Union Position-Operating Engineer Local 3 All Levels

Union Affiliation: Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3)
Job Locations: Northern California

Overview

Operating Engineers in Local 3 are skilled heavy equipment operators, mechanics, and technicians who build and maintain essential infrastructure across public works, commercial, industrial, and energy projects. Members operate, maintain, and troubleshoot a wide range of equipment with a focus on safety, productivity, and craftsmanship, while upholding union standards of training, solidarity, and fair working conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation: Safely operate heavy machinery such as excavators, loaders, dozers, graders, cranes, compactors, and forklifts to perform earthmoving, lifting, grading, paving, and related tasks.
• Site Preparation & Civil Work: Perform excavation, trenching, backfilling, grading, paving support, and materials handling to meet project specifications.
• Setup & Controls: Conduct pre-operation inspections, understand machine controls and load charts, and set up equipment per job requirements and safety plans.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, and diagnostics; report mechanical issues; coordinate with mechanics to keep equipment in safe operating condition.
• Safety & Compliance: Follow all OSHA/Cal/OSHA requirements, traffic control plans, environmental protections, and contractor safety policies; participate in tailgate meetings and hazard assessments.
• Collaboration: Work closely with forepersons, survey crews, laborers, carpenters, teamsters, and other trades to maintain efficient workflow and meet schedules.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate equipment logs, daily reports, and inspection records; communicate clearly with supervisors.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating heavy equipment or completion of a recognized apprenticeship/training program.
• Knowledge of safe operating procedures, soil conditions, rigging basics (for crane-related work), load charts, and signaling.
• Ability to read grade stakes, project plans, and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Strong situational awareness and commitment to jobsite safety and union principles.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL may be required for certain positions/equipment.
• Certifications as applicable (e.g., NCCCO or equivalent for crane operation, OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR).

Physical & Work Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, and operate controls for extended periods.
• Work in outdoor conditions (heat, cold, dust, noise) and on active jobsites.
• Lift and handle tools/parts; climb on/off equipment; maintain dexterity for precise control.

Union Commitment

As a proud Local 3 member, you:

• Uphold union values of safety, skill, and solidarity.
• Participate in continuing education and skills advancement through union training programs.
• Represent the craft with professionalism on and off the jobsite.