ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Union Contractor Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Unified Mechanical Group

Director of Sales

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Previous experience working within a union mechanical contracting environment. * Existing professional relationships with Tier-1 general contractors and facility managers in Los Angeles or Orange ...

Unified Mechanical Group

Director of Sales

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Previous experience working within a union mechanical contracting environment. * Existing professional relationships with Tier-1 general contractors and facility managers in Los Angeles or Orange ...

Unified Mechanical Group

Director of Sales

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Previous experience working within a union mechanical contracting environment. * Existing professional relationships with Tier-1 general contractors and facility managers in Los Angeles or Orange ...

Unified Mechanical Group

Director of Sales

Ontario, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Previous experience working within a union mechanical contracting environment. * Existing professional relationships with Tier-1 general contractors and facility managers in Los Angeles or Orange ...

Unified Mechanical Group

Director of Sales

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Previous experience working within a union mechanical contracting environment. * Existing professional relationships with Tier-1 general contractors and facility managers in Los Angeles or Orange ...

Unified Mechanical Group

Director of Sales

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Previous experience working within a union mechanical contracting environment. * Existing professional relationships with Tier-1 general contractors and facility managers in Los Angeles or Orange ...

Unified Mechanical Group

Director of Sales

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Previous experience working within a union mechanical contracting environment. * Existing professional relationships with Tier-1 general contractors and facility managers in Los Angeles or Orange ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnion Contractor JobsUnion Contractor Jobs in Riverside, CA

Union Contractor information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$16

$27

$34

How much do union contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for union contractor in Riverside, CA is $27.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $30.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are union contractors?

Union contractors are companies or individuals in the construction industry who employ workers that are members of a labor union. These contractors enter into collective bargaining agreements with unions, which set standards for wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union contractors often have access to a skilled and trained workforce and must adhere to the rules and agreements negotiated with the union. This relationship can provide greater stability, safety, and quality assurance on projects.

What is the difference between Union Contractor vs Non-Union Contractor?

AspectUnion ContractorNon-Union Contractor
Credentials/CertificationsOften requires union-specific certifications and trainingMay have fewer formal certifications, depending on project requirements
Work EnvironmentTypically works on unionized projects with collective bargaining agreementsWorks on both union and non-union projects, with more flexibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in industries like construction, electrical, and plumbingWidespread across various industries, including construction and maintenance
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched by workers seeking union jobs or contractors working with unionsOften searched by contractors or workers interested in non-union work

In summary, a Union Contractor works within unionized environments, adhering to union standards and certifications, while a Non-Union Contractor operates outside of union agreements, offering more flexibility but fewer union-specific benefits.

What are some common challenges Union Contractors face when working on large-scale projects?

Union Contractors working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple trade unions, adhering to strict project deadlines, and ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements. Managing a diverse workforce and maintaining clear communication between union representatives, project managers, and subcontractors is essential. Additionally, navigating jurisdictional disputes and resolving labor issues promptly are key to keeping projects on track and fostering a positive work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Union Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Contractor, you need comprehensive knowledge of construction practices, safety regulations, and labor agreements, typically supported by industry certifications or a relevant trade license. Familiarity with project management software, OSHA safety standards, and collective bargaining systems is often required. Strong communication, negotiation, and leadership skills help build effective teams and maintain good relationships with both workers and clients. These skills ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and in compliance with union standards, which is critical for sustained success in the industry.
What are the most commonly searched types of Contractor jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Contractor jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Union Contractor jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Union Contractor job openings:
Union Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Contractor job openings in Riverside, CA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,675 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Sr. Estimator - Civil Primary

Sr. Estimator - Civil Primary

High Light Electric Inc

Colton, CA • On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

About Mendoza Companies
Mendoza Companies is a multi-entity ecosystem of construction, services, and investment businesses operating under The Mendoza Way. The platform includes High-Light Electric, Inc. (HLE) - a California-based union electrical infrastructure contractor founded in 1996 delivering public works and complex electrical construction across California - along with Mendoza Trust and an international independent contractor workforce.
We partner with Caltrans, municipalities, transit authorities, and infrastructure programs throughout California, with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets. In 2025, HLE was recognized on the Inc. Regionals Pacific list (#116).
Mendoza Companies is guided by Mission 2040: to build a $1 billion business ecosystem connecting 1,000 families and communities through business.
The Role
The Senior Estimator owns HLE's bid development process from pursuit through preconstruction handoff - and maintains active involvement through project execution and closeout. This role produces accurate, competitive, and margin-conscious estimates across civil and electrical scopes, with civil estimating as the primary competency requirement for this seat.
This is not a desk estimating role. The Senior Estimator brings real field experience into the estimating process - closing the gap between what a bid assumes and what the field can actually execute. They lead a small estimating team, develop junior estimators, and serve as the primary estimating resource within their assigned AOM business unit.
As HLE transitions toward civil contractor leadership, this hire strengthens HLE's civil estimating capacity and complements the existing electrical estimating structure - forming a two-senior model where civil and electrical expertise develop in parallel, with junior estimators cross-training under each lead.
What You'll Do
  • Maintain a consistent bid submission rate that meets HLE's pursuit calendar - on scope, on deadline, and within margin targets.
  • Own takeoff accuracy and productivity validation across all active bids
  • Attend and document pre-bid site walks and pre-bid meetings - site condition reports submitted prior to every bid submission.
  • Execute pre-bid and post-bid reviews on every pursuit - findings logged, go/no-go recommendations supported by data, and results applied to improve future pricing strategy and competitive positioning.
  • Deliver complete, assumption-transparent preconstruction handoffs to the AOM on every awarded project - and maintain post-award engagement through financial reviews, change order support, and job closeout analysis.
  • Participate in periodic project financial reviews with the Finance Director and AOM - validate actual costs and productivities against bid assumptions, support critical change order pricing, and attend job closeout reviews to extract and apply lessons learned.
  • Protect bid margin - variance between estimated and actual costs is tracked, reviewed, and used to drive continuous estimating improvement.
  • Lead junior estimator development - measurable progress tracked through 1-on-1 cadence, takeoff quality improvement, and readiness milestones as the team is built
  • Own estimating team scorecard metrics and quarterly Rocks within the ML10 structure

Education
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field - preferred.
Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. Relevant certifications may include:
  • AACE International - Certified Cost Technician (CCT), Certified Estimating Professional (CEP), or equivalent
  • APWA (American Public Works Association) certifications
  • AGC (Associated General Contractors) construction education programs
  • Caltrans or public works contractor training
  • Accredited construction management or estimating coursework

Verification of certifications may be requested during the hiring process.
Experience
  • 5-7 years of combined civil construction field and estimating experience - required
  • Background in field operations (foreman, superintendent, or similar) - strongly preferred
  • Proven experience estimating civil scopes (earthwork, grading, utilities, roadway) - required
  • Experience in California public works (prevailing wage, union labor, certified payroll) - required
  • Working familiarity with electrical estimating in a public works or infrastructure context - preferred.
  • Experience with preconstruction handoffs - preferred
  • Experience mentoring or leading estimators - preferred

Certifications & Tools
  • Proficiency in Bluebeam, Excel (advanced), and equivalent takeoff platforms - required.
  • Familiarity with Procore - preferred.
  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 - preferred.
  • Bilingual English/Spanish - preferred; not required for this role.

A valid driver's license is required for this role due to travel to job sites and project locations.
What We Offer
  • Comprehensive health benefits package - medical, dental, vision.
  • 401(k) or equivalent retirement plan.
  • Multi-entity ecosystem with active expansion into Nevada, Arizona, and additional U.S. markets.
  • A mission-driven organization building for the long term - Mission 2040.

What Success Looks Like (GWC - Mendoza Way)
1. Gets It
Understands that estimating is a core business function directly tied to execution, profitability, and field performance. Recognizes the importance of accuracy, accountability, and alignment with real-world conditions.
2. Wants It
Is motivated to take full ownership of the estimating process, including deadlines, margin responsibility, and decision-making. Values accountability and takes pride in delivering high-quality, reliable work.
3. Capacity to Do It
Can manage multiple bids simultaneously while maintaining accuracy and discipline. Communicates effectively with field and operations teams and operates confidently in a fast-paced, high-responsibility environment.
Hiring Process
Our process includes:
  • Application and screening questionnaire
  • AI-assisted resume and structured interview review
  • Recruiter screen
  • Leadership panel interview
  • Final interview with the CEO

AI tools are used to support consistency and efficiency and are regularly reviewed to ensure fairness and compliance.
Qualified candidates can expect a timely and structured process.
Pre-employment screening, reference checks, and verification of credentials are required prior to offer.
EEO Statement
Mendoza Companies and High-Light Electric, Inc. are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Learn More About Us
High Light Electric

Apply