Screed Operator/Screwman

About the role

The Screed Operator (Screwman) operates, adjusts, and maintains the screed on the asphalt paving machine to ensure proper depth, grade, crown, and overall pavement finish. This role is crucial for achieving consistent asphalt mat quality, smoothness, and longevity of the finished surface.

Responsibilities

• Screed Operation & Asphalt Quality
• Operate, monitor, and adjust the screed to achieve proper depth, grade, and mat consistency.
• Control slope, crown, and transverse/longitudinal joint quality.
• Make adjustments to maintain smoothness, ride quality, and uniform distribution of asphalt.
• Operate valves to regulate asphalt material flow rate.
• Use depth gauges and measurement tools to verify compliance with project specifications.
• Continuously monitor mat texture, smoothness, and temperature while paving.
• Coordination & Communication
• Signal the paving machine operator to start, stop, adjust speed, or correct alignment.
• Communicate clearly with the Paver Operator, Foreman, and crew to ensure uniform production.
• Identify and report deficiencies, safety hazards, or equipment concerns immediately.
• Cookordination with roller operators to ensure proper compaction sequences.
• Screed Setup & Equipment Maintenance
• Assist with setting up and positioning screed extensions, end gates, augers, vibrators, and strike-off plates.
• Install, remove, and troubleshoot paving electronics such as grade sensors, averaging skis, sonar, and slope controls.
• Perform daily paver and screed maintenance, including greasing, cleaning, checking heaters, and clearing material buildup.
• Ensure tools, instruments, and measurement devices are maintained and stored properly at the end of each shift.
• General Paving Crew Support
• Assist with handwork such as edges, transitions, and tie-ins when necessary.
• Help with general job site clean-up, traffic control support, and safe material handling.
• Observe traffic and equipment movement to maintain a safe working environment.
• Assist in training new or less experienced crew members when requested.
• Safety & Compliance
• Follow all company safety procedures, PPE requirements, and OSHA guidelines at all times.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings, including traffic, moving equipment, and uneven terrain.
• Participate in daily safety briefings, pre-task planning, and toolbox talks.
• Ensure compliance with DOT, project specifications, and company quality standards.
• Immediately report incidents, near-misses, or unsafe behaviors.
• Other Duties
• Work efficiently to meet production schedules while maintaining quality.
• Maintain professionalism and represent Magnum Paving in a positive manner.
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience operating asphalt paver screeds on commercial and DOT paving projects.
• Experience with CAT and Carlson screeds; ability to adapt to other makes as needed.
• Strong understanding of grades, slopes, cross-slope control, and paving electronics.
• Knowledge of Moba, Topcon, or Leica grade control systems preferred.
• Working knowledge of asphalt mixes, temperatures, compaction processes, and material behavior.
• Dependability, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn required.
• Ability to comply with Total Process Reliability (TPR) principles.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; CDL preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends, and overtime when required.
• Must comply with company drug and alcohol testing requirements.
• Demonstrates professionalism, adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a positive attitude.

Physical Requirements

• Constantly remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Constantly moving about to accomplish tasks at a worksite or moving from one worksite to another.
• Constantly move self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Constantly adjusting, moving, and lifting objects in all directions.
• Constantly talking and hearing to communicate with others.
• Constantly seeing to perform job duties at close range, such as monitors or screens.
• Constantly seeing to perform job duties at a distance, such as operating office equipment.
• Constantly repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Constantly ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.
• Constantly operating machinery and/or power tools.
• Constantly operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.
• Rarely heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally low temperatures.
• Occasionally in high temperatures.
• Constantly in outdoor elements such as precipitation, wind, and dust.
• Constantly in noisy environments.
• Occasionally nights and weekends, as necessary to meet deadlines.
• Rarely in an office environment.

Pay

Pave America and its companies offer a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial, and other benefits that support your total well-being.

Schedule

Hours may vary based on project needs and may require extended hours, nights, weekends, and overtime when required.