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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Colonial Heights, VA

Finance Director

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$88K - $146K/yr

Salary : $88,871.00 - $146,371.00 Annually Location : 135 North Union Street, Petersburg, VA Job ... programming and staffing changes; provides financial analysis and reports on departments, operating ...

Designs should be Ergonomic and safe for operators, compatible with forklifts, pallet jacks, and ... Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field * 3+ years of experience in heavy-duty ...

Showing results 41-54

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.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

At ACI we build our company and our culture not by counting people, but by making our people count!

$0.00 COST FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL, SHORT TERM DISABILITY & LIFE INSURANCE (EMPLOYEE ONLY) COVERAGE!

Atlantic Constructors is seeking dynamic, motivated, career minded individuals to join our expanding team! Atlantic Constructors has been recognized as an industry leader in the Mid-Atlantic Region for over 50 years.

Benefits:

  • Medical Insurance Plan ($0.00 Employee-Only)
  • Dental Insurance Plan ($0.00 Employee-Only)
  • Short-Term Disability Plan ($0.00 Employee-Only)
  • Life Insurance Plan ($0.00 Employee-Only)
  • Vision Insurance Plan
  • 401(K) Retirement Plan with Generous Company Matching
  • Health Savings Plan with Generous Company Matching
  • Wellness Programs

Atlantic Constructors offers competitive benefits, for more information check out our comprehensive list on our website Acibuilds.com

Job Summary

The Senior Human Resources Business Partner (Sr. HRBP) serves as a trusted advisor to business leaders, providing strategic and hands-on Human Resources support across assigned operating divisions. This role partners closely with field and corporate leadership to drive business performance through effective workforce planning, labor relations, talent management, employee engagement, organizational effectiveness, and compliance. The Sr. HRBP plays a critical management level role in supporting the employee population, ensuring compliance with labor laws and company practices, while fostering positive employee and labor-management relationships. The position balances strategic partnership with operational execution in a fast-paced construction environment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Business Partnership

  • Serve as the primary HR partner to operational and functional leaders across assigned regions, business units, or projects.
  • Align people strategies with business objectives, workforce demands, and growth initiatives.
  • Provide coaching and guidance to leaders on organizational design, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and leadership effectiveness.
  • Support organizational changes, restructures, acquisitions, integrations, and workforce transitions.
  • Analyze workforce trends, turnover, engagement, and labor metrics to identify risks and opportunities.
  • Key resources for onboarding and other payroll/employee related processes.
  • Act as a key HR resource in managing employee relationships and campaigns.
  • Promote positive employee relations and assist leaders in maintaining productive, engaged, and compliant work environments.
  • Conduct workplace investigations involving employee concerns, policy violations, and compliance matters.

Talent Management & Organizational Development

  • Support talent acquisition efforts for field, project, and leadership positions in partnership with Talent Acquisition team.
  • Facilitate succession planning, talent reviews, and leadership development initiatives.
  • Partner with leaders to identify workforce capability gaps and develop talent strategies.
  • Drive performance management processes, goal setting, and development planning.
  • Support employee engagement initiatives and action planning efforts.

Workforce Planning & Operational Support

  • Partner with business leaders to forecast workforce needs based on project pipelines and operational demands.
  • Support mobilization and workforce planning efforts for new projects and geographic expansion.
  • Collaborate with recruiting teams to address skilled labor shortages and critical workforce needs.
  • Assist in workforce optimization efforts while balancing operational requirements and employee experience.

Culture & Employee Experience

  • Champion company values and leadership expectations throughout the organization.
  • Support employee engagement, recognition, communication, and retention initiatives.
  • Help foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
  • Facilitate effective communication between leadership teams and employees across multiple locations and projects.

Required Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Communications, or related field preferred.
  • Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Minimum 8-10 years of progressive Human Resources experience.
  • Minimum 3-5 years supporting unionized workforces and labor relations activities.
  • Experience within construction, engineering, industrial services, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, or related field-based industries strongly preferred.
  • Experience supporting geographically dispersed employee populations.
  • Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders on complex employee and labor matters.
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving focus and customer service orientation.
  • Ability to build trust and maintain confidentiality.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Enhanced knowledge of basic employment law, HR practices, and employee relations principles.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

  • Spanish language fluency.
  • PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP preferred.
  • Experience with Vista Viewpoint, UKG, Workday, or similar is preferred.

Additional Information

  • Role will regularly interact with senior operational leaders, field and project leaders and employees at all levels.
  • Position may require occasional support outside normal business hours due to operational or communication needs.
  • This role may support confidential business matters.

Travel Requirements

  • This is an onsite role based out of Richmond, VA with 3-4 on site day and 1-2 remote per week.
  • Occasional travel to other offices, field locations, and project sites as needed.
  • Travel expectations may range from up to 10% depending on business needs.
  • Travel may include overnight stays and multi-site visits across the United States.

Final compensation will be determined based on experience, education, licensure, skills, and other relevant factors

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer