Screed Operator/Screwman

Job Description

Job Description

The Screed Operator (Screwman) is responsible for operating, adjusting, and maintaining the screed on the asphalt paving machine to ensure proper depth, grade, crown, and overall pavement finish. This role plays a critical part in ensuring consistent asphalt mat quality, smoothness, and longevity of the finished surface. The Screed Operator works directly with the Paver Operator, Foreman, and crew members to ensure a safe, efficient, and high-quality paving operation.

This position requires strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing job site conditions. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-minded, and able to maintain production standards under varying conditions.

Essential Job Duties & 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.
• Coordinate 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 (Experience, Education & Certifications, Key Attributes):

• 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.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and grade sheets.
• 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
• Occasionally the ability to travel regionally or nationally

Physical Demands:

• Constantly in sedentary work that primarily involves sitting and standing
• Constantly light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds
• Occasionally medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds
• 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
• Constantly in hazardous conditions
• Occasionally overnight work
• Occasionally in frequent overtime
• Rarely in an office environment

Pave America and it's companies offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and comply with OFCCP regulations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, physical and mental disability, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/assignment, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, protected veteran status, or any other status prohibited by applicable national, federal, state or local law. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries. In compliance with OFCCP requirements, we invite applicants to voluntarily self-identify their gender, race, and veteran status. Submission of this information is voluntary and refusal to provide it will not subject you to any adverse treatment.