ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Opelika, AL (NOW HIRING)

Balcones Recycling

Forklift Operator

Opelika, AL · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Forklift Operator Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy ... civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical ...

CLP Circular Services

Forklift Operator

Opelika, AL · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Company Info Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy ... civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical ...

Circular Services

Plant Associate I

Opelika, AL · On-site

Company Info Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy ... civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical ...

CLP Circular Services

Plant Associate I

Opelika, AL · On-site

Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy infrastructure and ... civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical ...

All JobsOperating Engineer Union JobsOperating Engineer Union Jobs in Opelika, AL

Operating Engineer Union information

See Opelika, AL salary details

$55.1K

$80.6K

$108.3K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Opelika, AL is $80,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $97,800.00 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 cities near Opelika, AL are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs? Cities near Opelika, AL with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:
Operating Engineer Union jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Opelika, AL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,553 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Forklift Operator

Balcones Recycling

Opelika, AL • On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Forklift Operator

Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy infrastructure and services and the largest private recycling company in the U.S. with operations across the country. We help businesses and municipalities reduce and divert waste, lowering disposal costs and fueling local supply chains by ensuring materials are recovered, recycled, and reused.

About the Role:

The Forklift Operator drives powered industrial trucks to load and unload materials. This includes deliveries and moving materials to and from storage areas, machines and loading docks, into railroad cars or trucks or storage facilities.

Benefits:
  • Paid parental leave
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • HSA/ FSA
  • Paid time off
  • Employee assistance program
  • 401k matching
  • Tuition reimbursement
Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Follow daily production schedule or shipping order and transport material or equipment to and from designated areas in the facility
  • Load and unload material from van trailers, flatbed trailers, box trucks, and railcars
  • Operate forklift to place bales in inventory, load trailers or railcars
  • Operate forklift to store bales, gaylord boxes, pallets, and crated materials in the correct storage bays, follow inventory control instructions
  • Check to ensure all loads are secure
  • Perform daily pre-shift equipment inspections, notifying supervisors of any deficiencies
  • Helps with general warehouse cleanup at the end of each shift.
  • Helps with processing equipment cleanup at the end of each shift.
  • Inspects all materials inbound and outbound to verify conformance to quality standards
Minimum Job Qualifications:
  • High degree of attention required to prevent injury to others; promote a safe work environment
  • Able to follow instructions for operating equipment and record keeping
  • Able to execute assignments in an accurate, timely and safe manner
  • Able to maintain a clean & safe environment
Preferred Job Qualifications:
  • Ability to work independently while effectively following written and verbal instructions.
  • Strong bias for action and "can do" attitude.
  • Experience working in production and/or transportation/recycling industry.
  • Motivated to learn on the job from leaders.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Normal work environment is a recycling plant, with exposure to all weather conditions, dirt, high levels of noise, smells/odors and at times exposure to dangerous and/or toxic substances requiring necessary precautions, including PPE.

The physical demands described here are representative of those which must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

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

  • Regularly required to stand and reach with hands and arms.
  • Frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Occasionally required to sit and talk or hear.
  • Regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Job Type:

Full-time

Location:
  • Opelika, AL
EEOC:

Circular Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: Circular Services is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Circular Services are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Circular Services will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

Apply