Heavy Equipment Operator with 75% Travel

Akima, LLC; Fort Carson (CO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) and other benefits

Vacation, holidays, sick leave

Job summary

Akima Global Logistics (AGL), an Akima company, is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support Army equipment turn-in operations. The role involves safe movement, loading, unloading, and transporting vehicles and materiel at a contractor-managed site.

Responsibilities include operating forklifts and cranes, maintaining logs, and ensuring compliance with Army safety and OSHA standards. Significant travel up to 75% is required, with several certifications preferred.

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of heavy equipment operation experience (military or contractor preferred).
• Familiarity with Army equipment turn-in or SSA operations desirable.
• Forklift/MHE certification preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 75% of the time and up to 110 days with potential extension.
• Must have REAL ID and valid driver's license with proof of insurance; CAC and public trust eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Operate forklifts, loaders, cranes, and rough-terrain vehicles.
• Move vehicles and materiel between staging, inspection, and storage areas.
• Load/unload trucks and containers per Army/DOT standards.
• Perform PMCS and report deficiencies for repairs.
• Maintain operator logs and audit-ready movement records.
• Ensure safety and proper load securement during all operations.
• Support turn-in operations and staging for inspections.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

PMCS

Safety compliance

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

OF 346 license

Job description

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Education:High school diploma or equivalent, preferred OR
• 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.
• 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.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Army OF 346 equipment operator’s license required (or ability to obtain).
• Forklift/MHE certification (preferred).
• 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.
• Basic proficiency in the English language (reading and writing).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Must be able to travel within the United States as required. This position requires travel up to 75% of the time. Candidates must be willing to travel for 90 consecutive days, with the possibility of extending up to 110 days with prior approval.
• Must receive a favorable background check and drug testing results.
• Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.
• Must have a REAL ID.
• Must have a valid driver’s license with proof of vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Common Access Card (CAC).
• Must be able to obtain Tier1/ NACI (Public trust) background eligibility.

Physical Demands & Working 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 also 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.

Job ID

2026-25789

Work Type

On-Site

Pay Range

$29.18

Health & Welfare

$5.09

Benefits

SCA - The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Vacation, holiday and sick Leave offered will be as defined under the DOL's Wage Determination.

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.