrastructure developments, ensuring equipment is run safely and efficiently. Membership in the union may require completing an apprenticeship program and meeting certain qualifications.

What are some common challenges Operating Engineer Union members face on the job site, and how can they prepare to handle them?

Operating Engineer Union members often work with heavy machinery in dynamic environments, which can present challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing site conditions, maintaining strict safety standards, and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Staying updated with ongoing safety training and being proactive about preventative maintenance are key to minimizing risks. Additionally, strong communication skills help coordinate activities with other trades and supervisors, ensuring smooth workflow and reducing potential hazards. Union resources and peer support also play a vital role in overcoming these workplace challenges.
What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer Union jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer Union jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,410 per year, or $39.6 per hour.
Civil Craft Operator Journeyman - Highland

Civil Craft Operator Journeyman - Highland

Mortenson

Primghar, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Operator Journeyman 

SUMMARY  

Mortenson is currently seeking an Operator Journeyman 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. 

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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