Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator

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.

The Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment such as cranes, clamshells, power shovels, motor graders, heavy loaders, carryalls, bulldozers, rollers, scrapers, and large industrial tractors with pan or scrapper attachments. Equipment is used to excavate, load, or move dirt, gravel, or other materials. Operator may read and interpret grade and slope stakes and simple plans, and may grease, adjust and make emergency repairs to equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment such as forklifts (4K10K, 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 is preferred; however, equivalent relevant work experience may be substituted.
• 24 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.
• Must have a valid driver's license with proof of vehicle insurance.
• 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 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.