Heavy Equipment Operator II

Knight's Companies; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

PTO & Holidays

401(k) Matching

STD/LTD

Life Insurance

Voluntary Benefits

Job summary

Knight’s Companies in Charleston, SC seeks a Heavy Equipment Operator II for its mining team. You will load, transport, and stockpile raw materials with a front-end loader, feed crushers and conveyors, and maintain clean pit and stockpile areas while following all safety protocols.

Ideal candidates have 2–4 years in front-end loader operations in mining or construction, MSHA/OSHA training preferred, and a strong commitment to safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 2–4 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).
• Basic mechanical knowledge for equipment troubleshooting.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Operate a front-end loader with advanced proficiency to load, transport, and stockpile raw materials.
• Support mining activities by feeding crushers, hoppers, and conveyors to ensure smooth material flow.
• Maintain and monitor pit and stockpile areas, ensuring cleanliness and organization.
• Follow all safety protocols and use required PPE at all times.
• Immediately report safety concerns or equipment issues to supervisors or lead personnel.
• Operate additional heavy equipment (bulldozers, excavators, graders, scrapers, forklifts, cranes, and water trucks) as needed.
• Complete all safety training and certifications on schedule.
• Operate water truck to control dust or achieve proper moisture levels for compacted fills.
• Perform routine inspections and maintenance checks on equipment to ensure optimal operation.
• Assist in maintaining environmental standards and minimizing operational impact.
• Collaborate with team members to meet production targets and uphold safety standards.

Skills

Front-end loader operation

Safety-consciousness

Teamwork

Communication

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

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:

• Operate a front-end loader with advanced proficiency to load, transport, and stockpile raw materials.
• Support mining activities by feeding crushers, hoppers, and conveyors to ensure smooth material flow.
• Maintain and monitor pit and stockpile areas, ensuring cleanliness and organization.
• Follow all safety protocols and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Immediately report safety concerns or equipment issues to supervisors or lead personnel.
• Operate additional heavy equipment (bulldozers, excavators, graders, scrapers, forklifts, cranes, and water trucks) as needed.
• Complete all safety training and certifications on schedule.
• Operate water truck to control dust or achieve proper moisture levels for compacted fills.
• Perform routine inspections and maintenance checks on equipment to ensure optimal operation.
• Assist in maintaining environmental standards and minimizing operational impact.
• Collaborate with team members to meet production targets and uphold safety standards.

What You Need to Be Successful:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 2–4 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).
• Basic mechanical knowledge for equipment troubleshooting.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

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.

Interested in opportunities in other Knight’s Companies locations?

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

Visit our careers page to explore all openings: www.knightscompanies.com

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