Heavy Equipment Operator

About the role

As a Heavy Equipment Operator at a contractor-managed U.S. Army Equipment Turn-In Site, you will operate and maintain material handling equipment (MHE) and construction-type machinery. This role supports Army equipment turn-in operations by safely and efficiently moving, loading, unloading, staging, and transporting vehicles, materiel, and heavy cargo. You will ensure compliance with Army safety regulations, OSHA standards, and contract requirements while directly supporting property accountability and turn-in mission success.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation
  • Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts (4K–10K, RTCH, ATLAS, Kalmar), loaders, cranes, and rough-terrain vehicles.
  • Support equipment turn-in operations by moving vehicles, containers, and large materiel between staging, inspection, and storage areas.
  • Load and unload trucks, trailers, and containers with Army equipment in compliance with Army and DOT securement standards.
  • Assist with mass turn-in events, ensuring timely processing of large volumes of equipment.
• Inspection & Maintenance
  • Perform Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS) on all assigned equipment before, during, and after use.
  • Report deficiencies and coordinate repairs in accordance with Army Technical Manuals (TMs) and site procedures.
  • Maintain operator logs, equipment inspection records, and usage reports.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Adhere to Army, OSHA, and company safety regulations during all operations.
  • Ensure proper lifting, load balancing, and securement to prevent damage or injury.
  • Safely handle hazardous and sensitive materiel in accordance with Army and environmental standards.
• Documentation & Accountability Support
  • Support supply and warehouse personnel in verifying documentation during movement of property (e.g., DA Form 1348-1A, DD Form 200).
  • Update movement logs and records for audit readiness in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System.
  • Provide status updates to supervisors and the Transportation Coordinator on completed tasks.
• Coordination & Team Support
  • Work closely with Supply Technicians, Material Coordinators, and Truck Drivers to ensure smooth movement of equipment.
  • Support staging operations for inspection, turn-in processing, and outbound shipments.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining site SOPs for heavy equipment operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license (required).
• Army OF 346 equipment operator’s license (required or ability to obtain).
• Forklift/MHE certification (preferred).
• 2–4 years of experience operating heavy equipment (military or contractor environment preferred).
• Familiarity with Army equipment turn-in or Supply Support Activity (SSA) operations (desirable).
• Knowledge of Army safety and supply regulations: AR 710-2, AR 735-5, DA PAM 710-2-1.
• Knowledge of Army maintenance standards: AR 750-1, DA PAM 750-8.
• Operation and PMCS of forklifts, loaders, and rough-terrain MHE.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC).
• Must be able to obtain Tier1/ NACI (Public trust) background eligibility.
• Basic proficiency in the English language (reading and writing).
• Must be able to travel within the United States up to 25% of the time.
• Must receive a favorable background check and drug testing results.

Skills

• Proficiency in operating multiple types of heavy equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Strong focus on safety, attention to detail, and accountability.
• Ability to read and follow Army TMs and work orders.
• Good teamwork and communication skills in a high-volume environment.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform routine standing, walking, bending, and reaching tasks in warehouse and field environments.
• Must meet all physical requirements necessary to perform assigned duties, including working in extreme heat or cold, high or low humidity, blowing sand and dust, confined spaces, heights, and other inclement weather conditions.
• This position involves working both indoors and outdoors, periodic overtime, and exposure to heat, dust, cold, and adverse weather conditions.

Pay

Hourly Wage: $22.13/hr USD

Health & Welfare: $5.09 per worked hour USD

About the Company

Akima Global Logistics (AGL), an Akima company, is an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC) supporting federal projects while also serving our shareholder communities in Alaska. At AGL, your work supports the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States. AGL provides comprehensive supply, transportation, and maintenance services to optimize and maintain government operations. Employees benefit from a challenging yet supportive work environment, competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, growth opportunities, and excellent retirement options.