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Union Operator Jobs in Freeport, IL (NOW HIRING)

TreeHouse Foods

Production Operator

Pecatonica, IL · On-site

$25.22/hr

Production Operator About Us: TreeHouse Foods is a leading manufacturer of private label packaged ... Position is in a union manufacturing plant with training potentially on a different shift. Pay ...

TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

Production Operator

Pecatonica, IL · On-site

$25.22/hr

Production Operator About Us: TreeHouse Foods is a leading manufacturer of private label packaged ... Position is in a union manufacturing plant with training potentially on a different shift. Pay ...

Owens Corning

Extruder Operator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Non-union plant employing about 70 employees across 4 shifts. * We are committed to providing a ... Extruder Operator: Level 1 and Extruder Operator: Level 2. Employees must be in good standing and ...

Owens Corning

Extruder Operator

Rockford, IL · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Non-union plant employing about 70 employees across 4 shifts. * We are committed to providing a ... Extruder Operator: Level 1 and Extruder Operator: Level 2. Employees must be in good standing and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsUnion Operator JobsUnion Operator Jobs in Freeport, IL

Union Operator information

See Freeport, IL salary details

$10

$18

$27

How much do union operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for union operator in Freeport, IL is $18.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $20.77 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 Freeport, IL? The most popular types of Operator jobs in Freeport, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Union Operator jobs in Freeport, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Union Operator jobs in Freeport, IL are:
What cities near Freeport, IL are hiring for Union Operator jobs? Cities near Freeport, IL with the most Union Operator job openings:
Union Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Operator job openings in Freeport, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,236 per year, or $18.9 per hour.

Equipment Operator - Union CDL Required - NTS

Nelson Tree Service, LLC

Beloit, WI • On-site

$18 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title: Equipment Operator Union CDL Required

Job Type: Full-Time +, Non-Exempt

Pay: Competitive, Hourly

Benefits:
  • Benefits Available and Vary per position and location
Essential Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Plans, assigns, directs, checks, and coordinates work.
  • Operates and services equipment such as gasoline, hydraulic tools, power saws, power winches, mower deck, weed whacker, chipper, and sprayers.
  • Cleans up and disposes of all debris.
  • Uses hand-tools, such as axes, hand-lines, saws, block and tackle, pruners and other equipment as required.
  • Sprays brush and stumps, making proper and selective application of herbicides.
  • Responsible for quality and quantity of production.
  • Performs all aspects of labor as necessary to keep crew operation flowing.
  • Ensures the overall safety, quality and production requirements of the crew are met.
  • Obtains written or oral permission from property owners to trim or remove trees or perform other work on 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.
  • Safeguards employees and the public from hazards in and around work area.
  • Sets up barriers, warning signs, flags, markers, etc. to protect employees and public.
  • Trains new personnel.
  • Keeps informed on new equipment, specifications, standard practices, operating procedures, and customer and company employee relations policies and practices.
  • Must be willing to join local union and pay union dues.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Possesses working knowledge and be able to identify tree and shrub species.
  • Familiar with electrical hazards.
Education & Experience
  • High School Diploma or equivalent preferred.
Pre-Screen
  • Upon offer, employees may be required to complete and pass a pre-employment drug screen, background, and/or MVR check.
License & Certifications:
  • Driver License Required.
  • Commercial Driver License (CDL) required. Class B CDL or Higher with Air Brake Endorsement.
Travel Requirements:
  • Must have transportation to and from the show up location.
Physical Requirements:
  • RARE (less than 10%): sitting, kneeling, crawling, color vision, climbing stairs.
  • OCCASIONAL (up to 33%): stooping, squatting, climbing on/off truck, reading, pushing, climbing ladders, lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • FREQUENT (up to 66%): walking, body twisting, manual dexterity, speaking clearly, hearing-speech range, lifting, carrying, pulling, balancing, lifting up to 10 lbs.
  • CONTINUOUS (up to 100%): standing, sense of touch, seeing distant, climbing, gripping, lifting over 10 lbs. to 50 lbs., seeing, reaching, range of motion, depth perception.
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.

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

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.

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