Asphalt Plant Operator

About the role

The Asphalt Plant Operator is responsible for daily operations of the asphalt plant while maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental regulations. The Plant Operator leads a crew of 2–4, ensuring cost-effective and efficient production of hot mix asphalt, plant maintenance, adherence to safety standards, and quality control. The role involves scheduling communication between TJ Campbell order/dispatch and internal/external customer contacts, coordinating all phases of asphalt plant operations, tracking material quantities, and ordering aggregates, liquid asphalt, and additives. The Operator also participates in hands-on daily maintenance of the plant.

Responsibilities

• Report to and coordinate with the Asphalt Plant Foreman to supervise plant activities.
• Participate in and document daily Safety Meetings.
• Support plant team members to enhance skills and performance.
• Use daily production schedules to ensure timely and efficient asphalt production.
• Monitor production processes, making adjustments to optimize performance and output.
• Implement and enforce quality control procedures to ensure hot mix asphalt meets required standards and specifications.
• Conduct routine inspections and coordinate with Quality Control personnel to ensure the highest quality of hot mix asphalt.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct regular equipment inspections and report issues to the Plant Foreman.
• Address and report safety incidents or accidents and implement corrective actions.
• Perform hands-on maintenance and repairs, and coordinate with outside maintenance contractors.
• Follow preventive maintenance schedules to minimize downtime.
• Monitor and report inventory levels of raw materials and supplies.
• Maintain accurate records of production, safety incidents, maintenance activities, and other relevant data.
• Work collaboratively with the maintenance team to troubleshoot and fix technical problems.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment.
• Communicate effectively with plant foreman, management, safety supervisors, crew members, and other stakeholders.
• Implement best practices to improve site security of plant, equipment, and supplies from theft and vandalism.
• Work harmoniously, cooperatively, and courteously with others at all times.
• Follow directions and instructions from supervisors.
• Perform a variety of tasks and duties that may change often as work conditions require.
• Work within defined standards of accuracy.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions, including temperatures over 85 degrees and below 40 degrees.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Previous experience with Asphalt Plant Operations.
• Familiarity with safety regulations and best practices in the asphalt plant industry.
• Strong mechanical and electrical experience and skills.
• Dependable, on-time daily attendance.
• Knowledge of hot mix asphalt quality control principles, asphalt mix design basics, and asphalt sampling.
• Basic computer skills.
• Experience working closely within a team of co-workers.
• Basic equipment operation skills: skid steer loader, front end loader.
• Ability to use arms and hands to reach for, handle, and manipulate objects.
• Ability to perform physical labor and other strenuous tasks, including frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted.
• Must have good vision and hearing (naturally or with correction).
• Ability to travel and work overtime as requested.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent; technical training or certification in asphalt production or related field preferred.
• Experience operating small hydraulic cranes, manlifts, or RT forklift.
• Experience in leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in using plant management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Documentation of asphalt plant safety training.
• Experience with daily operations cost tracking systems.

This is a safety-sensitive position.