Paver Operator

U.S. Pave | Fort Lauderdale, FL |

The Lead Paver is a hands-on, critical role responsible for operating the asphalt paver and leading the ground crew to ensure the efficient, high-quality placement and laydown of asphalt materials on commercial and municipal paving projects. This role reports directly to the Paving Foreman or Superintendent.

Key Responsibilities

1. Paving Operations & Quality Control

• Operate the asphalt paver (e.g., Cat, Roadtec, Vogele) in a safe and precise manner to achieve required mat width, depth, and density.
• Master machine control systems (e.g., sonic tracers, string line, 3D/GPS) to precisely guide Leeboy paver and maintain required specs.
• Adjust screed settings, sensors, and auger throughout the paving process to ensure a consistent, uniform mat and prevent segregation.
• Maintain a high degree of depth consistency across the paving width, ensuring the correct material volume is laid down for compaction.
• Control screed adjustments to maintain accurate grade and slope awareness according to plans and specifications.
• Monitor asphalt material temperature and quality upon arrival, maintaining a smooth, uniform laydown and alerting the Foreman immediately to any quality issues.

2. Logistics and Material Flow

• Monitor asphalt flow from the hopper and throughout the machine, managing the speed and pitch to maintain a consistent head of material.
• Coordinate directly with dump trucks and shuttle buggy operators to ensure a continuous, non-stop paving operation, minimizing seams and cold joints.
• Communicate constantly with the Roller Operator to ensure proper rolling patterns are established immediately behind the paver to achieve optimal compaction and density.

3. Crew Leadership and Safety

• Direct the ground crew (screed operator, laborers, rakers) in real-time during paving operations for efficient, synchronized execution.
• Enforce zero-incident safety protocols on the paver deck and around the paving zone, ensuring all crew members adhere to company and OSHA safety standards.
• Conduct pre-shift equipment inspections (paver and screed) and report any maintenance needs promptly to the Foreman.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of verifiable experience as a Lead Paver or Primary Paver Operator on commercial or highway projects.
• Technical Skills: Expert knowledge of asphalt paving principles, including achieving target compaction, joint construction, and mastering machine control for superior mat quality.
• Equipment Proficiency: Proven ability to expertly operate, adjust, and troubleshoot sensors and automatic grade controls on a variety of modern asphalt pavers.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, climb, and perform strenuous manual labor in all weather conditions for extended periods (8-12 hour shifts).
• Compliance: Willingness to adhere strictly to all safety and environmental regulations.

Key Competencies

• Precision: High attention to detail regarding depth consistency, grade, slope, and material consistency.
• Machine Control: Proficient in setting up and operating automated paving systems for dimensional accuracy.
• Leadership: Ability to give clear, concise direction under pressure and maintain focus within the paving crew.
• Logistics: Excellent communication skills to effectively coordinate material flow with truck drivers and the Foreman.
• Reliability: Dependable attendance and a proactive approach to equipment readiness and safety.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour

Language:

• English (Required)
• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Fort Lauderdale, FL 33331 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $25