Heavy Equipment Operator II

Knight's Companies; Summerville (SC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off & Holidays

401(k) with Company Match

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Company-Paid Life Insurance

Voluntary Insurance Programs

Job summary

Knight’s Companies in Summerville, SC is seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator II to join the mining team. The role focuses on operating heavy machinery to ensure smooth material flow, reliable production, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

You will work with front-end loaders and a range of equipment in a dynamic mining environment. The ideal candidate has 2–4 years of loader operating experience, MSHA/OSHA training (or ability to obtain), and solid mechanical knowledge.

Qualifications

• Experience operating heavy equipment in mining, industrial, or construction environments.
• Proven proficiency with front-end loaders.
• Strong safety orientation and ability to follow protocols.
• Ability to communicate clearly and work well in a team.

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 as needed (bulldozers, excavators, graders, scrapers, forklifts, cranes, water trucks).
• Complete all safety training and certifications on schedule.
• Operate water truck to control dust or moisture for compacted fills.
• Perform routine inspections and maintenance checks on equipment.
• 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

MSHA/OSHA Training

Mechanical Knowledge

Communication & Teamwork

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