1

Union Trade Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Laborer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Non-Union Trade Position Description:Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction projects jobsites. Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities: * Review jobsite needs with Foreman and ...

Non-Union Trade Position Description:Perform rough carpentry functions on jobsites as assigned and directed. Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities: * Fully comprehend scopes of work per plans and ...

About the Role: As a CBRE Union Mechanic, you will support the operation, inspection, and ... or trade school diploma with 2-3 years of job-related experience. In lieu of a diploma, a ...

If not a current member of this local union, then must meet union eligibility requirements. Preferred: * Trade school or secondary school * Manufacturer's training on commercial HVAC equipment Ready ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Union Trade information

What is a union trade?

Union trades refer to skilled professions in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation where workers are represented by labor unions. These unions negotiate on behalf of their members for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Common union trades include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders. Being part of a union often means access to apprenticeship programs, job protections, and collective bargaining rights.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a union trade worker?

To thrive as a Union Trade worker, you need technical expertise in your specific trade (such as carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work), typically gained through apprenticeship programs or vocational training. Familiarity with industry-specific tools, safety certifications like OSHA, and the ability to read blueprints are often required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and communication skills help ensure successful collaboration on job sites. These competencies are essential for maintaining high standards of workmanship, ensuring safety, and contributing to efficient project completion.

What are common challenges faced by new members entering a union trade, and how can they overcome them?

New members in a union trade often face challenges such as adapting to the physical demands of the job, learning industry-specific safety procedures, and becoming familiar with union protocols. It can also take time to build relationships with experienced colleagues and supervisors. Overcoming these challenges requires a willingness to learn, asking questions when unsure, and taking advantage of apprenticeship programs or mentorship opportunities offered by the union. Staying proactive in safety training and participating in union meetings can also help new members integrate smoothly and advance their careers.

What is the difference between Union Trade vs Electrician?

AspectUnion TradeElectrician
CredentialsUnion membership, apprenticeship programsLicensing, certifications (e.g., Journeyman)
Work EnvironmentUnionized construction sites, industrial settingsResidential, commercial, industrial projects
Employer & Industry UsageUnion contractors, labor unionsPrivate companies, contractors, self-employed
Search & Comparison IntentUnion roles, union benefits, union jobsElectrical work, licensing, career info

Union Trade refers to jobs within organized labor unions, often requiring apprenticeship and union membership, while Electrician is a specific trade focused on electrical systems. Union Trades typically involve union benefits and collective bargaining, whereas Electricians may work both unionized and non-union environments. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right opportunities based on credentials, work environment, and industry preferences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Trade jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Trade jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Union Trade jobs in Iowa?

For Union Trade jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Union Trade jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Union Trade jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Union Trade jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Union Trade job openings:

Infographic showing various Union Trade job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Workforce Development Program Participant

Turner Construction

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

$16.75 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Turner Construction rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

27th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Division:
Omaha Main
Project Location(s):
Council Bluffs, IA 51503 USA
Minimum Years Experience:
Travel Involved:
Job Type:
Temporary
Job Classification:
Trade
Education:
Job Family:
Trade
Compensation:
Non-Union Trade
Position Description:
Participate in a 6-week Workforce Development Program to learn about construction industry and related Trades to build foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities that apply to related roles and activities in the Construction environment. Upon successful completion of the WFD Program, participants may be eligible for placement into Turner Self-Perform Operations (SPO), as Trade employee or with a related subcontractor Trade or Union organization.
Essential Duties & Key Responsibilities:
  • Participate in 6-week Workforce Development (WFD) Program to gain construction industry and knowledge of Trades in a classroom setting.
  • Attend presentations to learn about:
    • Construction roles and responsibilities and Turner Trade and Self-Perform Operations (SPO) and subcontractor Trade organizations.
    • Various construction materials, methods, and construction Trades, such as Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), and Carpentry.
    • Virtual Design Construction (VDC), blueprint reading, project scheduling, project coordination, and various Trade topics.
    • Environmental Health & Safety and Safety Regulations.
  • Participate in training to attain certification in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Site Safety Training (SST), Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and basic First Aid.
  • Gain knowledge of construction math skills including basic arithmetic and geometry used in construction.
  • Learn and develop skills related to effective communication, conflict resolution, taking direction, and teamwork.
  • Visit project sites to correlate class work to actual construction and Trade project work.
  • Demonstrate engagement in WFD program with full participation, attendance, and passing of exams required to graduate.
  • Other activities, duties, and responsibilities as assigned.

  • Qualifications:
    • High School Diploma, General Education Degree (GED), or enrolled and actively pursuing GED
    • Must be 18 years of age to work at a construction project site
    • General construction industry experience desired but not required
    • Must be willing to commit to program in its duration
    • Ability work independently and collaboratively with others in a team environment
    • Passionate and willing to learn about construction industry and various Trades
    • Make efficient use of program hours and complete tasks in timely manner
    • Basic mathematical skills
    • Ability to read and comprehend written information
    • Apply active listening skills
    • Able to take direction, apply active listening skills, learn and process information quickly, ask clarifying questions, and
    follow tasks through to completion
    • Assume personal and professional responsibilities for own actions
    • Basic computer skills desired
    • Reliable transportation required
    • Limited travel as required by program activities
    Physical Demands:
    The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the
    essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
    essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, climb, balance, stoop,
    kneel, crouch, crawl, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands, talk, and hear. The
    employee frequently views a computer monitor and frequently uses a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Performance of the required
    duties require physical ability to climb permanent and temporary stairs, passenger use of construction personnel hoists, ability to
    climb ladders and negotiate work areas under construction. The employee is occasionally required to be mobile, and the
    employee occasionally travels to construction work sites. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and
    occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
    Work Environment:
    The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the
    essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
    essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office or classroom setting. The
    noise in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in this setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee
    occasionally visits construction work sites where the employee is exposed to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places,
    fumes, airborne particles, outside weather conditions, and risk of electrical shock. The noise in the work environment is usually
    moderate to loud. The employee is required to work in compliance with company safety policies, procedures, and applicable
    laws.

Turner is an Equal Opportunity Employer -minorities/females/veterans/individuals with disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.
VEVRAA Federal Contractor

What Turner Construction employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Turner Construction logo

About Turner Construction

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Turner Construction, headquartered in New York, NY, US, is a recognized leader in the construction industry. It was established in 1902 and has since curved its niche as one of the most reputable construction firms. Turner Construction provides a broad range of services like general contracting, construction management, design-build, and consulting. Devoted to environment-friendly building practices, it is considered a pioneer in green building and sustainability efforts. Their top-tier projects include Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, and the United Nations Secretariat Building in New York City. The company's mission is to deliver an exceptional product by relentless commitment to their core principles – teamwork, integrity, commitment, and community.

Industry

Construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1902