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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Mechanic/Operator

Kansas City, KS

$25 - $33/hr

This is a full-time, non-exempt, union position and reports to the Plant Manager. The compensation ... Other Qualifications • Will be required to obtain a Kansas City Operating Engineers License ...

Mechanic/Operator

Kansas City, KS

$25 - $33/hr

This is a full-time, non-exempt, union position and reports to the Plant Manager. The compensation ... Other Qualifications • Will be required to obtain a Kansas City Operating Engineers License ...

Project Engineer - Power Construction

Lenexa, KS · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

... union craft force. Strength in estimating and pre-project planning. Constructing cogeneration ... Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work ...

Must be a member of or willing to join International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) local 101 Key Responsibilities: * Perform routine maintenance tasks on cranes, including greasing, oiling, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Operating Engineer Union information

See Kansas salary details

$53.5K

$78.3K

$105.2K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Kansas is $78,250.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,800.00 and $95,000.00 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 are popular job titles related to Operating Engineer Union jobs in Kansas? For Operating Engineer Union jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer Union jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer Union jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,250 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

$25 - $33/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Summary


The Mechanic/Operator installs, repairs, operates, monitors, maintains plant equipment to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient operation of the plant systems. The systems include: chillers, high pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment using natural gas as the primary fuel source to ensure continuous reliable service of steam and chilled water to the company’s customers. This is a full-time, non-exempt, union position and reports to the Plant Manager. The compensation range for this position is $30.84-$40.42 per hour plus a 10% bonus target. This position is located in Kansas City, MO.

Responsibilities 

  • Install, repair, troubleshoot, control, and maintain chillers, steam turbines, HP boilers, valves, traps, expansion joints, piping systems, auxiliary equipment, and distribution systems for local and remote facilities. Verify all equipment systems, pressure and temperatures are operating and maintained within limitations for the intended purpose.
  • Perform chemical analysis on boiler water samples as required.
  • Perform precision alignment and measurement.
  • Install mechanical seals, belts, couplings, and work with any hydraulic, pneumatic or city water system and related equipment.
  • Operate and regenerate cold-water zeolites to produce water for boiler operation.
  • Maintain logs of the various aspects of the plant’s operation as required.
  • Monitor equipment, identify problem areas, and develop problem resolution for equipment failures and out of ordinary conditions. Performs trouble shooting, prepares work permits and work orders.
  • Performs inspections, predictive and preventive maintenance and repairs on equipment including maintenance on valves, pumps, turbines, chiller, distribution system equipment etc.
  • Provide on the job training to new employees.
  • Plan, schedule and implement daily activities and identify and set priorities.  
  • Communicate timely and relevant information to management, direct reports and others as situations necessitate. 
  • Ensure task completion, operation efficiency and reliability for unit and corporate goals attainment. 
  • Lock out equipment for maintenance, unlocks equipment and tests equipment after completion of repair following established Lock Out/Tag Out Permit Procedures. 
  • Monitor and maintain the cleanliness of the plant and equipment.
  • Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures. 
  • Comply with all company policies and procedures and adhere to company standards.
  • Perform any other duties and tasks as assigned by Supervisor. 
  • Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts that include holidays, nights, and weekends.  

Basic Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience in pipe fitting along with steam plant maintenance of boilers, turbines, pumps, valves, and traps.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Navy nuclear experience.
  • Technical trade school training.
  • Ability to use computer and calculator. 
  • Ability to meet highest punctuality and attendance requirements.
  • Ability to weld and pass site welding exam.
  • Boiler or power plant experience.
  • Chiller / chilled water system experience.
  • Proficiency with rigging and hoisting, welding, cutting, brazing, and pipe fitting.

Other Qualifications

• Will be required to obtain a Kansas City Operating Engineers License within 3 years of starting employment.

Physical Requirements 

  • Must possess a valid driver license in good standing in order to operate a company vehicle. Must have and maintain a driving record meeting the standards of the company.
  • Standing, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, walking on uneven surfaces, and grating, working from elevated platforms, scaffolding or ladders, required to lift up to and including 50 pounds and maneuver approximately 100 pounds.
  • Must qualify to wear a respirator.
  • Ability to tolerate confined spaces, including manholes and varying temperatures and weather conditions.
  • Exposure to temperature extremes, high noise level areas, high pressure steam lines, rotating equipment, and dusty/dirty environment. 
  • Required to wear PPE such as hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection and other protective gear as required.

Benefits

  • Personal Leave 
    • FMLA up to 12 weeks based on approval
    • Nonpaid benefit
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • 120 hours accrued annually which equals 4.62 hours per pay period
  • Sick Leave
    • 40 hours per calendar year prorated based on month of hire
  • Paid Parental Leave
    • 100% pay up to 160 hours upon birth or adoption of a child; must be used in weekly increments
  • 7 paid holidays annually
  • Floating holidays
    • 40 hours per calendar year prorated based on month of hire
  • 401K plan
    • Including Roth option with matching contributions: 100% of first 1% your contributions and 50% of the next 5% of your contributions.
  • Education assistance program
    • Reimbursement for continuing education, certification, licensure, and obtaining higher education degrees after completion of 90 days of employment