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Union Excavator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Lead Excavator

Elgin, IL

$30 - $60/hr

Lead Excavator - Residential Plumbing Location: Elgin, IL Department: Residential Plumbing ... Credit Union * Cellular Discounts Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation Four Seasons is an ...

Four Seasons Heating

Lead Excavator

Elgin, IL · On-site

$30 - $60/hr

Lead Excavator - Residential Plumbing Location: Elgin, IL Department: Residential Plumbing ... Credit Union * Cellular Discounts Equal Opportunity & Reasonable Accommodation Four Seasons is an ...

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Laborer-Union

Newington, CT

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Support excavation, utility, roadway, and environmental remediation work * Follow all OSHA regulations, company safety procedures, and union work rules * Maintain clean and organized work areas

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Laborer-Union

Newington, CT

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Support excavation, utility, roadway, and environmental remediation work * Follow all OSHA regulations, company safety procedures, and union work rules * Maintain clean and organized work areas

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All JobsUnion Excavator Jobs

Union Excavator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do union excavator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for union excavator in the United States is $26.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Union Excavator, you need proficiency in operating heavy equipment, understanding excavation techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent along with union apprenticeship training. Familiarity with construction site safety protocols, GPS machine control systems, and the ability to maintain and inspect equipment are important technical aspects. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate with crew members and adapt to changing job site conditions. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and accurate excavation work, which is critical for the success of construction projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Union Excavators on construction sites and how are they addressed?

Union Excavators often encounter challenges such as working in variable weather conditions, operating heavy machinery in tight or uneven spaces, and coordinating with multiple trades on busy job sites. Safety is a top priority, so regular training and adherence to strict safety protocols help mitigate risks. Effective communication with site supervisors and other crew members is crucial to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Union support and ongoing professional development also provide resources for overcoming on-the-job challenges.

What are Union Excavators?

Union Excavators are skilled heavy equipment operators who are members of a labor union, such as the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). They are responsible for operating excavators and similar machinery on construction sites to dig trenches, foundations, and perform site grading. Being part of a union provides these workers with negotiated wages, benefits, job protections, and access to training programs, ensuring a higher standard of safety and professional development. Union Excavators often work on large-scale public infrastructure and private construction projects.

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

AspectUnion ExcavatorNon-Union Excavator
CredentialsTypically requires union certifications and training programsMay require similar certifications but less standardized
Work EnvironmentWorks on unionized job sites with collective bargaining agreementsWorks on non-union sites, often with more flexible policies
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large construction firms and projects with union contractsMore prevalent in smaller companies or private projects
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for benefits, wages, and job securityCompared for flexibility, pay rates, and work conditions

Union excavators are part of organized labor, often enjoying higher wages and benefits due to collective bargaining. Non-union excavators may have more flexibility in work hours and pay but might lack the same level of job security and benefits. The choice depends on individual preferences and project requirements.

More about Union Excavator jobs
What cities are hiring for Union Excavator jobs? Cities with the most Union Excavator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Excavator jobs? The most popular types of Excavator jobs are:
What states have the most Union Excavator jobs? States with the most job openings for Union Excavator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Union Excavator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Union Excavator jobs are:
Union Excavator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Excavator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,408 per year, or $26.2 per hour.
Excavator Operator

Excavator Operator

Bituminous Roadways, Inc.

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$46.25 - $47.24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Department: Field Operations
Work Location: 11-County Metro Area (Twin Cities, MN)
Job type: Full-Time / Seasonal
Pay Type / Range:
Journeyman Union Scale. $46.25-47.24 per hour (based on experience and/or size and type of equipment)
(This pay range is a good-faith estimate of compensation for this role.)
Union Benefits & Additional Information:
  • Operating Engineers Local 49 Union (https://health49.org/)
    • Health & Welfare Benefits and Pension would all remain through your union.
  • Mental Health & Wellness Support provided through TEAM EAP.
  • PTO (ESST) Program covering all time away from work.
  • Referral bonuses - earn rewards to help us recruit new talent.
  • Annual boot allowance.

Job Summary: The Excavator Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross-section for construction activities. This role includes making routine operating adjustments, changing attachments such as extensions or buckets as needed, and performing related tasks to support project requirements. The operator is expected to work effectively within a team environment, maintain a professional and respectful attitude toward coworkers, supervisors, inspectors, and the public, and assist crew members as needed to ensure safe and productive operations. Additional duties may be assigned to support overall project success.
Other Requirements: All candidates are required to pass a thorough Background Check, Physical and Drug Test. References may also be checked. We participate in E-Verify.
Job Duties & Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Safely and efficiently operating an excavator to achieve proper trench depth, grade, and finished cross-section for construction activities.
  • Handle excavation around existing utilities with care and precision.
  • Load and unload materials as needed (e.g., bedding stone, spoil, pipe).
  • Perform daily equipment inspections and routine maintenance checks.
  • Safely maneuver equipment in tight work zones and around other crew members.
  • Monitor trench conditions and help maintain OSHA-compliant trench safety (e.g., benching, sloping, or shoring).
  • Use grade stakes, laser levels, and hand signals to coordinate with laborers and crew members.
  • Backfill and compact trenches using appropriate materials and methods.
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area and equipment.
  • Report equipment issues, hazards, or near-miss incidents promptly.
  • Display a professional and respectful attitude towards co-workers, supervisors, inspectors, and the general public at all times.
  • Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors.
  • Communicate effectively with crew members and supervisors.
  • Follow company and industry safety standards and procedures at all times.

Preferred Education and Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of experience operating an excavator.
  • Ability to read utility site plans, grade stakes, and follow laser/grade control.
  • Familiarity with safe digging practices, including locating existing utilities (One Call/811 knowledge).
  • OSHA 10 certification preferred (or ability to obtain).
  • CDL Class A or B license is a plus.
  • Willingness to work extended hours, early mornings, and weekends as needed.
  • High school education or GED equivalent.
  • Strong team player
  • Reliable and on-time.

Live up to our company Core Values:
  • Safety - Safety in the workplace is a mutual responsibility of the employer, management and all employees. We have an expectation that all employees will play an active role in workplace safety and always promote a positive safety culture.
  • Quality - Quality is the best business plan. It is an investment in our future. Quality leads to consistency. Consistency leads to happy employees, satisfied customers and a growing business.
  • Respect - Respect at work is crucial as it promotes healthy relationships between coworkers and managers, as well as outside the organization. A respectful employee is a sign of a respectful organization and therefore creates a positive image of our company and our workplace.
  • Integrity - Real integrity is doing the right thing, whether someone realizes it or not. Displaying Integrity helps build trust and drives a certain level of expectation. Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain.
  • Commitment - Commitment is the bond employee's share with their organization and its employees. Committed employees bring exceptional value to the organization through their support, productivity, determination, reliability and quality. Commitment shows and can be contagious.

Company Information:
For more than 75 years, Bituminous Roadways has aspired to be your full-service asphalt pavement solutions provider, and contractor of choice, to both work for and with. We are a union contractor with a diverse workforce dedicated to safety, innovation, continual improvement, environmental stewardship and most importantly, superior customer service.
At Bituminous Roadways, we're energetic and passionate about what we do with an excellent reputation for performance and as a place to work. Because of our continued growth, we seek qualified candidates who share our vision, values, and commitment to superior customer service.
More reasons to join BR:
  • Family owned and operated
  • Paid Training
  • Advancement opportunities - we aim to promote within
  • No out of town jobs / home every night
  • Family Oriented - Annual events

Bituminous Roadways, Inc. is committed to building a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), marital status, familial status, age, disability, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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