Asphalt Plant Operator

Barrett Paving Materials Inc. is a leader in heavy civil construction, specializing in aggregate production, asphalt plants, paving services, and road construction. With our people-first culture, we uphold the highest standards of safety, environmental conservation, and ethical conduct. As part of the Colas Group, the global leader in transportation infrastructure, we are committed to excellence. Learn more at

Barrett Paving, and the rest of the Colas USA Family of Companies, is part of the Colas Group, the worldwide leader in transportation infrastructure construction and maintenance. For information on our international network visit

Job Summary

The Asphalt Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of Barrett Paving Materials' processing plant at the MWC facility. This role ensures continuous production of high-quality asphalt or related products by controlling plant equipment, monitoring processes, performing routine maintenance, and coordinating with other operations staff. The Plant Operator supports quality control, environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance, and efficient production throughput.

Main Responsibilities

* Operate and monitor plant processing equipment (e.g., crushers, screens, conveyors, dryers, asphalt/aggregate mixing systems, silos, batching equipment) to produce product to specifications.

* Start up, run, and shut down plant processes according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and production schedules; adjust controls to maintain target mix, temperature, moisture, and particle sizes.

* Perform routine and on-demand process parameter checks (temperature, moisture, gradation, asphalt content, yield, throughput) and document readings; respond to boiler/chiller, burner, dust control, or process alarms promptly.

* Conduct pre-shift, in-shift, and shutdown inspections of equipment; coordinate maintenance needs with maintenance team; report and escalate abnormal conditions.

* Manage batch records, quality control data, and inventory transactions for raw materials and finished products; ensure accurate labeling and traceability.

* Monitor environmental controls (dust suppression, noise, emissions) and ensure compliance with environmental regulations and site permits; report spills or releases immediately.

* Implement and follow housekeeping standards; maintain a clean and safe work area around all equipment and material stockpiles.

* Troubleshoot process upsets and perform basic troubleshooting steps; coordinate with maintenance for more complex issues.

* Optimize production efficiency by adjusting material flow, stockpile configuration, and equipment sequencing while minimizing waste and energy use.

* Coordinate with dispatch, maintenance, quality assurance, and safety teams to align production with demand and safety requirements.

* Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, contributing ideas to improve efficiency, reliability, safety, and product quality.

* Ensure compliance with all Barrett Paving Materials safety policies, PPE requirements, and OSHA regulations; practice lockout/tagout when applicable.

* Train and mentor junior operators and temporary staff as needed.

Qualifications

* High school diploma or equivalent; technical degree or vocational training in plant operations, process technology, or a related field preferred.

* Prior experience operating processing plants or heavy equipment in asphalt, concrete, aggregates, mining, or chemical processing environments preferred.

* Knowledge of plant instrumentation, control systems, scales, and basic process control (e.g., PLCs is a plus).

* Ability to read and interpret production orders, SOPs, QA/QC data, safety instructions, and basic measurement/quantity indicators.

* Basic mechanical aptitude; willingness to perform routine maintenance and minor repairs with proper training.

* Physical ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 50 pounds; ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

* Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety and quality.

* Good communication and teamwork skills; ability to work with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

* Valid driver's license; ability to obtain any site-specific certifications or clearances required.

Work Environment

* Indoor/outdoor plant environment with exposure to heat, cold, dust, noise, and moving machinery.

* Exposure to asphalt, concrete, aggregates, fuels, and chemical additives.

* Shift-based work; may require overtime, weekends, or holidays as production demands.

* PPE required, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, respirator (if applicable), disposable or chemical-resistant gloves, high-visibility clothing, and steel-toe boots.

Equipment/Tools Used

* Plant control systems and monitors (DCS/SCADA, PLCs)

* Conveyors, crushers, screens, dryers, mixers, silos

* Scales for batching and material weighing

* Dust collection and suppression systems

* Basic hand tools (wrenches,…