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Union Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Bucket Operator Union

Herndon, VA

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Bucket Operator This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along ... Must be willing to join local union and pay union dues. Education & Experience * High School ...

Bucket Operator Union

Herndon, VA

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Bucket Operator This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along ... Must be willing to join local union and pay union dues. Education & Experience * High School ...

Bucket Operator Union

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $22/hr

Bucket Operator This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along ... Must be willing to join local union and pay union dues. Education & Experience * High School ...

Union Process Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

As an Oilseed Process Operator, you will operate grain handling and oilseed crush equipment to ensure consistent product quality, efficient production flow, and on time delivery to our customers. You ...

Union Process Operator

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

As an Oilseed Process Operator, you will operate grain handling and oilseed crush equipment to ensure consistent product quality, efficient production flow, and on time delivery to our customers. You ...

Union Process Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

As an Oilseed Process Operator, you will operate grain handling and oilseed crush equipment to ensure consistent product quality, efficient production flow, and on time delivery to our customers. You ...

Union Process Operator

Chesapeake, VA

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

As an Oilseed Process Operator, you will operate grain handling and oilseed crush equipment to ensure consistent product quality, efficient production flow, and on time delivery to our customers. You ...

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Union Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$19

$29

How much do union operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for union operator in Virginia is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $21.92 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 are Union Operators?

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 jobs make $10,000 a month without a degree?

Union operators typically do not earn $10,000 a month without specialized skills and experience; however, some high-paying trades like commercial pilots, offshore oil rig workers, or certain sales roles can reach that level without a college degree. These jobs often require certifications, technical training, or extensive on-the-job experience. Earning such income usually involves working long hours, high responsibility, or in hazardous environments.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

Some high-paying union jobs, such as specialized construction or industrial union operators, can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with overtime, experience, and certifications. These roles often require extensive training, skills in operating heavy machinery, and union membership, with pay rates varying by industry and location.

How does operator union work?

A union for operators is an organized group that represents workers in negotiations with employers over wages, benefits, and working conditions. Union members typically pay dues and may participate in collective bargaining, strikes, or other activities to improve their employment terms. Certification and adherence to labor laws are essential for union operations.

What union job pays the most?

Union jobs in the construction, electrical, and transportation sectors tend to offer the highest wages, especially for skilled roles like electricians, crane operators, and heavy equipment operators. These positions often require specialized certifications and experience, and wages can vary based on location and union agreements.
What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Union Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Union Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Union Operator job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,380 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Bucket Operator Union

Bucket Operator Union

Asplundh Tree Expert

Gordonsville, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 10 days ago


Asplundh Tree Expert rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 224 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 18 rated forestry and logging companies


Job description

Description

Bucket Operator

This role is responsible for assisting with the clearing & removal of trees along electrical power lines and right-of-ways. A Bucket Operator operates an aerial lift device (bucket truck) to reach branches interfering with electric lines.

Are you a real go-getter looking for an amazing opportunity with a nationwide full-service-utility contractor offering competitive wages and incredible benefits? Keep reading because this job might be for you!

Since 1928, Asplundh has been dedicated to safe, efficient and innovative line clearance services to the utility industry. Reliable, uninterrupted power is an important service provided by the world's electrical utilities and Asplundh has the expertise to help keep the power flowing. Diversification over the years has opened up vegetation management services to other specialized markets such as municipalities, railroads, pipelines, helicopter vegetation services, and departments of transportation.

A family-owned and operated corporation headquartered near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Asplundh has grown to employ over 36,000 service professionals throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive, Hourly

Benefits:
  • Available Benefit options vary based on tenure, position, and work location. 
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Plans, assigns, directs, checks, and coordinates work.
  • Obtains written or oral permission from property owners to trim or remove trees or perform other work on the property. Arranges with customer or property owner to obtain access, advises of interruption, explains work to be done, etc.
  • Promotes and maintains good customer and public relations through the effective accomplishment of assigned work and the appropriate behavior of employees on the crew.
  • Cooperates with customers, police, and fire departments when blocking streets or driveways.
  • Safeguards employees and the public from hazards in and around the work area.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and the public.
  • Responsible for quality and quantity of production and for following safe practices and rules while clearing and trimming trees and brush away from utility lines.
  • Operates and services equipment, such as gasoline, hydraulic tools, power saws, power winches, buckets, chippers, and sprayers.
  • Operates a Bucket near energized lines to remove branches and tree material.
  • Performs tree and bucket rescue.
  • Uses hand tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and tackle, pruners, etc.
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris.
  • Sprays brush and stumps, making proper and selective application of herbicides.
  • Trains new personnel.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be familiar with the electrical hazard.
  • Possesses working knowledge and can identify tree and shrub species.
  • Work demands physical energy, twisting, some lifting ability, and hand-to-eye coordination.
  • Must be willing to join local union and pay union dues.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • 1+ year of related industry experience required.
Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to subject and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Driver's License Preferred, but not required.
Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): Sitting, Kneeling, Crawling, Color Vision, Climbing Stairs
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): Stooping, Squatting, Climbing On/Off Truck, Climbing Ladders, Pushing, Reading, Lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): Carrying, Pulling, Balancing, body-twisting, Hearing/Speech Range, Lifting, Lifting up to 10 lbs., Manual Dexterity, Speaking Clearly, Walking
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): Standing, Sense of Touch, Gripping, Seeing, Reaching, range-of-motion, Depth Perception, Lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., Climbing
Safety

Due to the inherently dangerous nature of the industry and requirements to work with or around hazardous equipment, employees must have sufficient eyesight to judge distance/coordination of equipment and tools, be able to maintain attention and concentration for extended periods, be able to withstand exposure to all kinds of weather while completing work assignments, be able to wear personal protective equipment as necessary, be able to enter and exit a vehicle numerous times a day, have the endurance necessary to traverse various terrain, be capable of performing job duties throughout a standard 8- or 10-hour day, be able to communicate with others, read, write, and comprehend written/verbal job instructions and information, and communicate and handle conflict professionally.

  • Works in all temperatures and will be exposed to nature i.e., irritating plants and biting or stinging insects.
  • Works near energized parts or equipment.
  • Works in traffic.
  • Works around excessive noise from machines, jackhammers, gas drills, and other equipment with proper hearing protection.
  • Exposed to hazards of working near power equipment, traffic, high voltage wires, and falling limbs.

Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.


Benefits
We offer a competitive range of benefits to support our employees’ health, well-being, and financial security. Medical, dental, and vision benefits are available to all eligible employees on the first day of employment. For more information on the benefits available for this role, please contact the recruiter or hiring manager.
Individuals with a disability who desire a reasonable accommodation can contact the ADA Coordinator by calling 1-833-222-3066. We partner with the Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Customs and Immigration Service to e-Verify all newly hired employees.
An Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note:
  • All job offers are subject to pre-employment drug screening and a background check.
  • Unless otherwise noted, we do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
Notice to Agencies: We only accept resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing services if a Service Agreement has been signed and we have requested recruitment/staffing services for the specific position. Any unsolicited resumes will become the property of the company, and no fees or compensation will be paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or staffing service.

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