Heavy Equipment Operator with Security Clearance

Akima Infrastructure Services; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Akima Global Logistics in Missoula, MT seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator to support Army equipment turn-in operations on a contractor site. The role involves operating forklifts and other heavy machinery, loading/unloading, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The position requires performing PMCS, maintaining logs, and coordinating with team members to move equipment efficiently. A valid license and Army credentials are preferred, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, loaders, cranes, and RTCHs.
• Load and unload trucks, trailers, and containers with Army equipment.
• Perform PMCS and report deficiencies; maintain logs and usage reports.
• Ensure safety and proper lifting, load balancing and securement.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Office software

Safety compliance

Reading Army TMs

Teamwork & communication

Education

High school diploma

Driver's license

Tools

Forklift certification

MHE certification

Army OF 346 license

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.

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 is preferred Licensing/Certification: * Valid driver's license required.

• * 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.
• 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.
• * Must have a real ID
• * 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 as required. This position requires travel up to 25% of the time.
• * Must receive a favorable background check and drug testing results.
• * Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned.

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 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.

Salary:

• * Hourly Wage: $22.13hr USD
• * Health & Welfare for each hour worked: $5.09 per worked hr USD

Job Details

Job ID 2026-24772

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.