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Union Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer 6am-2pm

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment and systems for an assigned property.

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer 2pm-10pm

Chicago, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment and systems for an assigned property.

CBRE

Union Operating Engineer 11a-7p

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment and systems for an assigned property.

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Northbrook, IL · On-site

$24.56/hr

You will work with overhead cranes, forklifts, and cutting machinery in a unionized environment ... operators. * Use an overhead crane to move and load large metal coils into machines and to transfer ...

IHC Construction Companies LLC

Union Laborer

Elgin, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

... operating pumps and dewatering equipment and hoses >erecting barricades and control devices ... Per union employee local Health Welfare and Pension Funds. IHC has a comprehensive program to ...

IHC Construction Companies LLC

Union Laborer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

... operating pumps and dewatering equipment and hoses >erecting barricades and control devices ... Per union employee local Health Welfare and Pension Funds. IHC has a comprehensive program to ...

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Cary, IL · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... Pay Ranges $35.00 - $50.00+ per hour Schnabel is a union contractor and as such, your benefits are ...

Schnabel

Equipment Operator

Cary, IL · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

ROLE: Schnabel is seeking an Equipment Operator to assist with the building of specialty ... Pay Ranges $35.00 - $50.00+ per hour Schnabel is a union contractor and as such, your benefits are ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsUnion Operator JobsUnion Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL

Union Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$20

$30

How much do union operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for union operator in Chicago, IL is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $22.79 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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Union Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Union Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Union Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Union Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Union Operator jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Union Operator job openings:
Union Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,996 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Union Operating Engineer 6am-2pm

CBRE

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

CBRE rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 349 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

104th of 485 rated business services

Job description

About the Role:
As a CBRE Union Operating Engineer, you will be responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment and systems for an assigned property.
This job is part of the Engineering and Technical Services job function. They are responsible for providing support, preventive maintenance, and repairs on equipment and systems.
What You'll Do:
  • Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building.
  • Maintain heating equipment, chillers, DX units, pumps, cooling towers, fan coil units, etc.
  • Verify field conditions and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments.
  • Repair doors, ceilings, hand railings, and floors and other general repairs, adjustments, and installations throughout the property.
  • Perform repairs to plumbing fixtures. This includes water closets, urinals, flush valve assemblies, lavatories, etc.
  • Inspect engine room equipment, fan room equipment, cooling tower, all motors, house pumps, electric rooms, back-up generator, fire pumps, sump pumps, and ejector pumps.
  • Replace lamps, light fixtures, reinstall or replace signage.
  • Document and report activities to supervisor.
  • Respond immediately to emergency situations. This includes fire, evacuation, equipment failure, etc.
  • Complete all required Safety Training as scheduled and answer customer inquiries in a timely fashion.
  • Apply in-depth knowledge of standard principles and techniques/procedures to accomplish complex assignments and provide innovative solutions.
  • Coach others and share in-depth knowledge of own job discipline and broad knowledge of several job disciplines within the function.
  • Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Work to build consensus and convince others to reach an agreement.
  • Impact a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams.
  • Work within broad guidelines and policies.
  • Explain difficult or sensitive information.
What You'll Need:
  • High School Diploma, GED, or trade school diploma with 4-5 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a combination of experience and education will be considered. Prior shift manager or supervisory experience preferred. Journeyman or EPA Universal License required. Local 399 Union Member required.
  • Meet the physical requirements of this role including stooping, standing, walking, climbing stairs/ladders, and the ability to lift/carry heavy loads of 50 lbs. or more.
  • Ability to exercise judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
  • Willingness to take a new perspective on existing solutions.
  • In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office products. Examples include Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
  • Organizational skills with an advanced inquisitive mindset.
*Should any element of this Job Description conflict with the provisions of an applicable collective bargaining agreement, the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement will prevail.
Why CBRE
When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values - respect, integrity, service and excellence - and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.
Our Values in Hiring
At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.
Disclaimers
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship now or in the future.
Applicant AI Use Disclosure
We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.
About CBRE Group, Inc.
CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.
The pay range for this position is subject to an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement. The negotiated rate for the Union Operating Engineer position is $103,376.00 annually [or $49.70 per hour]. Please refer to the Collective Bargaining Agreement regarding pay scale.
Equal Employment Opportunity: CBRE has a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Candidate Accommodations: CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company's success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at recruitingaccommodations@cbre.com or via telephone at +1 866 225 3099 (U.S.) and +1 866 388 4346 (Canada).

What CBRE employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About CBRE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The real estate industry is undergoing significant and exciting change, increasingly driven by data and technology. At CBRE, the world's premier commercial real estate services company, we empower teams to take ownership over that technology and shape it, offering both nimble, research-driven product design and the resources of a Fortune 500 business. We approach culture with intention, valuing camaraderie, collaboration, inclusivity and a healthy work/life balance. The user experience team is passionate about the quality, usability, and simplicity of the experiences we create. Individuals in these roles gather these key user insights, and then use them to inspire and inform product strategy and design solutions. We partner closely with each other, engineering, and product management to create innovative, usable, great-looking products.

Industry

Real estate

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Year founded

1906

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