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 is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support U.S. Army equipment turn-in operations at a contractor-managed site.

You will operate and maintain material handling equipment and construction-type machinery while moving, loading, unloading, and transporting vehicles and materiel. You will follow Army safety regulations and OSHA standards, maintain logs, support accountability, and help ensure timely processing of equipment.

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 and maintain MHE and construction-type machinery for Army equipment turn-in operations.
• Move, load, unload, and transport vehicles and materiel at staging, inspection, and storage areas.
• Maintain operator logs, inspections, and usage reports.
• Follow Army safety regulations, OSHA standards, and contract procedures.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication

Army TM literacy

CAC eligibility

Background check

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

MS Office

Excel

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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
• 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 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. 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.