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Union Equipment Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Union Equipment Operator information

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$12

$20

$30

How much do union equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for union equipment operator in Iowa is $20.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a union equipment operator?

Union Equipment Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and forklifts at construction sites or industrial facilities. They are members of a labor union, which helps negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions on their behalf. Their responsibilities include safely handling equipment, performing routine maintenance, and following safety regulations. Union Equipment Operators often receive specialized training and certifications, ensuring a high level of expertise and safety on the job.

What are some typical challenges union equipment operators face on a job site, and how are they addressed?

Union Equipment Operators often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating tight or hazardous spaces, and coordinating with multiple crews on site. Safety is a top priority, so operators must remain vigilant about protocols and communicate closely with supervisors and other team members. Ongoing training provided by the union helps operators stay current with equipment technology and safety practices, ensuring they can handle these challenges effectively while maintaining productivity and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a union equipment operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Union Equipment Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy machinery operation, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent along with union membership. Familiarity with equipment such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes, as well as certifications like OSHA safety training, are commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and coordinated operations on construction sites.

What is the difference between Union Equipment Operator vs Non-Union Equipment Operator?

AspectUnion Equipment OperatorNon-Union Equipment Operator
CredentialsTypically requires union certifications and training programsMay require similar certifications but often less formal or union-based
Work EnvironmentWorks on unionized job sites with collective bargaining agreementsWorks on non-union sites, possibly with different work conditions
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by unionized construction or industrial companiesEmployed by private companies or contractors without union affiliation

Union Equipment Operators are part of organized labor with union certifications and benefits, working on unionized sites. Non-Union Equipment Operators may have similar skills but work in non-union environments with different employment terms. The choice often depends on the employer and project type.

What are the most commonly searched types of Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Equipment Operator jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Union Equipment Operator jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Union Equipment Operator job openings:

Union Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Equipment Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,469 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Mulcher/Equipment Operator : Knoxville, IA

W A Kendall and Company LLC

Knoxville, IA • On-site

$21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Mulcher Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lines. MUST have mulcher experience or Geo Boy, Barko or skidsteer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Always follow and help enforce safe practices and rules
  • Assist in preparing equipment and materials for each day’s work at Foreperson’s direction
  • Operate equipment as directed by Foreperson
  • Help maintain and repair equipment and tools used in operations
  • Assist other crew members in all aspects of daily activities and take a leadership role when required
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and public
  • Keeps informed on new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices.
  • Track and report mileage to Foreperson
  • Perform duties for storm work as needed

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Equipment Operators have no direct reports.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Prior heavy equipment operating experience in electric utility vegetation management, construction, logging, landscaping, mechanical, or military industries preferred

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

High School diploma or education equivalent preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Must be knowledgeable about the daily maintenance and safe operations of all equipment used
  • Must possess physical strength and good balance to climb into and around mobile equipment
  • Must be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day
  • Must be able to work outdoors under varying and sometimes adverse weather conditions
  • Must be able to hear verbal instructions from a distance
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain first-aid certification and CPR
  • Must be able to wear necessary personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Must have good vision and be attentive
  • Must have and maintain a Driver’s License if hired for a driving position; must have and maintain a CDL and DOT Medical Card to operate any truck over 26,000 lbs.
  • Must be able to write, read and comprehend written and verbal job instructions/information
  • Must be able to maintain balance over uneven terrain
  • Must be able to communicate with others
  • Must have endurance necessary to perform duties throughout a standard eight or ten hour day
  • Must be able to travel out of town for storm restoration work when needed

This position requires employee to be able to pass a background check and drug screen as required for this job.

Work authorization requirements:

Must meet I-9 requirements. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Affirmative Action/EEO statement: Xylem Tree Experts and Kendall Vegetation Services provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, obligations, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

XKIG is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws, including the ADA. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact our Talent Acquisition team at 877-418-2999.

Benefits Offered:

This is a full-time position that offers health insurance benefits for medical, vision, and dental, as well as the option for enrollment in a 401K.

Paid Time Off (PTO)
Eligibility and accrual timelines vary by position with some roles gaining PTO immediately and others becoming eligible after a set period of employment. Details are provided during the hiring process and may vary for Union hires.

AI Usage Disclaimer:

As part of our commitment to efficiency and innovation, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools during the recruiting and onboarding processes. These tools assist with tasks such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and communication. All decisions regarding hiring and employment are ultimately made by our human team. If you have questions or concerns about this process, please contact our HR department.