Heavy Equipment Operator

About Burkhart Enterprises, Inc.

Burkhart Enterprises, Inc. is a third-generation, family-owned company that has proudly served as a premier industrial river terminal and logistics provider in Knoxville for more than six decades. We specialize in bulk material handling, seamlessly connecting barge, rail, and truck transportation for our industrial clients.

We are looking for a dependable and experienced Equipment Operator to join our team and support our loading, unloading, and material-handling operations.

Why Join Burkhart Enterprises?

• Family-owned and operated with a long-standing history of success
• Great people and great benefits
• Competitive pay based on your experience and skill level
• Opportunities to operate a wide range of heavy equipment
• Stable, year-round local work — home every night

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive hourly pay, commensurate with experience
• Pay is $18–20/ hour, time-and-a-half overtime
• Comprehensive benefits package, including Health, Dental, and Vision
• Paid time off and holiday pay

Our Operations:

Burkhart Enterprises operates a diverse transportation and material-handling facility, including:

• Loading and unloading facilities
• A rail facility featuring 2,000 feet of rail, a bottom-dump pit, and 32-car capacity
• A privately owned river port where barges are unloaded using large excavators equipped with clamshell buckets
• Komatsu 1250 and Komatsu 1000 excavators
• A 100-ton Northwest crane for heavy lifting
• Additional equipment, including front-end loaders, tandem trucks, and forklifts

Key Responsibilities:

As an Equipment Operator, you will safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment while supporting the movement of bulk materials throughout our terminal.

• Operate a front-end loader to stockpile and load bulk materials
• Assist with the safe and efficient movement and stockpiling of industrial materials throughout the terminal
• Perform routine pre- and post-operation equipment inspections and report maintenance or mechanical concerns
• Monitor equipment gauges, controls, and performance to ensure machinery is operating properly
• Follow all company safety policies, environmental guidelines, and applicable terminal regulations
• Coordinate with truck drivers, rail crews, and terminal personnel to maintain a safe and efficient workflow
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors regarding equipment, materials, and daily operations

Preferred Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous heavy equipment operating experience
• Experience operating a front-end loader is a plus
• Mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn

Qualifications & Skills:

The ideal candidate will...

• Have a valid driver's license
• Be able to pass a background check and pre-employment drug screening
• Be dependable, punctual, and committed to maintaining a consistent work schedule
• Have strong mechanical aptitude
• Pay close attention to detail
• Take pride in producing quality work
• Demonstrate good judgment and strong problem-solving skills
• Have basic math skills
• Be able to monitor equipment performance and recognize potential problems
• Follow safety procedures and company policies
• Work well independently and as part of a team
• Be comfortable working around heavy equipment, bulk materials, and an active industrial terminal environment

Work Hours:

Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM

Dependability and punctuality are essential. Equipment Operators must be ready to begin work on time and prepared to support daily loading and terminal operations.

Apply Today!

If you're an experienced equipment operator looking for a stable, year-round opportunity with a family-owned company that values its employees, we'd like to hear from you!

Apply today for consideration and join the Burkhart Enterprises team!