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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Colonial Heights, VA

Collaborate with production operators to understand operational issues as well as process and ... Ensures compliance with the Union contract and company policy. WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED: * 3-5 ...

Collaborate with production operators to understand operational issues as well as process and ... Ensures compliance with the Union contract and company policy. WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED: * 3-5 ...

... operating capabilities. * Foster and maintain an effective union-company working relationship ... Coordinate with maintenance, contractors, engineering, and plant leadership to support safe and ...

... operating capabilities. * Foster and maintain an effective union-company working relationship ... Coordinate with maintenance, contractors, engineering, and plant leadership to support safe and ...

... and union staff. We offer all employees an excellent opportunity to be part of our developing ... Layout, build and erect concrete forms consisting of wood and engineered wood systems. * Interpret ...

... and union staff. We offer all employees an excellent opportunity to be part of our developing ... Layout, build and erect concrete forms consisting of wood and engineered wood systems. * Interpret ...

Carpenter

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... and union staff. We offer all employees an excellent opportunity to be part of our developing ... Layout, build and erect concrete forms consisting of wood and engineered wood systems. * Interpret ...

Rigger Journeyman

Richmond, VA

$22 - $28.50/hr

... crane operator or hoisting engineer engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Rigger Journeyman

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

... crane operator or hoisting engineer engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Rigger Journeyman

Richmond, VA · On-site

$22 - $28.50/hr

... crane operator or hoisting engineer engaged in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of ... union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Showing results 21-40

Operating Engineer Union information

See Colonial Heights, VA salary details

$55.7K

$81.4K

$109.5K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Colonial Heights, VA is $81,397.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,200.00 and $98,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a union operating engineer do?

A union operating engineer operates and maintains heavy machinery and equipment such as boilers, cranes, and HVAC systems in construction, industrial, or building environments. They ensure equipment runs safely and efficiently, often working from technical manuals and using tools like gauges and controls. Certification and union membership typically provide training and job security in this skilled trade.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating engineer union?

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 is an operating engineer union?

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 cities near Colonial Heights, VA are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs?

Cities near Colonial Heights, VA with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Colonial Heights, VA 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 $81,397 per year, or $39.1 per hour.

Supv, Maintenance

Smurfit Westrock

Hopewell, VA • On-site

$110/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Smurfit Westrock rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 277 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR63661
Posting Job Title
E&I Supervisor
Locations
VA Hopewell
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
13-Jul-2026
Relocation Support
Yes
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
CAREER OPPORTUNITY:
The E&I Maintenance Supervisor is responsible for leading approximately 20 E&I maintenance general mechanics at the Hopewell Mill. The supervisor is responsible for the safety, training and assignment of work to the maintenance personnel in the E&I work group. The supervisor will function as a resource for information on safety, as well as, technical related issues and is often expected to be the chief troubleshooter on the equipment in his/her area. He/she is responsible for seeing that the general mechanics conduct themselves in accordance with all corporate, division and mill safety and environmental rules and procedures.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT SMURFIT WESTROCK:
  • Exercise initiative and independence in implementing departmental policies, developing effective work processes and solving operational problems.
  • Coordinate with Operational Maintenance Coordinators (OMCs) and E&I Planners to ensure that all preventive maintenance tasks and corrective work repairs are scheduled and completed.
  • Attend Maintenance Planning and Coordination meetings to help prioritize scheduled work and efficiently handle "break-in" work as necessary.
  • Prioritize work to be performed by E&I Technicians and consult with Planner or Reliability Engineer on work to be contracted.
  • Work with the reliability group to ensure that preventive maintenance programs or permanent electrical equipment modifications are put in place to address the "Root Causes" of downtime and quality issues.
  • Ensure safety best practices and policies are followed.
  • Schedule work assignments, vacations, and address other personnel issues for E&I maintenance work group personnel.
  • Assist in development and execution of "Outage" strategy and plan.
  • Collaborate with production operators to understand operational issues as well as process and equipment opportunities.
  • Teach technical fundamentals to E&I Technicians and operations personnel when appropriate.
  • Monitor and participate in operations in assigned areas including inspecting projects, developing and implementing modifications and improvements.
  • Maintain effective working relationships and work in cooperation with the management team to effectively meet departmental objectives.
  • Provide input into the development of the operating budget for the assigned area of responsibility; orders materials and supplies; assists in the monitoring and tracking of expenditures.
  • Respond to emergencies as requested; coordinates activities with others; directs the work and utilization of resources to effect repair.
  • Prepare records related to the work performed and materials and supplies used.
  • On-call / weekend duty as assigned
  • Ensures compliance with the Union contract and company policy.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO SUCCEED:
  • 3-5 years of related E&I supervising experience in an industrial setting. Pulp and Paper industry experience is a plus.
  • Associate's Degree preferred.
  • Familiar with skills / crafts required for jobs/tasks.
  • Strong computer skills including MS Office, and various process control programs
  • Knowledge of current electrical safety standards such as NEC, NFPA 70E, and OSHA
  • Superior organizational and analytical abilities needed to communicate company and customer needs with other departments and outside vendors
  • Ability to read and understand P&ID's, loop sheets, and electrical drawings
  • Familiarity with a CMMS system (JD Edwards a plus)

$110 - 130k
The above range represents the expected base salary range for this position. The actual salary may vary based upon several factors including, but not limited to relevant skills and experience, credentials for the position, time in an applicable role, and geographic location.
Keywords: electrical maintenance supervisor, electrical supervisor, electrical & instrumentation supervisor, electrical maintenance supervisor, e&I maintenance supervisor, electrical and instrumentation supervisor, E&I, electrical engineer, electrical engineering, Electrical and Instrumentation, Electrical Instrumentation, EI supervisor, E&I Supervisor, E/I supervisor, E&I Engineer, E/I Front Line Leader, E&I Maintenance Coordinator, electrical engineering, instrumentation, PLC, DCS, switchgear, switchgears, power generation, power boiler, power boilers, breakers, relays, transmitters, NFPA, budgets, budgeting, capital projects, troubleshooting, electrical motors, electric motors, instrumentation systems, pulp, pulp mill, paper, linerboard, containerboard, liner, corrugated medium, kraft paper, paperboard, sbb, sbs, kraft paper
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
The salary range for this position is $93,000.00 - $155,000.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 20-Jun-2028.

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