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Hot Plant Operator

Schellinger Construction
Columbia, MT Other
POSTED ON 4/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 6/23/2026

Company Summary

For over 60 years, Schellinger Construction has been building highways, roads, and private development projects across Montana. We work primarily in Northwest Montana and provide a full range of services, including earthwork, trucking, gravel crushing, concrete supply, aggregate surfacing, culvert/pipe installation, asphalt paving, and retail aggregate supply (gravel, asphalt). As a family business, we invest in our employees over the long term, providing a bonus program and a complete benefits package including vacation, pension plan, and health insurance.

Summary

 

Reporting to the Paving Manager, the Hot Plant Operator is responsible for operating the hot plant and supervising the assigned crew. Responsibilities include material production and testing, quality control, setup, maintenance, change-over, and tear down of the hot plant.

 

Key Responsibilities

 

The responsibilities of the Hot Plant Operator include, but are not limited to:

Hot Plant Management & Operation

  • Operate the company’s portable hot plants at various job locations throughout central and western Montana
  • Manage and schedule raw material deliveries, and oversee other employees assigned to hot plants
  • Work closely with the Paving Manager to determine the most effective pit layout, ensure the hot plant        operations and asphalt mix design are meeting the expected specifications, and meet the supply demands of the paving crew in a timely manner.
  • Operate the loader and other heavy equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
  • Serve as the contact for the MDT asphalt tester who collects samples of asphalt mix for laboratory testing to measure compliance with volumetrics specifications
  • Serve as the key contact for the MDT Plant Inspector for asphalt mix performance and supply
  • Train new employees on the safe and efficient operation of the hot plant.
  • Identify and implement process improvements.
  • Perform all communication and management activities in a professional manner, particularly during stressful situations.
  • Monitor and manage crew member performance, ensuring the timely arrival and participation of all crew members, and notify employees of weather delays, prior to the start of work.

 

Safety & Compliance


  • Ensure that “Safety First” is understood and demonstrated by the hot plant crew.
  • Work in a safe, responsible manner to not intentionally or unintentionally injure yourself, or endanger the wellbeing of others.
  • Identify and address potential hazards or safety concerns to ensure worker safety and OSHA compliance.
  • Enforce and comply with company safety and EEO policies, DEQ and OSHA regulations and serve as the key contact on site.
  • Test materials, and adjust as needed, to ensure material specifications are being met.
  • Ensure compliance with air quality and environmental permitting requirements relating to the hot plant and participate in DEQ stack tests.
  • Understand pit boundaries and potential hazards associated with gravel mining.
  • Attend DEQ and MSHA training as needed.
  • Discuss, document and address all EEO complaints immediately.
  • Repair & Maintenance
  • Perform, prioritize and schedule routine cleaning and maintenance to ensure smooth operation of the hot plant.
  • Work with Shop Foreman and Paving Manager to plan for equipment repairs and purchases, and order equipment as required.

 

Administration


          Produce, review and submit daily production reports.

          Update work diary daily

          Daily review and approval of timecards.

 

Requirements/Experience

Schellinger is looking for a candidate with a minimum of 3 years of verifiable experience operating & maintaining hotplants


·         Mechanical knowledge of hotplant components

·         Understanding gradations and mix designs

·         Willingness to TRAVEL and work long hours

·         Team player with willingness to work with others

·         Wage depends on experience

·         High School Diploma or G.E.D. preferred

·         Commercial Driver License preferred

·         Computer and 480v/120v electrical experience necessary

·         Minimum 5 years’ experience within construction industry.

·         Work is performed in an outdoor setting, which includes inclement weather, heat and cold, and exposure to

          dust and asphalt

·         Successful applicant will be required to join or be a member of the Operating Engineers Union

Compensation and benefits offered with this role will be based on work experience and capability

Schellinger Construction Company is a drug free and Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.


Hourly Wage Estimation for Hot Plant Operator in Columbia, MT
$41.00 to $51.00
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