Asphalt Raker

Location: Rockville, Maryland
Job Type: Full-time (March - December)
Company: Francis O. Day Co., Inc.
Company Address: 850 East Gude Drive, Suite A, Rockville, MD 20850
Company Phone Number:  x110
Position: Asphalt Raker
Pay Range: $18.00 - 22.50/hr.; based on experience and qualifications

Francis O. Day Company is seeking a skilled and motivated Asphalt Raker to support our paving operations. This position is a critical, hands‑on role responsible for shaping, leveling, and finishing asphalt to meet project specifications and quality standards.

The Asphalt Raker works directly behind the paver, coordinating closely with the paver operator, screed operator, roller operators, and foreman to ensure a smooth, consistent, and properly compacted asphalt mat. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and a strong understanding of asphalt behavior and paving best practices.

This is a field‑based position essential to delivering high‑quality paving results on roadway, commercial, and industrial projects.

• Rake, lute, and shape hot mix asphalt to achieve proper grade, slope, and mat thickness.
• Work directly behind the paver to correct surface imperfections, seams, joints, and transitions.
• Assist with asphalt handwork around utilities, curbs, structures, edges, and confined areas where equipment cannot reach.
• Ensure smooth transitions at joints, tie‑ins, and longitudinal and transverse seams.
• Support screed operations by maintaining consistent head of material and mat appearance.
• Communicate effectively with the paver operator, screed operator, and foreman regarding mat conditions and needed adjustments.
• Assist with asphalt cleanup, shovel work, and hand finishing as required.
• Follow all safety procedures, OSHA regulations, and job site requirements.
• Support operator care, housekeeping, and overall crew productivity.

• 1-3+ years of experience as an Asphalt Raker or Asphalt Laborer on paving crews.
• Working knowledge of asphalt paving operations, including material behavior, temperature sensitivity, and compaction requirements.
• Ability to use rakes, lutes, shovels, and hand tools efficiently and correctly.
• Strong understanding of grades, slopes, joints, and paving tolerances.
• Ability to follow direction while working independently as needed.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and team‑oriented attitude.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and productivity.
• Valid driver's license preferred.

• Outdoor construction environment in varying weather conditions.
• Physically demanding work requiring prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
• Regular exposure to heat, asphalt materials, noise, and dust.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs repeatedly.

• 4 Paid Holidays
• Health Benefits (Health, Dental, and Vision)
• Sign‑on and referral bonuses
• Company paid Life and AD&D Insurance.
• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Opportunity for overtime
• 56 hours of Paid Sick & Safe Leave after 90 days.
• 1 week of vacation time after 1 year of service.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not constitute a contract. The company reserves the right to modify this description at any time without notice.

For over 80 years, family‑owned F.O. Day has developed into an award‑winning paving and excavation company by building close relationships with our extended family of valued clients, trusted employees, and dedicated subcontractors & suppliers. Francis O. Day Co., Inc. Headquarters supports its Regional Offices and four asphalt production facilities. Led by management in these facilities, our employees focus on safety, quality, and performance supported by state‑of‑the‑art technology and equipment.

Francis O. Day Co., Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without discrimination based on race, gender, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by Federal, state, or local law.