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Operating Engineer Union Jobs in Salem, OR (NOW HIRING)

Journeyman Meterman

Salem, OR · On-site

$28 - $38.25/hr

... Union. DUTIES: (Essential Job Responsibilities) • Work safely • Install, test, repair and ... operating all test equipment, refurbishing all alternating current meters, programming, software ...

Operating Engineer Union information

See Salem, OR salary details

$59.8K

$87.5K

$117.7K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Salem, OR is $87,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,800.00 and $106,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 Salem, OR?

The most popular types of Operating Engineer jobs in Salem, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Operating Engineer Union jobs in Salem, OR?

For Operating Engineer Union jobs in Salem, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Salem, OR are hiring for Operating Engineer Union jobs?

Cities near Salem, OR with the most Operating Engineer Union job openings:

Infographic showing various Operating Engineer Union job openings in Salem, OR 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 $88,290 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

Engineering & Operations Support Specialist

Philomath, OR • On-site

Consumers Power Inc.
Utilities • 51 - 200 employees

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

Working independently and collaboratively with others, this position plays an integral role in executing CPI’s mission, philosophy, and commitment to providing safe, reliable electricity to our members and exceptional service to our internal and external customers. All employees are also expected to maintain a high level of trust, integrity and ethical standards.

This is a Union position within IBEW Local #659. The Engineering and Operations Support Specialist works with employees, customers, contractors and other entities to facilitate successful completion of CPI’s engineering, construction and maintenance work while ensuring the integrity of CPI’s facility records and providing exceptional support to internal and external customers.

Essential Functions of the Position:

The essential functions of this position require prioritizing and completing all assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, adjusting for changing priorities and availability of resources, and demonstrating initiative in identifying additional job-related tasks to be completed when time permits.

  1. Create, update, review, and reconcile work orders, service orders, member records, facility records, and facility‑related inspection, treatment, and contact records in accordance with CPI data standards.
  2. Coordinate with employees, members, contractors, agencies, and other relevant parties to facilitate the acquisition and documentation of permits and easements required for construction and maintenance activities.
  3. Prepare facility‑contact summaries and other supporting information for annual billing; respond to billing and policy inquiries; prepare reports; review records; and draft correspondence.
  4. Provide timely, professional support to internal and external customers interacting with the Engineering and Operations departments, while managing changing priorities and established deadlines.
  5. Communicate in a professional, respectful and courteous manner with all employees, the Board of Directors, members and others with whom we may work. Contributes to a successful work group through positive interactions, active listening, meaningful collaborations, and the constructive exchange of ideas designed to meet or exceed the organization’s strategic goals.
  6. Complete special projects and other duties as assigned to meet team, department and organizational goals while actively demonstrating accountability and responsibility for achieving desired outcomes and measurable results.
Position Requirements:

Qualified candidates for this position will have relevant education and experience necessary to perform the essential functions and meet the minimum performance expectations for this position.

Required Education and Experience
  • Minimum high school diploma or GED and any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
  • Valid driver’s license. Other driving‑related requirements may apply depending on the nature and scope of responsibilities associated with driving on behalf of CPI.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills are necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers, vendors, contractors, and other diverse audiences while providing outstanding customer service.
  • Strong technical, troubleshooting, problem‑solving, research, organizational and analytical skills, combined with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet established deadlines. Ability to multitask is also essential while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines.
  • Well‑reasoned decision making with a high attention to detail regarding organization, planning, workflow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
  • Highly ethical, self‑motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits.
  • Strong computer skills and the ability to utilize technology effectively.
Availability and Accessibility

Due to the nature and scope of the essential functions, the importance of personal interactions with coworkers and members of the public, and the availability of job‑related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent availability, accessibility and presence on‑site.

Approximately 40 hours/week may be required to efficiently perform the job duties of this position, including presence at designated internal and external meetings. This position may also require availability and accessibility to respond to and address emergencies and critical situations outside of normal business operating hours in the evenings and/or during weekends.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Receive, understand, evaluate and appropriately respond to communications from employees, the Board of Directors, and members of the public using available technology, in person and in a public setting when necessary.
  • Maintaining professional and respectful communication style to ensure reactions and responses to both emergency and non‑emergency situations serves as an example to others of appropriate workplace communications.
  • Provide intellectually sound and well‑reasoned answers, recommendations and solutions to identify business problems, issues and/or questions. Efficiently and quickly analyze, process, manipulate, and accurately record extensive amounts of data (some of which is technical in nature) and other information that serves as the basis for this position.
  • Move to, from and within our building and across utility‑related property site locations, possibly during inclement weather.
  • Work for extended periods of time in a stationary position operating computer equipment while consistently grasping, moving and manipulating documents, office supplies and other business materials.
  • Use a personal computer or other technology devices frequently and consistently for the purpose of reviewing, analyzing, creating, transmitting, and presenting documents, data and other business‑related information.
  • Lift, transport and/or move up to approximately 30 lbs. each day in the performance of regular duties. Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing and descending a stepladder may be required.
  • Drive on behalf of CPI and/or report for work in all types of weather.
Environmental Conditions:

The work environment conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. This position works in a temperature‑controlled office environment and in the field in a variety of weather conditions. Our office spaces include traditional office lighting and office furniture, as well as consistent and frequent noise, interruptions and other similar distractions.

Disclosures:

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. It is intended as a general guide of the job duties and tasks the person in this position may be asked to perform as part of our CPI team. It is by no means an exhaustive list of all the job duties or responsibilities that may be assigned to this position. Position descriptions may occasionally be updated, as necessary, to reflect evolving business needs, and such changes may not be reflected immediately in written form.

Refusal or unwillingness to perform duties and tasks assigned in a positive, professional and productive manner, even if seeming to fall outside of this description, may be considered insubordination and a violation of CPI policies and expectations.

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