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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Knife River

Loader Operator - Asphalt

Bemidji, MN

$25 - $45/hr

This is a Local 49 Operating Engineer Union position. This position will primarily operate a loader to feed a mobile asphalt plant. Other equipment may be used to maintain the asphalt plant and pit ...

Knife River

Paving Crew Operator

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

This is a Local 49 Operating Engineer Union position. This position will operate a variety of heavy equipment and used in the laying of asphalt materials. Maintenance of equipment and hand work ...

Knife River Corporation

Paving Crew Operator

Bemidji, MN · On-site

$25 - $45/hr

This is a Local 49 Operating Engineer Union position. This position will operate a variety of heavy equipment and used in the laying of asphalt materials. Maintenance of equipment and hand work ...

HealthPartners

MN · On-site

$41.04/hr

This position is a union position classified as Watch Operating Engineer under an agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 70 AFL-CIO. This role operates and maintains ...

HealthPartners

Watch Operations Engineer

Saint Louis Park, MN

$74.80K - $101.10K/yr

This position is a union position classified as Watch Operating Engineer under an agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 70 AFL-CIO. This role operates and maintains ...

HealthPartners

Watch Operations Engineer

Saint Louis Park, MN · On-site

$74.80K - $101.10K/yr

This position is a union position classified as Watch Operating Engineer under an agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local No. 70 AFL-CIO. This role operates and maintains ...

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Operating Engineer Union information

See Minnesota salary details

$58.8K

$85.9K

$115.6K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Minnesota is $85,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,600.00 and $104,300.00 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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Operating Engineer jobs in Minnesota? The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:
What are popular job titles related to Operating Engineer Union jobs in Minnesota? For Operating Engineer Union jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating Engineer Union jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer Union jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Operating Engineer Union jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Minnesota as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,932 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Crusher/Loader Operator

Crusher/Loader Operator

Knife River Corporation

Bemidji, MN • On-site

$25 - $45/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Knife River rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 515 rated manufacturers

Job description

Good Pay! Good Benefits! Good People! Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and go home safely each day. Please consider joining our growing team today!
At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.
This is a Local 49 Operating Engineer Union position. This position will operate a variety of mining equipment in an MSHA regulated aggregates mining environment. Frequent maintenance of equipment and hand work related to plant upkeep should be expected.
This is a seasonal position that generally requires travel through Northern Minnesota and North Dakota with other work locations as assigned. Lodging assistance (generally in the form of a Per Diem) is provided.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (minimum educational, experience, or other relevant job requirements)
A successful Crusher/Loader Operator for Knife River Materials will have:
  1. A strong desire to work safe
  2. A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent critical thinking skills
  3. A valid driver's license with acceptable driving record with a CDL preferred
  4. Knowledge and/or experience with a variety of heavy equipment
  5. 3+ Years work with a loader in MSHA regulated mine or similar experience strongly preferred but not required

COMPENSATION:
Estimated Wage: $25.00 to $45.00 Per Hour-depending on work location
BENEFITS:
Benefits are through the Local 49 Operating Engineers Union
HOW TO APPLY:
If unable to apply online, mail completed application to:
ATTN HR PO Box 40 Bemidji, MN 56619
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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