Heavy Equipment Operator III

About the role

Since 1969, Knight's Companies has grown from a single septic tank pumping truck into a trusted, family-owned leader in construction and manufacturing services. Built on quality, integrity, and customer service, Knight's Companies is committed to excellence across its Redi-Mix, Precast, Trucking, and Pumping operations.

We are seeking a skilled and safety-conscious Heavy Equipment Operator II to join our mining team. This role is vital to maintaining efficient material flow and supporting continuous production processes. The ideal candidate will have advanced operating skills, a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively in a dynamic mining environment.

What You'll Do

• Maintain full compliance with all company safety policies, MSHA/OSHA regulations, and environmental standards.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture while upholding the company's core values.
• Safely and efficiently operate dozers and excavators for excavation, grading, stockpiling, and pit development.
• Support mine production by feeding crushers, hoppers, and conveyors with raw material.
• Execute site preparation, including excavation, leveling, slope maintenance, and clearing for safe access routes.
• Maintain pit areas, haul roads, and stockpile yards for safe, efficient traffic flow and material movement.
• Load, transport, and stockpile raw materials (e.g., rock, aggregates, sand, fly ash) and finished products.
• Operate additional heavy equipment such as loaders, graders, scrapers, forklifts, water trucks, and cranes when required.
• Apply dust suppression techniques, including water truck operation, to maintain regulatory compliance and visibility.
• Conduct thorough daily equipment inspections, completing logs and checklists accurately.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance including fueling, lubrication, and basic mechanical adjustments.
• Identify and report mechanical or safety issues to supervisors and maintenance personnel.
• Ensure trucking drivers dump materials into proper locations in compliance with site plans.
• Assist with plant operations and perform general labor or maintenance tasks as assigned.
• Uphold full compliance with all MSHA, OSHA, company safety policies, and environmental standards.
• Lead by example in PPE usage, safety communication, and hazard reporting.

What You Need to Be Successful

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 3-5 years of front-end loader operating experience in mining, industrial, or construction environments.
• Demonstrated proficiency in front-end loader operations.
• MSHA or OSHA training certification preferred (or ability to obtain).
• Strong mechanical knowledge for equipment troubleshooting.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Valid Driver's License, CDL preferred but not required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, climb, and operate heavy equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to life up to 50 lbs regularly; occasionally lifting heavier loads with assistance.
• Ability to climb, stoop, bend, squat, lift, stretch, push, pull, twist, kneel, stand, walk, sit, and reach.
• Ability to work in uneven terrain, pits, and stockpile areas.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, dust).
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and overtime as needed

What We Offer

• Competitive pay
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Short-Term Disability (STD)
• Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Voluntary insurance programs including Life, Critical Illness, Hospitalization, Accident and Pet Insurance.

We're hiring across our other markets

• Lowcountry: Charleston/Jedburg/St. George/Moncks Corner
• Midlands: Columbia/Lexington/Irmo/Blythewood/Lugoff/Sumter
• South: Aiken/Hampton/Beaufort/Okatie/Richmond Hill/Savannah

• Join our team and be part of a company that values safety, hard work and professionalism. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for growth, and comprehensive benefits to help you succeed in your career.
• EOE