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Remote Backhoe Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

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Remote Backhoe Operator information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Remote Backhoe Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Backhoe Operator, you need proficiency in heavy equipment operation, an understanding of excavation techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant certifications. Familiarity with remote-control systems, GPS technology, and safety protocols is essential for efficient machine handling. Strong attention to detail, spatial awareness, and clear communication help operators work safely and effectively, especially when coordinating with on-site teams. These skills ensure safe, precise, and productive operation of backhoe equipment in varied worksites, reducing risks and improving project outcomes.

Will heavy equipment operators be replaced by AI?

Remote backhoe operators and other heavy equipment operators perform tasks that require complex decision-making and manual control, which currently cannot be fully replaced by AI. While automation and remote-controlled machinery are increasing, human oversight, skill, and adaptability remain essential in construction and excavation work.

What are some common challenges faced by remote backhoe operators and how can they be addressed?

Remote backhoe operators often face challenges such as limited on-site visibility, potential lag in controls, and difficulties in communicating with ground crews. To address these, operators use advanced camera systems, reliable communication devices, and regularly participate in team briefings to stay aligned with site operations. Staying updated with training on the latest remote control technologies and maintaining close collaboration with on-site personnel can help ensure both safety and efficiency in daily operations.

What is a remote backhoe operator?

A remote backhoe operator is a professional who controls a backhoe—an excavating machine—using remote control technology rather than operating it from within the cab. This role allows operators to manage heavy equipment from a safe distance, often enhancing safety in hazardous or hard-to-reach environments. Remote backhoe operators use advanced controls, cameras, and sometimes virtual reality interfaces to maneuver the machinery for digging, lifting, or moving materials. This technology is becoming more common in construction, mining, and disaster response industries.

How to become a remote Excavator Operator?

To become a remote backhoe or excavator operator, you typically need to complete a high school diploma or equivalent, gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or on-the-job training, and obtain relevant certifications such as OSHA safety training and equipment operation licenses. Developing skills in equipment maintenance, safety protocols, and remote communication tools is also important for working remotely in this role.

How much do remote excavator operators make?

Remote backhoe or excavator operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the projects. Annual salaries can range from approximately $40,000 to $70,000, with higher pay often associated with specialized skills and longer-term contracts.

What is the difference between Remote Backhoe Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectRemote Backhoe OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsOperator certification, CDL often preferredOperator certification, OSHA training
Work EnvironmentRemote, often virtual monitoring or controlOn-site construction or excavation sites
Industry UsageConstruction, utility, remote infrastructure projectsConstruction, demolition, mining

Remote Backhoe Operators typically work in remote or virtual environments, controlling equipment via remote systems, whereas Excavator Operators work directly on-site operating excavators. Both roles require similar certifications but differ mainly in work setting and application. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position based on work environment and industry focus.

What is the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operators are often specialized roles such as crane or excavator operators with extensive experience, certifications, and skills in complex machinery. In general, operators working in oil and gas, mining, or in regions with high demand tend to earn the most, with top salaries reaching over $70,000 to $100,000 annually depending on location and expertise.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Backhoe Operator jobs in Alaska? For Remote Backhoe Operator jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Backhoe Operator jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Backhoe Operator jobs in Alaska are:
What cities in Alaska are hiring for Remote Backhoe Operator jobs? Cities in Alaska with the most Remote Backhoe Operator job openings:
Remote Backhoe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Backhoe Operator job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 91% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Materials Handler (Motor Vehicle Operator/Forklift Operator)

United States Army Installation Management Command

Wainwright, AK • On-site, Remote

$28.21 - $32.88/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Summary
About the Position: Incumbent requires a broad general knowledge of warehouse plans and procedures to independently perform a wide range of warehousing activities that involve specialized or hazardous materials handling and storage procedures as required by regulatory and safety requirements. Receives items at various and differing loading conditions at multiple locations on and off post; loads and unloads items with the use of material handling equipment (MHE).
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Duties
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  • Receive, locate, store, and inventory supply items and materials.
  • Verify documentation accompanying material is complete and accurate.
  • Stack or unstack palletized goods, boxes, crates, and supplies from one location to another.
  • Incumbent is the point of contact for requesting GSA vehicles.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position requires incumbent to obtain and maintain an Alaska driver license.
  • This position requires incumbent obtain and maintain a Forklift Operators license within 120 days of employment.
  • This position requires a pre-employment physical and annually thereafter.
  • Performance of duties may work outside in cold weather with temperatures as low as 44 below zero, which requires wearing warm protective clothing, such
    as parka, hood, gloves and insulated boots.
  • Occasional temporary duty travel (TDY) may be required up to 5%.

Qualifications
Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Appropriated Fund Instrumentality (NAFI)
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998
  • Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA)

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of an Materials Handler (Motor Vehicle Operator/Forklift Operator) without more than normal supervision. Must have the ability to perform common tasks to include warehousing activities such as receiving, issuing, handling, storing, and inventorying supplies, equipment, and/or materials, in accordance with prescribed regulations, and operating materials handling equipment such as pallet jacks, hand trucks, large forklifts with up to 8,000 pounds lift capacity and trucks with up to 10,000 pounds load capacity with tilt bed. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc.
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Materials
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order)

  • Physical Efforts: Performs work on hard surfaces for extended periods of time and in work areas that require standing, stooping, bending and working in tiring and uncomfortable positions. May be required to work at a rapid pace for a long period of time. Frequently lifts and carries supplies, materials and equipment that weigh over 75 pounds. Material handling equipment or assistance from other workers is available for very heavy lifting. Moderate physical effort is required in operating hand and foot controls to drive forklift and to raise, lower and tilt loads being moved. Light physical effort is required in reaching, bending, turning or moving bands, arms, feet and legs to operate hand and foot controls of motor vehicles.
  • Working Conditions: Work is done inside and outside. May work inside in areas that are hot, damp, drafty, poorly lighted or cold. May work outside in cold weather with temperatures as low as 12 below zero, which requires wearing warm protective clothing, such as parka, hood, gloves and insulated boots. May work in bad weather, in such areas as open shipping/receiving docks and platforms. Works in
    close quarters in warehouse, or bin aisles, ramps and platforms. Frequently exposed to the possibility of cuts, scrapes, bruises, falls or injury from materials handling equipment. Operates vehicles and equipment in all types of traffic and weather conditions on public roads and is exposed to the possibility of serious accidents.

Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a(n) Supply Management Career Field position.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • A Recruitment or Relocation Incentive is not authorized.
  • Further certification from this announcement may take place up to 90 days beyond the closing date of this announcement.
  • Since Alaska is considered a non-foreign overseas location, statutory return rights for current DoD employees are applicable in many circumstances.
  • Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
  • Applicants must comply with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) requirements as outlined in the DoD Instruction 1315.19. For more information on EFMP, please visit the following link: https://www.armymwr.com/programs-and-services/personal-assistance/exceptional-family-member-program.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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