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

Operating Engineer Union information

See Salem, OR salary details

$60.5K

$88.5K

$119K

How much do operating engineer union jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating engineer union in Salem, OR is $88,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $107,400.00 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 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 job categories do people searching Operating Engineer Union jobs in Salem, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Engineer Union jobs in Salem, OR 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,181 per year, or $42.4 per hour.

$7.7K - $11K/mo

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Oregon Youth Authority rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 839 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Initial Posting Date:

07/20/2026

Application Deadline:

08/03/2026

Agency:

Oregon Department of Education

Salary Range:

$7,247 - $11,140

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Recovery School Education Specialist

Job Description:

Position Title:Recovery Schools Education Specialist

Classification:Education Program Specialist 2

Salary:$7,247- $11,140($7,751- $11,913PERS)

Type:Permanent,Full-time, Exempt

We are seekingaRecovery Schools Education Specialistto join ourOffice of Relations, Management, and Supportat theOregon Department of Education. This is apermanentpositionrepresented by theService Employees International Union (SEIU).

This position follows a hybrid work model. Onsite presence will berequiredwhen business or operational needs are best supported in person, such as collaboration, training, or work that requires access to onsite resources. Employees approved to work remotely must have a reliable and secure internet connection andmaintaina professional work environment that supports productivity. While working remotely, employees are expected tomaintainthe same level of performance, responsiveness, communication, and availability as they wouldinthe office.

What you will do!

The Recovery Schools Education Specialist serves as the Department's statewide subject matter expert for Recovery Schools education programming. The position develops, implements, and evaluates statewide strategies, guidance, policies, and best practices that support high-quality education programs aligned with State Board standards and agencyobjectives. The position provides technicalassistance, consultation, and program oversight to Recovery Schools and partner agencies to strengthen instructional quality, student engagement, educational equity, and program effectiveness. This position coordinates statewide efforts to ensure students enrolled in approved Recovery Schools have access to a freeappropriate publiceducation (FAPE) andappropriate specialeducation services. Responsibilities include developing andmaintainingcollaborative relationships with school districts, Education Service Districts, and other education and community partners; coordinating interagency processes and agreements; interpreting and applying state and federal special education requirements; and supporting consistent implementation of services for students with disabilities across Recovery School settings.

Typical duties include:

Coordinate special education services and oversight of all students with disabilities enrolled in Recovery Schools approved by the Department.

Oversee educational program design to ensure approved Recovery Schools meet theminimumrequirements for state and federal laws including special education regulations.

Analyzeand evaluate budgets and financial operating reports to ensure approved schoolsare in compliance withstate and federal regulations.

Conduct regular on-site visits and principal meetings to provide support, evaluate performance, and review compliance with applicable regulations, Recovery School standards.

Maintain and improve Recovery School guidance and monitoring tools based on research, national best practices, and feedback from the Recovery Schools Advisory Committee and approved recovery schools.

Please click here to view the full position description

If you would like toretaina copy of this job post or the PD linked above, please print a copy beforesubmittingyour application.Once the job posting has closed, you will not be able to access the posting.

ApplicationInstructions:

A cover letter and resume arerequiredand are an important part of the application process. Only these materials are considered during the screening process;

  • A cover letter(no more than 2 pages),highlighting your skills and experience, anddemonstratinghow your qualifications align with the required and desired qualifications for this role.

  • A current resumedetailingyour relevant experience andeducationas it will be used in place ofthedetailed Workday work history for this agency-specific recruitment.

Additionalapplication materials (such as letters of recommendation or transcripts) will not be reviewed.Cover letters and resumes are reviewed throughout the recruitment process by Human Resourcesandthe Hiring Manager.

Minimum Qualifications (required)

Master's degree in Educationor related field from an accredited college or university and five years of education experience in the specialty area under recruitment (e.g., classroom teacher,counselor, itinerant service provider), two years of which includes leadership experience (e.g., lead teacher, program coordinator or director, school administrator) in the specialty area under recruitment.
A Doctorate in Education or related field from an accredited university may substitute for two years of the education experience, but not for the two years of leadership experience.
An Oregon Standard Administrative License (issued by Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission) may substitute for the two years of leadership experience.

Preferred Skills &Knowledge(Desired Attributes)

  • Substance Use Prevention and Youth Recovery Programs:Experience working in or with recovery schools, youth recovery programming, or educational services supporting students with substance use needs and co-occurring mental health needs.

  • Special Education Expertise:Demonstratedexperience with special education laws, systems, and practices, including monitoring, supervising, or overseeing the delivery of special education services across a school or district.

  • Fiscal Accountability:Experience applying federal and state fiscal accountability practices to publicly funded education programs, such as budget monitoring, grant compliance, or fiscal review.

  • Education Program Leadership:Experience leading education programs or services with organizational responsibility for supervising staff or teams, implementing policy, managing resources, and being accountable for program, operational, and compliance outcomes.

  • Contract Management:Experience managing or administering contracts for services, including monitoring contracted services for effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance.

  • Technical Assistance and Guidance:Experience providing advice, technicalassistance, or written guidance to school districts, tribes, community groups, or the public, including translating policy or broad concepts into actionable direction.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if youdon'tmeet every one of the attributes listed.

Our Agency Mission and Office Culture:

TheOregon Department of Education's(ODE's) mission is to foster equity and excellence for every learner through collaboration with educators, partners, and communities. In fulfilling itsmission, ODE has the vision to ensure all students have access to and benefit from a world-class, well-rounded, andequitableeducation system.

The position is situated within the School Choice, Options, and Recovery Education (SCORE) team which supports statewide implementation, oversight, and continuous improvement of educational programs that expand access to school choice and alternative pathways within Oregon's K-12 education system. The SCORE team administers and monitors programs including Charter Schools, Alternative Education Programs, Recovery Schools, Long-Term Care and Treatment (LTCT) programs, Juvenile Detention Education Programs (JDEP), Youth Corrections Education Programs (YCEP), GED programs, Homeschooling, Hospital Programs, and Pediatric Nursing Services.
Oregon Stateprovidesamazing benefits! Follow the link below to learn more:

Oregon JobOpportunities :Benefits :State of Oregon

ApplicationResources & Information:

  • Eligible veterans and Oregon National Guard servicemembers(current and former) who meet the qualifications of the position will be awarded candidate preference.For more information, please visitVeterans Resources.Be sure tosubmityour documentation prior to the close date of this postingtohave the preference considered.

  • Your application materials will be used todeterminesalary based on a pay equity assessment. For further information, please visit thePay Equity Projecthomepage.

  • The job posting closes at 11:59 PM (PDT) on the close date.After yousubmityour application, be sure to respond to the two questionnaires relating to public records requests and veterans' preferenceimmediatelyfollowing your submission. These questions are necessary to complete the application process.

  • Please contactode.jobs@ode.oregon.govif you have any questions on the application processor need an accommodation under theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA).Please be sure to include the job requisition number.

  • Oregon Job Opportunities: How to Apply (Internal & External)

  • Understanding the State Application Process

  • Resources for Job Seekers

Additional Information:

  • The salary listed is the non-PERS qualifying salary range. If the successful candidate isPERS qualifying, the salary range will reflect anadditional6.95%.

  • Review theClassification and Compensationpage for more details on the classification, or you may visit our website for information on the job offer process followingpay equity.

  • Future Vacancies:This recruitment announcement will be used toestablisha list of qualified candidates to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

  • Visa Sponsorship:The Oregon Department of Education does not offer visa sponsorship.Applicants mustbe authorized towork in the United States.Applicants who require VISA sponsorship will not be considered at this time.

The Department of Education is an equalemploymentopportunity&affirmativeaction employer committed to a diverse workforce.The Department strives to create an inclusiveenvironment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. We would encourage you to apply, even if youdon'tmeet every one of our qualifications listed.If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!


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