Heavy Equipment Operator​/Laborer - Civil Construction - Kotzebue, AK

Job Description

NANA Construction is hiring for a skilled and dependable Heavy Equipment Operator/Laborer to support civil construction projects in remote Alaska. This role requires hands‑on experience operating a wide range of heavy equipment, performing general labor tasks, and maintaining equipment in demanding environments. Candidates must be comfortable working long hours in remote locations, in extreme weather conditions, and be team‑oriented.

• Operate heavy equipment including but not limited to:
• Excavators
• Wheel loaders
• Haul trucks and dump trucks
• Dozers
• Graders
• Skid steers
• Semi‑truck and trailer (manual transmission)
• Perform grading of roads, building pads, and site improvements.
• Use laser levels and machine control GPS systems for accurate grading and layout.
• Excavate foundations, trenches, and drainage ditches.
• Install culverts, underground utilities, water lines, hydrants, and piping systems.

• Perform general labor tasks as required, including hand digging, shoveling, and site cleanup.
• Pour and finish concrete for foundations, pads, and miscellaneous structures.
• Assist with dirt work projects, drainage improvements, and erosion control.

• Perform daily equipment inspections.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized worksite.
• Follow all company safety policies, OSHA standards, DOT regulations, and site‑specific requirements.
• Work safely in extreme weather and uneven terrain.
• Immediately report all incidents/accidents, no matter how small, to their supervisor.
• Perform other duties that are pertinent to the department or unit's success, as assigned.
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid Class A CDL (manual transmission required).
• Minimum one (1) year experience operating a broad range of heavy equipment.
• Experience with GPS‑guided grading systems.
• Forklift certification required.
• Mechanical aptitude and equipment repair experience.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a crew in remote locations.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and adaptability to changing site conditions.
• Civil construction, road construction, or utility installation experience preferred.
• Remote or camp‑based work experience preferred.

The work environment is outdoors, with regular exposure to wet or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, extreme cold and heat, toxic or caustic chemicals, electrical shock, radiation, and vibration. Noise levels are usually loud.

Physical demands include regularly lifting, moving, or carrying up to 50 pounds, occasionally up to 100 pounds. Required vision: close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Requires ability to sit, use hands to handle, reach, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, speak, and hear. Steel‑toed boots required.

Travel may require passing a TSA security checkpoint. Employees or contractors without valid identification will not be able to travel until valid identification is obtained. All employees and contractors must have valid identification when traveling to and from the site; see TSA guidelines for approved identification https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; works well in group problem‑solving situations.

Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others.

Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions; demonstrates group presentation skills; participates in meetings.

Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; reads and…