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Rtch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rtch Operator information

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$10

$20

$29

How much do rtch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for rtch operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Rtch Operator job?

An RTCH (Rough Terrain Container Handler) Operator is responsible for operating heavy machinery designed to lift, transport, and stack shipping containers in various environments, including shipping yards, military bases, and logistics hubs. The operator ensures safe and efficient handling of containers while adhering to safety protocols and operational guidelines. This role requires skill in maneuvering large equipment over rough or uneven terrain and often involves working in challenging conditions. RTCH Operators typically need specialized training and certification to meet industry standards.

What does a typical day look like for an Rtch Operator?

As an Rtch Operator, your day generally involves operating Reach Stackers or similar heavy equipment to move, load, and stack shipping containers within a port, terminal, or warehouse setting. You will monitor equipment for proper functioning, follow safety protocols, and often coordinate with supervisors, logistics teams, and truck drivers to ensure smooth cargo flow. The role may include performing safety checks, minor maintenance, and assisting with inventory management tasks. Collaboration and flexibility are key, as workloads can vary based on shipping schedules and operational demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rtch Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Rtch Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, cargo handling procedures, and safety protocols, often requiring relevant licenses or certifications. Familiarity with Reach Stackers, forklifts, and computerized inventory or terminal management systems is typically necessary. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities set exceptional operators apart. These competencies are vital for ensuring efficient logistics operations, maintaining safety standards, and supporting smooth workflow in fast-paced port or warehouse environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rtch Operator jobs? The most popular types of Rtch Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Rtch Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
Heavy Equipment Operator (Transportation)

Heavy Equipment Operator (Transportation)

Akima, LLC

Colorado Springs, CO • On-site

$30.17/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Akima rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

318th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

The Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment such as RT 240 Kalmar or RTCHs, forklifts, tractor/trailers and various types of military equipment/vehicles. Equipment is used to load/unload, transport or relocate military equipment/vehicles/cargo for/from multiple forms of transport (i.e. rail, truck/trailer, etc.). Heavy Equipment Operator may read and interpret grade and slope signs, may grease, adjust and make emergency repairs to equipment.
Responsibilities
  • Keeps the Heavy Equipment operator lead and/or Transportation Manager updated on missions and equipment status, etc.
  • Unloads vehicles and equipment from commercial carriers in a timely manner so as to avoid detention charges. Loads and unloads conveyances with or without helpers, and moves freight by forklift, handcart, or other manual equipment.
  • Receives turn-in vehicles from customer units in accordance with wheeled and tracked vehicle turn-in instructions IAW External SOP.
  • May perform a variety of warehousing duties which require an understanding of the establishment's storage plan. Work involves most of the following: Verifying materials (or merchandise) against receiving documents, noting and reporting discrepancies and obvious damages; routing materials to prescribed storage locations; storing, stacking, or palletizing materials in accordance with prescribed storage methods; rearranging and taking inventory of stored materials; examining stored materials and reporting deterioration and damage; removing material from storage and preparing it for shipment.
  • Unloads and stores vehicles, containers and equipment marked for units when the unit is not available to receive the equipment due to training, deployment, or other operational reasons. (Unloading at the railhead may include removing chains and dunnage before vehicle/equipment can be moved).
  • Prepares vehicles for operation by performing pre-trip inspections that include, but are not limited to, battery hookup, fueling, unmasking exhausts, air intakes and glass areas, checking for proper fluid and fluid levels and tire pressure.
  • May operate Non-tactical and Tactical military equipment: Commercial vehicles less than 2 ½ Ton; Tactical vehicle 5 Ton and larger or transport of hazardous material Tracked vehicles; Forklifts, Rough Terrain Container Handler (RTCH), or other Material Handling Equipment (MHE). May grease, adjust and make emergency repairs to equipment.
  • Operates vehicles for the purpose of transporting Government property to storage locations, maintenance facilities, DLA-DS, reclamation, and disposal areas.
  • Conforms to all installation and State rules and regulations and ensures that seatbelts are worn in vehicles so equipped and use PPE as required.
  • Maintains mileage, tonnage, and movement records as input to weekly and monthly activity reports.
  • Performs warehouse worker duties as directed by the supervisor.
  • Performs preventive maintenance in accordance with vehicle requirements and established procedures.
  • Performs all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
  • No specific educational requirements.
  • Must be knowledgeable of local and Fort Carson driving laws and safety rules.
  • Must have one-year experience in operating commercial vehicles is required to drive a 5-Ton or larger equipment/vehicles with hazardous material.
  • Experience operating the RT 240 Kalmar/RTCH's and 36K forklift.
  • Knowledge in warehouse storage operations a plus.
  • Must possess and continuously maintain a current State of Colorado Driver's License prior to start date or by 30 days after employment.
  • Must be US Citizen and be able to obtain and maintain a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) to obtain a CAC.
  • Must receive favorable results for a background check, drug testing and motor vehicle report results.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Class A CDL and a current Medical Certification.

Job ID
2026-24440
Work Type
On-Site
Pay Range
$30.17
Health & Welfare
$5.09
Benefits
SCA - The company offers a comprehensive benefits program, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) and a range of other voluntary benefits. Vacation, holiday and sick Leave offered will be as defined under the DOL's Wage Determination.
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Akima Facilities Operations (AFO), an Akima company, is not just another federal facilities 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 AFO, 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, AFO 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, AFO sustains mission readiness and ensures quality of life by maintaining high value assets and operations at peak performance and successfully manages these operations through accurately forecasting, managing, and aggressively controlling costs.
As an AFO 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.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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