Heavy Equipment Operator III

Knights Companies Inc; Ridgeville (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

PTO and paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Short- and long-term disability

Company-paid life insurance

Voluntary insurance programs

Job summary

Knight’s Companies in Ridgeville, SC seeks a skilled Heavy Equipment Operator II to support mining operations. You will safely operate loaders, assist in pit development, and ensure material flow while upholding strict safety standards.

Candidates should have 3–5 years of front-end loader experience, strong mechanical skills, and good teamwork. A high school diploma is required; CDL is a plus. The role is on-site with potential for overtime and crew collaboration.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Maintain full compliance with all company safety policies, MSHA/OSHA regulations, and environmental standards.
• 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.
• Load, transport, and stockpile raw materials and finished products.
• Conduct thorough daily equipment inspections and complete logs/checklists accurately.
• Identify and report mechanical or safety issues to supervisors and maintenance personnel.

Skills

Front-end loader operation

Mechanical troubleshooting

Teamwork & communication

MSHA/OSHA training (preferred)

Driver's license (CDL preferred)

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

• 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 lift 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.

Other Markets

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

EOE