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Union Excavator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union Lead Mechanic

Monaca, PA ยท On-site

$44.96/hr

Trumbull-Brayman Joint Venture is seeking an experienced Union Lead Mechanic to support the ... Performing preventative maintenance on equipment including excavators, cranes, loaders, trucks ...

Union Lead Mechanic

Monaca, PA ยท On-site

$44.96/hr

Trumbull-Brayman Joint Venture is seeking an experienced Union Lead Mechanic to support the ... Performing preventative maintenance on equipment including excavators, cranes, loaders, trucks ...

Union Lead Mechanic

Monaca, PA ยท On-site

$44.96/hr

Trumbull-Brayman Joint Venture is seeking an experienced Union Lead Mechanic to support the ... Performing preventative maintenance on equipment including excavators, cranes, loaders, trucks ...

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Construction Laborers Local Work, Union Wages, Fringe Benefits & Paid Vacation! Apply Online at: www.fechko.com EOE / DFWP Company Description Fechko Excavating is a full-service professional survey ...

This is a Union position, so the expected pay range is based on Union scale for the applicable ... Ability to operate other types of heavy equipment a plus (e.g. excavator, front end loader ...

This is a Union position, so the expected pay range is based on Union scale for the applicable ... Ability to operate other types of heavy equipment a plus (e.g. excavator, front end loader ...

This is a Union position, so the expected pay range is based on Union scale for the applicable ... Ability to operate other types of heavy equipment a plus (e.g. excavator, front end loader ...

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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:
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.

Operating Engineer - Journeyman- Union

McGuire & Hester

Sacramento, CA โ€ข On-site

$54 - $61/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description

McGuire and Hester is a construction company that provides complete site work services: pipelines, grading paving, concrete, landscape and mechanical. In addition to traditional project delivery methods, we are involved with design build projects and alternative delivery methods. McGuire and Hester have played an integral role in the construction of many of Northern California's most recognizable landmarks and infrastructure projects. Our storied past crosses more than nine decades. Our mission statement is, Together We Build Things Right which encompasses our business philosophy as well as our values and culture. We have a team environment that focuses on the greater good, resulting in a fantastic place to work that positively impacts our business partners and community.

Job Summary-This is a union position. Candidates must be a member of the applicable union or be willing and eligible to join the union as a condition of employment.

A heavy equipment operator operates a variety of heavy equipment in construction, maintenance, and repair activities, and performs a variety of tasks in the construction and maintenance of heavy civil work like trenching, excavation, grading, bulldozing, and paving

Reports to

Foreman, General Superintendent, Group Manager

Key Communication Partners

Laborers, Foreman, General Superintendent

Typical Duties

  • Operates heavy equipment of various sizes and weights in the loading, hauling, and unloading of various equipment, materials, and supplies
  • Operates heavy equipment such as backhoe, road grader, front-end loader, hydraulic excavator, skid steers loader, bulldozer, roller, compactor, and crane
  • Assists crew in digging ditches and trenches, hoisting materials and tools, equipment and any related work with a backhoe, excavator, front-end loader, or crane
  • Performs routine inspection of equipment and notifies supervisor of defects or repairs that need to be made
  • Perform all duties in conformance to appropriately safety and security standards and specifications
  • Perform general physical activities that require considerable use of your arms, legs, and moving whole body such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials
  • Use hands and arms in handling, installing positioning materials, and manipulating machines
  • Balance teamwork and individual responsibilities, exhibits openness to other views, contributes to building a positive team spirit and can build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives
  • Ability to prioritize and plan work activities and uses time efficiently
  • Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness, look for new ways to improve and promote quality, applies feedback to improve performance and monitors own work to ensure quality
  • Think Safety-First and actively participate in the Safety Bucks program
  • Consistently at work on time, follows instructions, responds to management directions, commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals and complete tasks on time or proposes an alternative plan to appropriate person
  • The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, and carry objects. Frequently lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries 10lbs of weight during workday. Occasionally lifts or carries up to 50lbs

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Education and Experience: Previous training and/or the equivalent in experience operating heavy equipment is required

Language Skills: Have an understanding of English as associated with the jobsite safety and the typical duties required of this position

Mathematical Skills: Basic understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

Reasoning Ability: apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one or two step instructions. Deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables

Computer Skills: no skills required

Interpersonal Skills: ability to solve conflict, creates team atmosphere, dependable, and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness

Certificates, Licenses, and Registration: none required for this job

Compensation:

$54 - $61 per hour, based on skills, experience and knowledge