Job Description

The Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and high-quality production of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA). This role involves operating a computerized plant control system to regulate the flow of raw materials into the mixing process.

The Operator is expected to possess advanced troubleshooting skills, perform preventative and corrective maintenance on stationary equipment, and ensure all mixes meet strict Quality Control (QC) and Department of Transportation (DOT) specifications. This individual acts as a key steward of Martin Marietta’s Guardian Angel safety culture, ensuring a zero-injury environment while maximizing production uptime.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate automated plant control systems to monitor and adjust the flow of materials, temperatures, and mixing times.
• Ensure the precise blending of aggregates and liquid asphalt cement according to specific mix designs provided by Quality Control.
• Oversee the loading of asphalt into haul trucks, ensuring correct weights, legal load limits, and efficient traffic flow within the yard.
• Monitor levels of liquid AC (asphalt cement), fuel, and aggregate stockpiles; coordinate with the Loader Operator to ensure the plant remains fed.
• Perform advanced maintenance on conveyors, baghouses, drum dryers, screens, and elevator systems. This includes replacing bearings, adjusting belts, and repairing liners.
• Utilize arc welders and cutting torches to perform structural repairs and equipment modifications as needed.
• Identify and troubleshoot electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical malfunctions to minimize plant downtime during peak production hours.
• Maintain a clean and orderly facility, including the control house, yard, and equipment areas, to prevent safety hazards and environmental spills.
• Conduct comprehensive pre-shift and post-shift inspections of the plant and mobile equipment (skid steers, loaders, water trucks) and document findings.
• Ensure strict compliance with OSHA, and EPA regulations, specifically regarding dust control, emissions, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
• Proactively identify and mitigate workplace hazards; participate in safety meetings
• Maintain accurate daily production logs, maintenance records, and fuel/oil usage reports via company software
• Assist in the training and development of Laborers, sharing technical knowledge of plant systems.
• Function as the primary point of contact between the plant, the QC lab, and the dispatch office to ensure customer orders are completed accurately and timely.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Work Experience

1+ years of experience in Asphalt Plant Operations or a Heavy Industrial Manufacturing environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

OSHA compliance and regulations

EPA

Technical aptitude

Mechanical aptitude

Asphalt plant knowledge

Detail oriented

Time management

Effective communicator (written and spoken)

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Physical Requirements

Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.

Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.

Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

Working Conditions

All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty. Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.