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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Mankato, MN (NOW HIRING)

Non-Union (FOIP) Field Operations Incentive Plant. Work Schedule: Must be available for working on ... Boiler Operating Engineer's Licensing requirements, to provide reliable, efficient, and safe ...

12 Boiler Operator

New Ulm, MN · On-site

$39.50/hr

Non-Union (FOIP) Field Operations Incentive Plant. Work Schedule: Must be available for working on ... Boiler Operating Engineer's Licensing requirements, to provide reliable, efficient, and safe ...

Implements a Lean philosophy using the Agropur Operating System: Loss tree analysis, Daily ... Support onsite in implementing the plant management's strategic plan by working closely with union ...

Exemption Status Nonexempt Compensation Detail Compensation begins at $24.12 / hour based upon union contract Benefits Eligible Yes Schedule Full Time Hours/Pay Period 80 Schedule Details 24/7 ...

Building Utilities Mechanic Bargaining Unit / Union: 202: AFSCME - Craft, Maintenance, and Labor ... The Building Utilities Mechanic at South Central College is responsible for operating, maintaining ...

Operating Engineer Union information

See Mankato, MN salary details

$59.5K

$87K

$117K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Mankato, MN is $86,975.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,400.00 and $105,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs are in the operating engineers union?

Jobs in the operating engineers union include roles such as heavy equipment operators, crane operators, and plant maintenance technicians. These positions typically require knowledge of machinery, safety protocols, and often certification or licensing. Operating engineers work in construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects, operating equipment like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators.

Is it hard to get into operating engineers union?

Getting into the Operating Engineers union typically requires completing an apprenticeship program, which involves passing an entrance exam, meeting minimum age and education requirements, and gaining relevant work experience. The process can be competitive, but meeting the prerequisites and demonstrating skills in heavy equipment operation improve chances of acceptance.

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 is the operating engineers union?

The Operating Engineers Union is a labor union representing heavy equipment operators, maintenance workers, and other construction professionals. It provides training, certification, and collective bargaining for members working on construction sites, power plants, and industrial facilities.

What jobs pay $2000 a day?

Operating engineers in union roles can earn around $2000 a day, especially with overtime, specialized skills, or working in high-demand environments such as construction, industrial plants, or large-scale infrastructure projects. These positions often require certifications, experience, and the ability to operate heavy machinery safely. High-paying roles are typically project-based and may involve long hours or hazardous conditions.

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 cities near Mankato, MN are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities near Mankato, MN with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Mankato, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,975 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
12 Boiler Operator

$39.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Kraft Heinz rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

195th of 388 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job DescriptionPowerhouse OperatorNew Ulm PlantBenefits & Compensation Overview:
  • Medical.

  • Dental.

  • Vision.

  • Additional perks: Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to shop at the Company Store.

  • Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).

  • Powerhouse Operator positions begin at $39.50 per hour.

  • Non-Union (FOIP) Field Operations Incentive Plant.

Work Schedule:

Must be available for working on all or any shifts, 365 days a year, including weekends and Holidays.

Plant & Community Overview:

Plant Overview:

  • The Kraft Heinz Plant in New Ulm has been a workplace of choice in the community since its opening in 1955. Current products include Velveeta, Velveeta Mini-Block, Kraft Deli-Deluxe, and Foodservice for popular restaurant chains.

  • 400 Hourly Employees.

  • 23 Salaried Employees.

  • Average tenured employee is 12 years of service.

  • Over 125 employees have more than 20 years of service.

  • There is over 5,000 years of experience in the New Ulm Plant!

Community Overview:

Welcome to our New Ulm Community!

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Sr. Maintenance Supervisor and with the coordination of the Chief Powerhouse Operator, the Powerhouse Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient

and reliable operation, maintenance and monitoring of the steam generating boilers and equipment, soft and hot water systems, ammonia refrigeration compressors and equipment, compressed air compressors and equipment, plant vacuum pumps and fire alarm system. Must have a critical awareness of operating parameters and perform sensitive adjustments of complex controls on equipment, for varying operating characteristics. Must have a complete understanding of all machinery including operating adjustments, maintenance and troubleshooting.

The daily operation is moderately varied and involves mastery, skill, art and judgment which can be achieved only after years of exposure to the job. Knowledge of steam, ammonia refrigeration, pneumatic and mechanical principles is essential. This person must be familiar with all basic hand and power. Will require the use of emergency, respiratory, PPE which requires passing of a yearly medical physical. The job expectations are to work from brief verbal as well as moderately complex written instructions with minimal supervision and without close observation. Needs to have a basic understanding of chemical usage, reasoning and formulation requiring the use of decimals and fractions in math and computer usage for tracking. This person must possess the minimum of a State of Minnesota, Second Class B or A, Boiler Operator Engineer's license and be available for working on all shifts, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays. Will train under the Refrigeration Specialists to educate for safe system operation and future promotion.

Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Operates, monitors and maintains the steam boiler generators and associated equipment including the reverse osmosis unit and feedwater pumps.

  • Operates, monitors and maintains the natural gas and fuel oil combustion systems and controls.

  • Operates, monitors and maintains the boiler's, duplex and the plant's, triplex softwater systems and controls.

  • Operates, monitors and maintains the dual hot water heating systems.

  • Operates, monitors and maintains the compressed air system including air compressors, receivers, dryers, cooling systems and controls.

  • Operates, monitors and maintains the plant vacuum system, including pumps and controls.

  • Operates and monitors the ammonia refrigeration system, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, accumulators, chill water system and computerized control system.

  • Monitors the fire protection equipment including sprinkler, fire pump and evacuation alarms, reacting appropriately as the situation demands.

  • Monitors and records utilities usage and operating characteristics of equipment in the Powerhouse log book.

  • Performs chemical tests on boiler feed water and plant softened water and makes chemical or operational adjustments to maintain proper operating parameters.

  • Provides stationary, liaison communications, from plant production, for matters relative to the Powerhouse utilities and reacts appropriately.

  • Monitors first floor, automatic, production processes on weekends and holidays and takes appropriate action, when product loss is likely.

  • Interfaces with Guards by providing, secondary receiving of outside, originated phone calls and on weekends and holidays, provides stationary communication point to insure plant infrastructure stability and security.

  • Monitors the plant heating/ventilating system and adjusts controls for proper operation.

  • Orders and receives chemicals, records usage and interfaces with chemical vendor to insure reliable chemical program.

  • Makes necessary repairs to steam traps, pipe and insulation.

  • Assists engineering and management with technical and operational expertise in areas of responsibility.

  • Informs Chief Powerhouse Operator and/or supervisor of unsafe, damaged or worn equipment, so proper, corrective action can be taken.

  • Performs some duties of the Refrigeration Specialist and makes minor refrigeration system repairs, in the absence of Refrigeration Specialist, such as on weekends and holidays.

  • Ensures all equipment, within the areas of responsibility, is maintained by writing repair work orders, performing P.M.s and lubricating.

  • Lubrication- Oiling chains, oil open gears, greasing of bearings, checking oil levels, oil replenishment, disposal and sample collection.

  • Performs all other duties as directed by the Chief Powerhouse Operator and/or the supervisor.

  • Must have complete understanding and adhere to the plant Good Manufacturing Policies in the Powerhouse and production areas.

  • Utilizes proper materials during repair or construction to provide safe, durable and reliable system and equipment operation.

  • Operates the high-pressure steam generation, ammonia refrigeration, compressed air, house vacuum, soft water and hot water systems for provision of product manufacturing.

  • Operates and repairs the high pressure, steam generating boilers and system in accordance with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Regulations and the Boiler Operating Engineer's Licensing requirements, to provide reliable, efficient, and safe operation.

  • Notifies the Maintenance Supervisor, Quality Control personnel or Business Unit Manager, on duty, when steam, refrigeration, compressed air, vacuum or water are deviating from their normal standards, so as to prevent manufacturing of contaminated product.

  • Tests, inspects, performs P.M.s and operates the high-pressure steam generation system and other equipment, within responsibilities, with alertness and professionalism, so as to prevent catastrophic failures from occurring.

  • Directly involved with all aspects of the OSHA mandated Process Safety Management program. Including, but not limited to; training, participation, process hazard analysis, and operating procedures.

  • In event of an emergency, provides emergency response services, by being capable of using a SCBA, gas mask and other personal protective equipment.

  • Takes all necessary precautions, as responsible person, in handling of the numerous chemicals used for the boiler feed water makeup.

  • Maintains the Powerhouse area's MSDS file.

  • Attends all mandatory, plant, safety training meetings.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED Required.

  • Possess a Minnesota Chief Class Engineer, Grade B or A, Boiler Operator's License.

  • Seeking individuals who work well with teams, are goal oriented, and enjoy satisfaction in performing a job well done.

  • Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently, up to 150 pounds infrequently, with or without reasonable accommodations. Required to handle chemical barrels weighing 650 pounds frequently.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and savingfor the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family's needs. Coveragefor benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire aphysical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You'll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

  • Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

  • Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

  • Emotional - Employee Assistance Program, Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

  • Financial - 401k,Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

New Ulm Plant

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact NAZTAOps@kraftheinz.com.


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