Heavy Equipment Operator II

Knight's Companies; Ridgeville (SC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

PTO and Holidays

401(k) with Company Match

Short-Term Disability (STD)

Long-Term Disability (LTD)

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Voluntary insurance programs: Life, CI

Job summary

Knight’s Companies in Ridgeville, SC is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator II for its mining team. You will load, move, and stockpile materials with a front-end loader, feed crushers and conveyors, and keep pit areas clean while following safety protocols.

Requires 2–4 years loader experience, HS diploma, and MSHA/OSHA training preferred. You will participate in safety trainings, inspections, and collaborate to meet production targets in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 2–4 years of front-end loader operating experience in mining, industrial, or construction environments.
• MSHA or OSHA training preferred (or ability to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Operate a front-end loader to load, transport, and stockpile raw materials with advanced proficiency.
• Feed crushers, hoppers, and conveyors to maintain smooth material flow.
• Maintain pit and stockpile areas for cleanliness and organization.
• Follow all safety protocols and wear required PPE at all times.
• Report safety concerns or equipment issues to supervisors.
• Operate additional heavy equipment as needed.
• Complete safety trainings and certifications on schedule.
• Operate water truck for dust control and moisture levels.
• Perform routine inspections and maintenance on equipment.
• Assist in maintaining environmental standards and minimize operational impact.
• Collaborate with team to meet production targets and safety standards.

Skills

Front-end loader operation

Safety-conscious

Communication & teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

MSHA/OSHA training preferred

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