Equipment Operator

Description

A Rough/Breakdown Roller Operator is responsible for performing the initial compaction to establish proper density, smoothness, and mat quality. This position must work efficiently with the paving crew to maintain correct rolling patterns, timing, and safety in fast-paced paving environments.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the breakdown/rough roller to compact freshly laid asphalt behind the paver.
• Keep roller drums clean and free of asphalt buildup using water, release agents, or scrapers.
• Coordinate closely with the QA field technician and finish roller operator to maintain proper rolling sequence and timing.
• Observe mat quality continuously and make adjustments to correct imperfections.
• Monitor mat temperature, roller speed, and rolling patterns to ensure optimal compaction before the asphalt cools.
• Identify and correct issues such as shoving, tearing, bridging, or roller marks while maintaining consistent rolling passes to achieve required density and smooth transitions at joints and tie-ins.
• Maintain awareness of surroundings, including traffic, crew members, and equipment movement.
• Assist with jobsite setup, including layout, traffic control, and staging of materials.
• Ability to coach and train others in equipment use and best practices.
• Perform safety checks, use proper PPE, follow work-zone procedures, keep safe distances, report hazards immediately, and maintain a clean, OSHA compliant, hazard-free worksite.
• Communicate effectively with crew members and follow directions with minimal supervision.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• High School diploma preferred.
• 2-4 years of paving or construction experience required.
• 1 year experience operating a breakdown roller required.
• Strong understanding of paving principles, rolling patterns, mat quality, and compaction processes.
• Consistently demonstrate the organization's core values by striving for excellence, fostering partnership, upholding integrity, and showing commitment.
• Must maintain constant situational awareness of moving vehicles, heavy machinery, and other hazards inherent to paving and construction operations
• Ability to read, follow and interpret safety documents, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals, plans and grade.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to follow verbal instructions and work as part of a team.
• Ability to adhere to Superior policies and other safety regulations.
• Ability to work overtime, weekends, and nights as required.
• Must be 18 years of age.

Physical Demands

This position requires the ability to lift and carry up to 75 pounds; pull up one's own body weight; and sit in one position for up to 12 hours per day. It also requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform repetitive motions for extended periods; tolerate noise, vibration, heat, and outdoor conditions common to paving operations; demonstrate the manual dexterity needed to use hand tools and equipment; and maintain good eye-hand coordination, physical fitness, multi-limb coordination, static strength, and balance.
Work Environment

Work is performed outdoors on roadways, construction zones, and active traffic areas, often in hot, cold, or otherwise adverse weather. Employees are regularly exposed to hot asphalt, dust, fumes, loud noise, and vibration from tools and equipment.


The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.