Heavy Equipment Operator - Summit Station

Polar Field Services; Summit Station (PA); On-site; USD 4,022,000 - 4,969,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & welfare supplement

Pro Deal Discount program access

Job summary

Polar Field Services seeks a Seasonal Equipment Operator to help run a remote polar research station safely, supporting science and construction activities.

You'll operate heavy equipment, perform snow removal, inspect and maintain gear, and assist with camp operations, all in a challenging, close-knit team environment.

Typical schedule is 6 days a week, ~7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., with April to June as the typical season; shared housing and limited amenities may be available.

Qualifications

• 2+ years as an equipment operator; 1+ year operating a loader
• Experience living/working at remote field sites
• Valid driver’s license; clean, safe operating habits
• Strong safety mindset, problem-solving skills, and collaborative attitude
• Willing/able to work in extreme cold, wind, and variable weather

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment (e.g., loaders, excavators)
• Perform snow removal, fork support, and material handling
• Assist with vehicle recovery and aircraft/flightline support
• Conduct equipment inspections, basic maintenance, and documentation
• Pitch in on general camp support as needed

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Loader operation

Safety minded

Problem solving

Team player

Job description

Help keep a remote polar research station running safely and smoothly. As a Seasonal Equipment Operator, you'll support science and construction activities in one of the world's most challenging environments.

What you'll do

• Operate and maintain heavy equipment (e.g., loaders, excavators).
• Perform snow removal, fork support, and material handling.
• Assist with vehicle recovery and aircraft/flightline support.
• Conduct equipment inspections, basic maintenance, and documentation.
• Pitch in on general camp support as needed.

What you bring

• 2+ years as an equipment operator; 1+ year operating a loader.
• Experience living/working at remote field sites.
• Valid driver's license; clean, safe operating habits.
• Strong safety mindset, problem-solving skills, and collaborative attitude.
• Willing/able to work in extreme cold, wind, and variable weather.

Conditions & expectations

• Small, close-knit community with shared housing; professional conduct on and off duty.
• Limited amenities/communications possible at times (e.g., showers, laundry, phone/internet).
• Long outdoor shifts; work may be at altitude and in severe cold.
• PPE and adherence to safety procedures required.

Pay & benefits

• Weekly pay: $1,700–$2,100/week
• Pay is determined by education, experience, demonstrated KSAs, number of prior deployments, internal equity, and market benchmarks.
• Health & welfare supplement: $4.22/hour on the first 40 hours each week (included in the posted range).
• Pro Deal Discount program access.
• The work directly supports groundbreaking polar science in a unique environment.

Schedule & season

• Typical schedule: 6 days/week, ~7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (some Sundays as needed).
• Typical season: April to June(subject to project needs and weather).

If you're a safety-minded operator who thrives in tough conditions and tight teams, we'd love to hear from you.

PFS is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations available.

Job offers are contingent on the completion of a satisfactory background check and may include physical and dental examinations as required by the National Science Foundation.