What are the responsibilities and job description for the Skilled Laborer - Asphalt Technician position at City of Cookeville?
| Position Title: Skilled Laborer – Asphalt Technician | Pay Grade: H |
| Department: Public Works | FLSA Status: Non-Exempt |
| Reports To: Foreman | Safety Sensitive: Yes - CDL |
| Position Supervises: No | Date Approved: 12/2025 |
| On-call Required: No | Date Revised: 02/2026 |
HOURS: 7am - 3:45pm; Monday - Friday
Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title; not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required and subject to change as approved by the City Manager.
JOB SUMMARY:
Employees in this class are under general supervision. Work performed in executing specific tasks of a skilled nature, which involves some advanced training and/or experience.
Examples of work performed: Places asphalt in roadway repairs which includes looping, leveling, compacting, smooth drum rolling, and preparing surfaces for the application of both hot and cold mix asphalt, operates the patch truck and is familiar and knowledgeable of all equipment required to perform various asphalt patching operations, operates laser for pipelaying on a specific grade; operates light equipment and performs simple tasks with heavy equipment including backhoes, dump trucks and loaders; performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of practices used in the operation of light equipment and knowledge based on minimum experience in performing simple tasks with heavy equipment
Knowledge of state and city traffic regulations
Knowledge of safety precautions and maintenance of equipment
Knowledge of the materials and equipment used in general maintenance work
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions
Ability to operate a variety of light and heavy vehicles and equipment
Ability to place, loop, level, compact and roll asphalt either hot or cold mix
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the public and co-workers
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience in construction work involving knowledge of asphalt install and repair work (looping, leveling, compacting, etc.), pipelaying and equipment operation. Experience operating backhoes, skid steers, loaders, and other heavy equipment beyond basic tasks. Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license and possess, or be able to obtain, a commercial driver's license (CDL) within six (6) months of employment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
High school education or equivalent is preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical:
Frequent heavy lifting, pushing, and carrying materials up to 100 pounds. Prolonged standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, climbing, and kneeling in various work environments. Requires good hand-eye coordination for operating heavy equipment and performing tasks such as asphalt placement and pipelaying. Repetitive use of hand tools, power tools, and construction equipment for extended periods. Ability to work in confined spaces such as trenches and excavation sites. Requires a full range of motion to perform tasks, including reaching overhead and using forceful movements.
Environmental:
Work is primarily performed outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and snow. Exposure to dust, mud, dirt, and hazardous materials commonly found in construction sites. Frequent work in high-traffic areas near moving vehicles and heavy equipment. Possible exposure to loud noise, vibrations, and airborne debris from construction tools and machinery. Work may involve exposure to uneven terrain, deep ditches, and slippery surfaces. Subject to occasional emergency call-outs and extended shifts during urgent repairs or inclement weather.
Full Time Benefits Summary:
Medical
Dental
Vision
Paid Life Insurance
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Voluntary Benefits
Pension and 401k Retirement Savings
Paid Holidays
Paid Sick time – 8 hours/month
Paid Vacation time – 8 hours/month
City of Cookeville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Human Resources department at (931) 520-5256.
Must be able to pass limited background check.