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Union Operator Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Arkema

Production Operator Job

Birdsboro, PA · On-site

$31.02/hr

Union Benefits: Insurance effective day of hire, 10 days PTO, 3 floating holidays, 4% match 401k ... Other operator assistance tasks and general duties as needed and assigned REQUIREMENTS * Minimum ...

Arkema

Production Operator Job

Birdsboro, PA

$31.02/hr

Union Benefits: Insurance effective day of hire, 10 days PTO, 3 floating holidays, 4% match 401k ... Other operator assistance tasks and general duties as needed and assigned REQUIREMENTS * Minimum ...

Arkema

Production Operator Job

Birdsboro, PA · On-site

$31.02/hr

Union Benefits: Insurance effective day of hire, 10 days PTO, 3 floating holidays, 4% match 401k ... Other operator assistance tasks and general duties as needed and assigned REQUIREMENTS * Minimum ...

Diamond Credit Union

Internal Auditor

Pottstown, PA · On-site

Determine and, when appropriate, develop audit objectives, procedures, and internal control reviews necessary to evaluate that the Credit Union's policies, procedures, and controls are operating as ...

MyHR Partner, Inc

Treatment Plant Operator

Allentown, PA · On-site

$31.44/hr

As a Treatment Plant Operator at Lehigh County Authority in Allentown, PA , you'll take the next ... This union role offers stability along with a strong foundation of benefits, including: * Starting ...

MAT Holdings

Forklift Operator

Douglassville, PA · On-site

$21.50/hr

All forklift operators must have either a valid driver's license or a medical clearance from a ... Union programs may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement. Cornerstone Building ...

Techo-Bloc

Forklift Operator

Douglassville, PA · On-site

$21.50/hr

All forklift operators must have either a valid driver's license or a medical clearance from a ... Union programs may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement. Cornerstone Building ...

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All JobsUnion Operator JobsUnion Operator Jobs in Reading, PA

Union Operator information

See Reading, PA salary details

$10

$19

$28

How much do union operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for union operator in Reading, PA is $19.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.25 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 Reading, PA?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Reading, PA are:

What are popular job titles related to Union Operator jobs in Reading, PA?

For Union Operator jobs in Reading, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Union Operator jobs in Reading, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Union Operator jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Union Operator jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Union Operator job openings:

Union Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Union Operator job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 54% Full Time, 44% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,083 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

Production Operator Job

Arkema

Birdsboro, PA • On-site

$31.02/hr

Other

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Our polymer manufacturing plant in Birdsboro, PA is looking for a Production Operator to support plant operations.  Arkema in Birdsboro has around 65 employees but we are part of larger organization with over 21,000 employees worldwide. We call this the "small company feel with large company resources." Arkema is a global leader in Specialty Materials serving major societal and ecological challenges. Arkema affiliates operating in the U.S. include Arkema Inc.; Bostik, Inc.; ArrMaz and Coatex Inc with 43 sites, including 37 manufacturing facilities, and employ 3,600 people in the U.S. 

Major highlights regarding employment as a Production Operator: 

Wage: $31.02/hr to start plus $.90 for 2nd shift and $1.15 for 3rd shift. 

Shift: 8hrs each shift, rotates weekly between 1st, 2nd, 3rd;

Schedule: 5-7 days in a row with days off in-between rotations

Overtime: average of 4-8 hours weekly, paid for over 8 hours worked in a day and over 40 weekly

Environment: Union

Benefits: Insurance effective day of hire, 10 days PTO, 3 floating holidays, 4% match 401k, parental leave, annual bonus plan, double-time paid on worked holidays

GYM ON SITE

 

PRIMARY DUTIES

  • Operate packaging equipment and maintain daily packaging process efficiencies
  • Transfer raw materials
  • Transfer finished materials between warehouses
  • Housekeeping
  • Assist emptying finished product out of industrial dryers
  • Comply with all technical, quality control, product manufacturing and safety procedures associated with Packaging
  • Operate equipment for various processing systems
  • Operate powered industrial trucks
  • Have physical dexterity in climbing stairs, ladders, heavy lifting
  • Basic computer knowledge
  • Other operator assistance tasks and general duties as needed and assigned

REQUIREMENTS

  • Minimum education requirement: High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Must demonstrate basic math skills
  • Must be willing to be subject to pre-employment testing including drug and alcohol and physical testing.
  • Prefer experience in manufacturing type of work and chemical plant production experience strongly desired; similar skills/experience will be considered.
  • Prefer fork lift (tow motor) experience
  • Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays and overtime

BENEFITS

Arkema offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to provide security for you, your spouse and children up to age 26, effective on your first day of employment. Arkema pays most of the costs of these high-quality programs.

 

*This is a Union position.

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