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Union Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Fairbanks, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

This is a union-represented position* Essential Job Accountabilities * Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel. * Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and ...

Excavator Operator Journeyman

Anchorage, AK

$23 - $30.50/hr

This is a union-represented position* Essential Job Accountabilities * Moves hand and foot levers to control hydraulic shovel. * Uses shovel to dig trenches and holes of specified length, depth and ...

Showing results 21-40

Union Operator information

See Alaska salary details

$11

$21

$31

How much do union operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for union operator in Alaska is $21.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $23.80 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges union operators face on the job site, and how can they prepare for them?

Union Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing project demands, working in various weather conditions, and coordinating with multiple trades on busy job sites. To prepare, it's important to stay up-to-date with safety protocols, maintain strong communication with supervisors and team members, and continually refresh equipment operation skills through union training programs. Being adaptable and proactive in addressing potential issues can help Union Operators excel and contribute effectively to their team.

What is a union operator?

Union Operators are skilled workers who operate heavy machinery and equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, or forklifts, typically as members of a labor union. They are responsible for the safe and efficient operation of this equipment on construction sites, in warehouses, or in industrial settings. Being part of a union means that these operators have specific protections, benefits, and negotiated wages. Union Operators often must complete specialized training and certification to ensure they meet safety standards and operational requirements.

What is the difference between Union Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectUnion OperatorMachine Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, union certificationHigh school diploma, technical training or certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, industrial settingsFactories, manufacturing plants, industrial facilities
Employer & Industry UsageUnionized construction and industrial companiesManufacturing and production industries
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Union Operator and Machine Operator roles share similarities in industrial settings, requiring safety training and technical skills. However, Union Operators are typically part of unionized construction or industrial teams, focusing on heavy equipment and site operations, while Machine Operators work mainly in manufacturing environments operating specific machinery. Both roles are essential in their industries and often compared by job seekers seeking similar industrial or manufacturing careers.

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

To thrive as a Union Operator, you need a strong background in operating heavy machinery, understanding safety protocols, and relevant union apprenticeship training or certification. Familiarity with equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, and excavators, as well as knowledge of OSHA regulations and computerized control systems, is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for coordinating with crew members and maintaining a safe work environment. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe operations and compliance with industry standards on construction or industrial sites.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Alaska? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Alaska are:
What are popular job titles related to Union Operator jobs in Alaska? For Union Operator jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Union Operator jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Union Operator jobs in Alaska are:
What cities in Alaska are hiring for Union Operator jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Union Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Union Operator job openings in Alaska as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,950 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Equipment Operator, Journey 2 (PCN 253859M)

State of Alaska

Juneau, AK • On-site

$30.60 - $32.71/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


State Of Alaska rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 74 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description RECRUITMENT EXTENSION NOTICE The recruitment period for this vacancy has been extended to allow for a larger applicant pool. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply. ATTENTION ALASKA RESIDENTS ONLY.

The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) Central Region Highways & Aviation is looking to fill multiple Equipment Operator, Journey 2 positions in Silvertip to help us Keep Alaska Moving. What you will be doing: As part of a maintenance crew, this position performs various tasks associated with the year-round maintenance of state highways within the Peninsula District. The work includes but is not limited to operating and servicing heavy and light-duty equipment, maintenance of all vegetation, signs, barricades, fences, bridges, culverts and drainage structures, bike paths and road surfaces within the State Right-of-Way, as well as performing traffic control duties.

Perform snow and ice removal with plow/sanders and graders with all attachments. Incumbent will be assigned the Silvertip maintenance station. Our organization, mission, and culture: The State of Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' mission is to Keep Alaska Moving.

We are working toward a modern, adaptable, flexible transportation system that will be resilient as we tackle our challenges. We believe collaboration, communication, and coordination increase our ability to succeed. Creating teams that are focused on results, working together, and leveraging resources across our department, with community and private sector partnerships, increases our ability to accomplish our mission and serve Alaskans.

The benefits of joining our team: Joining the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) offers an array of benefits, with career growth opportunities at the forefront. As an integral part of Alaska's infrastructure development and maintenance, DOT&PF provides employees with a dynamic and diverse work environment where they can continually enhance their skills and climb the career ladder. The department values professional development, offering training programs and mentorship opportunities to help individuals expand their expertise and advance in their chosen fields.

With the vast and unique challenges of Alaska's geography and climate, employees can work on groundbreaking projects that contribute to the state's growth, making the DOT&PF an ideal choice for those seeking a fulfilling and evolving career in transportation and public facilities. The State of Alaska has a generous benefits package and an excellent retirement plan. Please see here for more information: https://doa.alaska.gov/dop/workplace/benefits/

The working environment you can expect: This position is part of the Silvertip maintenance crew. As part of the Silvertip Maintenance & Operations team, the selected candidate will perform numerous year-round highway maintenance and operations tasks within the Peninsula District boundaries. Who we are looking for: Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the applicant with the core competencies of: Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.

Determines objectives, sets priorities, and delegates work. Accepts responsibility for own actions and decisions. Complies with established control systems and rules.

Conscientiousness: Displays a high level of effort and commitment towards performing work; demonstrates responsible behavior. Flexibility: Is open to change and new information; rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. Self-Management: Sets well-defined and realistic personal goals; displays a high level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments in a timely manner; works with minimal supervision; is motivated to achieve; demonstrates responsible behavior.

Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals. To view the general description and example of duties for positions please go to the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Alaska/classspecs Minimum Qualifications Vacancies in this job class are filled through Union referral, except for promotions, demotions, transfers, and emergency appointments. This job class is part of a series of competency based class specifications created for career areas within the Labor, Trades, and Crafts Unit

The class specification identifies the levels of work and wage grades within the career area, the core and specific competencies of the career area, required work behaviors, certifications, and physical requirements. The competency specification for this job class is available at http://doa.alaska.gov/dop/fileadmin/Classification/pdf/LTC_Specs/EQUIPMENTOPERATOR.pdf. Additional Required Information At time of interview, applicants are requested to submit (if not already attached to your application): Three (3) professional references, including name, job title, and current contact information

A copy of your current Commercial Driver's License with endorsements. COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE REQUIRED This position requires the incumbent to possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) per federal regulations (49 CFR 383), to register with the federal CDL Drug & Alcohol Testing Clearinghouse prior to performing safety sensitive duties, and to provide consent to the Employer to review driver information in accordance with 49 CFR 382. A Class A Alaska Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required at time of hire.

A conditional hire approval can only be given for endorsements. This means that the proposed appointee must successfully obtain an N-Tanker endorsement within 90 days of hire and sign an agreement to this effect as a condition of employment. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC FACILITIES DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY Selected candidates must comply with the DOT&PF Drug and Alcohol Policy and procedures and CANNOT start work in a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) position until Management Services or designee has received confirmation of the proposed appointee passing the required Pre-Employment drug test.

According to federal regulations, all violations and refusals will be maintained with the Federal CDL Drug & Alcohol Testing Clearinghouse database. ARMS & AMMUNITION REQUIREMENT This position requires the use of firearm or ammunition. If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence you may not hold a position in this job class in accordance with the Federal Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 (PL-104-208).

A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" means an offense that: 1. is a misdemeanor under Federal or State Law; and 2. has, as an element the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by a current or former spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabiting with or has cohabited with the victim as a spouse, parent, or guardian of the victim.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS This recruitment utilizes a supplemental questionnaire as part of the application process. The answers you provide to the questions will be an opportunity for you to tell us about your experience and/or education. The answers will be used to determine which applicants will advance to the interview phase of the recruitment and selection process.

EDUCATION To verify education is being used to meet and/or support the required minimum qualifications/competencies, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials used to meet or support the minimum qualifications/competencies for a position and are required with each application.

(Unofficial is okay; please ensure the institution/URL name is listed on the transcripts). Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or provided at the time of interview; if not, transcripts will be required before employment. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements, if applicable.

If utilizing this education you must show that the education credentials have been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and that such education has been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs; or an accredited U.S. state university reports the other institution as one whose transcript is given full value, or full value is given in subject areas applicable to the curricula at the state university

It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. WORK EXPERIENCE If using work experience not already documented in your application, also provide the employer's name, your job title, dates of employment, and whether full-or part-time. Applications will be reviewed to determine if the responses are supported, and minimum qualifications are clearly met.

If they are not, the applicant may not advance to the interview and selection phase of the recruitment. NOTE: Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

EEO STATEMENT The State of Alaska complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-800-587-0430 or (907) 465-4095 in Juneau or TTY: Alaska Relay 711 or 1-800-770-8973 or correspond with the Division of Personnel & Labor Relations at: P.O. Box 110201, Juneau, AK 99811-0201

The State of Alaska is an equal opportunity employer. Contact Information For specific information about this position, please contact the hiring manager at the following: Name: Teodore Odena, Recruitment Coordinator Phone: (907) 269-0630 Email: teodore.odena@alaska.gov


What State Of Alaska employees say

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About State of Alaska

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Alaska is not a traditional company, but rather a governmental body responsible for running the state, the largest in the U.S. by area. This body's responsibilities include public utilities, healthcare, transportation, environmental protection, and public safety services among others. Designed to serve the interests of the Alaskan people, it was established in 1959 when Alaska was officially accepted as the 49th U.S. State. The official website, alaska.gov, is a comprehensive resource offering access to a multitude of departments, services, and information pertaining to the state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Anchorage, AK, US

Year founded

1959

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