Why this matches you
What is an Operating Engineer (Heavy Equipment)?
An Operating Engineer works with heavy equipment on construction sites and other outdoor job sites. They drive, steer, and control bulldozers, excavators, loaders, graders, and rollers to dig, lift, move, level, and spread earth, rock, and materials. Their work helps build roads, foundations, and utility systems, and keeps projects moving safely.
Pay & earning potential
Starting wage
Long-term earning potential
The earning potential for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators typically ranges from
$54,937
to $116,819 annually.
The median salary, representing the typical worker, is $82,620.
About this job
What you might do day to day
- Update job related knowledge or skills.
- Position construction or extraction equipment.
- Monitor construction operations.
- Operate equipment or vehicles to clear construction sites or move materials.
- Move construction or extraction materials to locations where they are needed.
Helpful traits for this job
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Stress Tolerance
- Perseverance
- Integrity
How to apply
Pick up applications at the Union Hall in Farmingdale during recruitment hours, then return the completed application by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the JATC attention Mr. Stephen Barnett. Applications must be received by October 2, 2026.
Job requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old; proof will be required after selection and before enrollment.
- Must have a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED).
- Must have one year of high school algebra.
- Must properly submit an application.
- Applicants will be contacted to take the Wonderlic Select aptitude test.
- Applicants who score 80% or higher on the Wonderlic Select aptitude test, or the top 100 candidates, whichever is lesser, will be offered an interview with the training committee.
- Must be a resident of Nassau County or Suffolk County, as shown by the address on the application.
- Must provide proof of residence after selection and before enrollment; two items are required other than a driver’s license or car registration.
- Must sign an affidavit attesting that they are physically able to perform the work of an Operating Engineer.
- Work may include working with hand and power tools.
- Work may include climbing up onto and down from heavy equipment.
- Work may include working outdoors in extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
- Work may include lifting and moving heavy tools and equipment.
- Work may include reading, hearing, and understanding instructions and warnings.
- Must have a valid NYS driver’s license to drive company vehicles.
- Must have reliable transportation to and from work and required classes at the approved school.
- Must submit a copy of a valid photo identification after selection and before enrollment.
- Must provide three personal reference letters after selection and before enrollment.
- Must be willing to submit to and pass a drug test at the expense of the JATC after selection and before enrollment.
- Must provide DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, if applicable, after selection and before enrollment.
- Applications can be obtained at the Union Hall only during the recruitment period, between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays.
- All applications must be returned via the U.S. Postal Service using certified mail, return receipt requested.
- All applications must be received no later than October 2, 2026.
More information
Contact the JATC for Operating Engineers, Local Union #138 at (631) 286-8677 for further information.
- Organization
- JATC for Operating Engineers, Local Union #138
- Phone
- (631) 286-8677