Asphalt Plant Technician

Reports To Quality Control Manager
Direction From Certified Mix Design Technician
Classification Asphalt Plant Technician
Position Summary

The Asphalt Plant Technician is responsible for testing and inspecting road construction materials, including hot mix asphalt (HMA), and aggregates, to determine whether their characteristics, properties, and quality meet or exceed customer requirements and Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) specifications. The position supports asphalt plant quality control through plant monitoring, representative sampling, laboratory testing, data analysis, corrective action, documentation, and reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform testing and inspection in accordance with the applicable TDOT quality control system, TDOT specifications, and AASHTO/ASTM procedures.
• Monitor asphalt plant production and verify compliance with approved job mix formulas (JMFs) and customer specifications.
• Collect representative samples of aggregates, asphalt mixtures, and other road construction materials as required.
• Complete required calculations, quality control documentation, data control, production reports, and material test records accurately and on time.
• Analyze test data, identify nonconforming material or process conditions, and communicate corrective-action needs to plant personnel and management.
• Verify material gradations, moisture content, asphalt binder content, specific gravity, density, and other required quality characteristics.
• Maintain, calibrate, and arrange for the purchase or replacement of laboratory and plant testing equipment as assigned.
• Ensure plant setup, laboratory practices, and testing activities meet applicable TDOT quality assurance requirements.
• Communicate test results and production concerns clearly with quality control personnel, plant operators, project teams, customers, and agency representatives.
• Assist with TDOT inspections, audits, compliance reviews, and the resolution of testing or documentation issues.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized laboratory and work area and follow all company safety, environmental, and operating procedures.
• Support training, knowledge transfer, and succession development within the quality control team. Required Certification
  Must possess or be able to obtain the TDOT Hot Mix Asphalt Certified Plant Technician certification within the timeframe established by the company. Certification requires demonstrated working knowledge of:
• Hot mix asphalt plant operations and setup
• Applicable TDOT forms and reporting requirements
• Required calculations and quality control documentation
• AASHTO, ASTM, and TDOT testing procedures Minimum Qualifications
• High school diploma or GED.
• TDOT Hot Mix Asphalt Certified Plant Technician certification preferred at hire, or ability to obtain within an established timeframe.
• Experience in asphalt plant quality control, construction materials testing, or laboratory operations preferred.
• Knowledge of asphalt production, mix designs, quality control, and quality assurance principles.
• Ability to understand and consistently follow test methods and procedures.
• Strong mathematical, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use computer networks, Microsoft Office applications, electronic quality reporting systems, and precision measuring instruments.
• Ability to read and interpret TDOT specifications, plans, job mix formulas, technical documents, and customer requirements.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Supervision and Work Direction
  Works under direction where definite objectives are established. The employee plans and arranges assigned work and refers unusual or exceptional cases to the Foreman - Quality Control, Lab Technician Level II, or other designated supervisor.
  Responsibility for Quality and Errors
  This position serves as a first tier for recognizing and preventing errors. Errors caused or left undiscovered may result in rework, material waste, equipment damage, financial loss, nonconforming product, or loss of customer and public goodwill. Constant attention to testing accuracy, documentation, and timely communication is required.
  Contacts with Others
  Regular contact is required with coworkers, plant personnel, project teams, other departments, customers, and agency representatives to furnish or obtain information, discuss test results, and coordinate corrective actions. The position requires tact, professionalism, and cooperation because improper handling of these contacts could affect company objectives or external perceptions of the company.
  Confidential Data
  The position requires integrity and discretion to safeguard confidential information, including cost information, wage information, personnel information or actions, quality records, and other information shared with supervisory personnel. Unauthorized disclosure could adversely affect the company or its employees.
  Physical and Environmental Requirements
• Moderate physical effort is required, including frequently lifting or moving materials over 25 pounds and occasionally lifting or moving materials over 60 pounds.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and around heavy equipment, moving machinery, traffic, dust, noise, and hot materials.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, vehicles, and equipment; stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, lift, carry, reach, grasp, and maintain balance.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for sustained periods and, when required, over long distances.
• Ability to communicate clearly through spoken language, perceive sounds, and receive detailed information through oral communication.
• Normal mental and visual attention is required to oversee assigned work, testing activities, personnel interactions, and equipment. Constant alertness to job activities is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.