Heavy Machine Operator Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

A Non-Student Hourly Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LRAM) Heavy Equipment Operator with Commercial Driver's License (CDL) position is available at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA), HI, with Colorado State University (CSU) and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML).

The position will provide LRAM support for the US Army Garrison (USAG) Hawaii Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) Program at PTA. This position will operate wheeled loaders, dump trucks, water trucks, and other heavy equipment as needed for the purpose of completing land rehabilitation projects. Primary functions are soil stabilization and dust suppression on Army lands. This position will also require operational maintenance and inspections of all equipment for operational readiness and safety, as well as tracking and preparing weekly progress reports.

July 1, 2026

The Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA) is a 133,000-acre U.S. Army joint/combined arms training facility on Hawaii Island, located on a high-elevation plateau (approx. 6,200 ft) between Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, and Hualalai. It serves as the primary live-fire range for U.S. Pacific Command and allied forces, featuring an airfield, impact areas, and diverse terrain. Situated in the "saddle" region of the Island of Hawaii, the site features volcanic landscapes, including ash soils and lava rock. The climate is arid, with potential for rapid weather shifts, including heavy rain, high winds, and frost. PTA is located along Saddle Road, approximately 35 miles from Hilo and 45 miles from Kona. Work will be on-site at PTA, Hawaii.

• Operate wheeled loaders, dump trucks, water trucks, and other heavy equipment as needed for the purpose of completing land rehabilitation projects.

• Perform maintenance and inspections of all equipment for operational readiness and safety.

• Track and prepare weekly progress reports.

The position cannot exceed 9 months, but opportunities for permanent positions may become available during or after a temporary assignment. This position is contingent on continued project funding for support at PTA. Remote work is not allowed for this position.

Position will not supervise other employees.

• Ability to work in-person at PTA on the Island of Hawaii. Remote work is not available with this position.

• A High school Diploma, General Education Development (GED), or equivalent.

• Have a valid and current Commercial Driver's License Class A with tanker endorsement.

• Experience running and maintaining heavy equipment such as:

  • 10 to 35 ton dump trucks

  • Dozers

  • Motor graders

  • Front-end loaders

  • Skid-steers

  • Vibratory rollers

  • Backhoes

  • Water/Glue trucks

• Able to properly load, secure, and transport all heavy equipment with a range of trailers on both paved and dirt roads.

• Experience performing operational, routine, and operator maintenance and inspections on all equipment to maintain operational readiness/safety and to keep machinery, equipment, and tools in good working condition.

• Physically able to work outdoors and perform strenuous labor under all weather conditions (e.g., heat and humidity). Able to lift 40 pounds repeatedly, without assistance

• Be able to follow directions, work collectively with others as a team, and maintain safe working standards.

• Proficient verbal and written English communication skills.

• The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. by the proposed start date;CEMMLwill not provide visa sponsorship for this position.

• Knowledge and experience necessary to facilitate:

  • Work site revegetation

  • Land clearing

  • Site preparations

  • Soil stabilization

• Experience with land rehabilitation, horizontal construction techniques, and erosion control practices specific to State and/or EPA-approved Best Management Practices (BMPs) required to achieve compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA).

• Working knowledge and experience working with the Department of the Army or other federal land-management agencies.

• Experience working on military lands, specifically in the Integrated Training Area Management (ITAM) program.

• Experience working in a highly structured organization and knowledge of DoD instructions, directives, guidance, and processes.

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

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Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.