Heavy Equipment Operator III Job at Knights Companies Inc in Summerville

Description:

Purpose:

The Level III Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of advanced heavy machinery, with specialized expertise in bulldozers and excavators, to support mining and material handling activities. This role plays a critical part in excavation, earthmoving, pit development, and material stockpiling while ensuring production efficiency, safety compliance, and environmental stewardship. Operators at this level are expected to demonstrate mastery of equipment operation, sound judgment in complex site conditions, and leadership in maintaining safe work practices.

Essential Functions:

• Safely and efficiently operate dozers and excavators for excavation, grading, stockpiling, and pit development.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented culture while upholding the company’s core values.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Minimum Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of bulldozer and excavator operating experience in mining, quarry, or large-scale construction environments.
• Demonstrated advanced proficiency in dozer and excavator operation.
• MSHA or OSHA training certification preferred (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Strong mechanical aptitude for recognizing and reporting equipment issues.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills in fast-paced, changing work environments.
• 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