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Union Equipment Operator Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Equipment Operator

Kalkaska, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Equipment Operator Company: Davey Tree Surgery Co. Locations: Kalkaska, MI Additional Locations ... All listed benefits available to eligible employees on Day 1. ** Union employees are not eligible ...

Toebe Construction

Equipment Operator

Wixom, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

We take pride in being a union-based heavy civil contractor that self-performs a wide range of work, partnering with local trade unions to employLaborers, Carpenters, Equipment Operators, Cement ...

Toebe Construction

Equipment Operator

Wixom, MI · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

We take pride in being a union-based heavy civil contractor that self-performs a wide range of work, partnering with local trade unions to employ Laborers, Carpenters, Equipment Operators, Cement ...

Fessler & Bowman Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Holly, MI · On-site

... heavy equipment (excavator, dozer, loader) in compliance with the company's operating safety ... Fessler & Bowman is proud to provide non-union Team Members with the following benefits: * Medical ...

Fessler & Bowman

Heavy Equipment Operator

Holly, MI · On-site

Operateheavy equipment (excavator, dozer, loader)in compliance with the company's operating safety ... Fessler & Bowman is proud to provide non-union Team Members with the following benefits: * Medical ...

Fessler & Bowman Inc

Heavy Equipment Operator

Holly, MI · On-site

... heavy equipment (excavator, dozer, loader) in compliance with the company's operating safety ... Fessler & Bowman is proud to provide non-union Team Members with the following benefits: * Medical ...

Fessler & Bowman

Heavy Equipment Operator

Holly, MI

Operateheavy equipment (excavator, dozer, loader)in compliance with the company's operating safety ... Fessler & Bowman is proud to provide non-union Team Members with the following benefits: * Medical ...

CA Hull

Heavy Equipment Operator

Commerce, MI · On-site

C.A. Hull is proud to be a union-based heavy highway contractor employing a variety of skilled ... Operating various pieces of heavy equipment such as excavators, and loaders. * Loading and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnion Equipment Operator JobsUnion Equipment Operator Jobs in Michigan

Union Equipment Operator information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$19

$27

How much do union equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for union equipment operator in Michigan is $19.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $21.78 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

Union Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Equipment Operator job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,337 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Equipment Operator

The Davey Tree Expert Company

Kalkaska, MI • On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Full-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Davey Tree rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Davey Tree

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6.7

Company rating compared to similar companies: 6.7 out of 10

Gardening and landscaping average

Based on 1,055 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

The best things about working at Davey Tree

  • 92%

    92% say their health insurance is affordable

    say their health insurance is affordable

  • 82%

    82% say they enjoy their job

    say they enjoy their job

  • 69%

    69% say they have respectful managers

    say they have respectful managers

Featured by Davey Tree, based on 101 Breakroom Quiz responses from their frontline employees

Job description

Equipment Operator
Company: Davey Tree Surgery Co.
Locations: Kalkaska, MI
Additional Locations: Gaylord, MI
Work Site: On Site
Req ID: 228051
Position Overview
Davey Utility Line Clearance, a division of The Davey Tree Expert Company, is pleased to offer a key opportunity as an Equipment Operator | Jarraff | Skid Steer, Side Trimmer CDL preferred, to add to our team of line clearance team.
Job Duties
  • Position involves operating Jarraff, Skid Steer, Side Trimmer mobile equipment on utility right-of-way
  • Responsible for equipment and crew safety when removing trees on utility right-of-way
  • Assist in all job functions as a member of the crew

Qualifications
  • Prefer a minimum of two (2) years mobile equipment operating experience and training which provides the necessary operations skills, knowledge and abilities is required
  • Experience in Utility Line Clearance and Tree Removal is preferred
  • Be capable of successfully passing a mobile equipment operations certification test
  • Valid driver's license required
  • CDL Class A or B with air brake endorsement highly valuable but not required

Additional Information
WHAT WE OFFER:
• Group health plans*
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance* • Life insurance*
• Paid parental leave
• 401k with up to a 4% company match**
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount
• Holidays and paid time off*
• Payroll savings plan*
• Charitable matching gift program*
• Employee referral bonus program*
• Employee Educational Scholarship*
• Davey Family Scholarship*
• 20% discount on all Davey services*
• Cell phone discounts*
• Vehicle purchase discount program*
• Plus, so much more!
* All listed benefits available to eligible employees on Day 1.
** Union employees are not eligible for a 401k plan, but may be eligible to join pension plans negotiated by their local union.
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
The Davey Tree Surgery Company is based in Livermore, California, and provides a full range of utility tree care and pole test and treat services. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there's a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at SurgeryJobs@davey.com.
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%

Working at Davey Tree

Perks for frontline workers

From Davey Tree, via Breakroom

  • Holidays and paid time off

  • Group health plans

  • Vision and dental insurance

  • 401K with a company match

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to buy company stock at a 15% discount

  • Paid parental leave

  • Employee Educational Scholarship

  • Davey Family Scholarship

  • Employee referral bonus program

  • 20% discount on all Davey services

  • Child care discounts

  • Charitable matching gift program

  • Plus, so much more!

About Davey Tree, in their own words

From Davey Tree

At Davey, we care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We’re always striving to be our best, and we expect the same of each and every employee. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology, flexibility and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience for employees at all levels. And our unique employee-ownership model means you can have a stake in the success of our company every day, with every decision you make. Wherever you want to grow your career – from a new role to a new geography – there’s a place for you at Davey.

Company values

From Davey Tree

Safety, Integrity, Expertise, Leadership, Stewardship, Perseverance

What Davey Tree employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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