Heavy Equipment Operator (75% Travel)

Akima; Fort Cavazos Motorcycle and POV Campus (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima Global Logistics, a contractor serving U.S. Army equipment turn-in operations at Fort Cavazos, seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator. You will operate forklifts, loaders, cranes, and other MHE to move vehicles and materiel, while maintaining logs and adhering to safety standards.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, Army OF 346 license (or ability to obtain), and forklift/MHE certification preferred. 2–4 years of heavy equipment experience expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required; Real ID.
• Army OF 346 equipment operator’s license required (or ability to obtain).
• Forklift/MHE certification (preferred).
• 2–4 years of heavy equipment experience (military or contractor environment preferred).

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, loaders, cranes, and RTCHs/ATLAS as assigned.
• Move vehicles and materiel between staging, inspection, and storage areas.
• Load/unload trucks and containers per Army and DOT standards.
• Assist with mass turn-in events and ensure timely processing.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety focus

Teamwork

Reading Army TMs

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Forklift/MHE certification

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator – U.S. Army Equipment Turn-In Site (Contractor)

The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining material handling equipment (MHE) and construction-type machinery in support of Army equipment turn-in operations. This role involves the safe and efficient movement, loading, unloading, staging, and transportation of vehicles, materiel, and heavy cargo at a contractor-managed site. Operators 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.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.

Licensing/Certification:

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must have a Real ID.
• Army OF 346 equipment operator’s license required (or ability to obtain).
• Forklift/MHE certification (preferred).

Experience:

• 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 Requirements:

• Army safety and supply regulations: AR 710-2, AR 735-5, DA PAM 710-2-1.
• Army maintenance standards: AR 750-1, DA PAM 750-8.
• Operation and PMCS of forklifts, loaders, and rough-terrain MHE.

Skills:

• Proficiency in operating multiple types of heavy equipment.
• 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.

Job ID

2026-25768

Work Type

On-Site

Company Description

Work Where it Matters

Akima Global Logistics (AGL), an Akima company, is not just another operations contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.

At AGL, the work you do every day makes a difference in 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.

For our shareholders, AGL provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.

For our government customers, AGL delivers comprehensive supply, transportation, and maintenance services designed to optimize and maintain operations.

As an AGL employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.