Knight's Companies is hiring: Heavy Equipment Operator II in Ridgeville

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Purpose:
The Level II Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment, with advanced skill in operating a front-end loader for mining activities. This role supports continuous material flow by loading, hauling, and stockpiling raw materials, as well as feeding crushers, hoppers, and conveyors. The Level II Operator ensures optimal production efficiency, maintains pit and stockpile areas, and upholds strict safety and environmental standards.

Description:
The Level II Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of heavy equipment, with advanced skill in operating a front-end loader for mining activities. This role supports continuous material flow by loading, hauling, and stockpiling raw materials, as well as feeding crushers, hoppers, and conveyors. The Level II Operator ensures optimal production efficiency, maintains pit and stockpile areas, and upholds strict safety and environmental standards.

Essential Functions:

• 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.
• Consistently use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Immediately report and address any safety-related concerns with the supervisor or lead personnel.
• Complete all assigned safety training on time.
• Efficiently operate a front-end loader to load, transport, and stockpile raw materials (rock, aggregates, sand, fly ash) and finished products.
• Support plant operations by feeding crushers, hoppers, and conveyors with consistent material flow.
• Maintain pit areas and stockpile yards to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.
• Operate additional heavy equipment (bulldozers, excavators, graders, scrapers, forklifts, cranes, and water trucks) as needed.
• Operate water truck to control dust or achieve proper moisture levels for compacted fills.
• Direct and ensure truck drivers dump materials into proper pits.
• Assist with site preparation, including excavation, leveling, and clearing.
• Conduct daily equipment inspections and complete required checklists.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance such as fueling, lubrication, and minor repairs.
• Identify mechanical issues and report them to maintenance personnel.
• Assist with general maintenance around plant and pit areas, including shoveling, greasing, cleaning pits, and maintaining reclaimers.
• Load ice into mixer trucks during summer months as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• 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.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred but not required (or ability to obtain post-hire).

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.

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Management and Manufacturing

Knight's Companies is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.