It takes an asphalt paving crew to successfully complete an asphalt project, with each member performing an important and integral role in the process. When everyone knows their job description, the result is high-quality asphalt paving that lasts for years and endures.
Asphalt Paving Crew Foreman
Foremen are the supervisors on the jobsite that oversee work, planning schedules, assigning tasks, ensuring all the equipment is on-site, and supporting safety initiatives, among others. The foreman creates and maintains a line of communication and keeps the project on time and on-budget. Contractors look to hire asphalt crew pavement foremen who have experience on the job as well as strong leadership skills.
Haul Truck Driver
Haul trucks are the most efficient and economical way to transport asphalt from the plant to the jobsite. Haul truck drivers load up, cover the tarp with the load, drive it (safely!) to the jobsite, position the truck for the other laborers, and dumping the load for paving. There’s a sequence to loading as well as safety guidelines for transporting and unloading — a part of the process that is also dangerous.
Dump Person
While it may sound like a funny job role, the dump person is a crucial part of the asphalt paving team: They are the go-between for the haul truck driver and the paver operator. The dump person controls the flow of asphalt and watches out for any other potential danger, and any miscalculation can cause imperfections in the pavement at best or even injury to someone on the jobsite.
Paver Operator
This one’s pretty self-explanatory. This job entails operating the paver machine that lays down the asphalt. Paver operators need to have a comprehensive and thorough understanding of how the paver works and recognize when it’s working properly. They also need to keep track of how much asphalt is being laid, how much time is left to complete the day’s work, keep up with the pace, and lay down payment in straight lines.
Screed Operator
The screed creates a flat surface on the asphalt pavement, which means the operator is kind of like the quarterback of the team. Screeds are complex equipment, and how it’s handled can make or break the quality of asphalt pavement. Operators need to be fully aware of how the machine’s working, communicate frequently with other asphalt team members and the foremen, and document important details about the screed at the end of the day.
Lute Person
Team members using a lute work to make the asphalt surface (called a mat) smooth and level. A lute is similar to a rake but it’s more complex and less straightforward to use. The lute person needs to practice this skill and turn it into an art; this requires quite a bit of physical endurance. Improper technique can cause uneven mats, delay in work, or even a physical injury to the lute person or others.
Roller Operator
After the lutes are used to level the mat, the roller operator literally rolls in. Using roller machines takes skill and finesse, as well as a deep understanding of the roller and how to use it. Rollers can also be used before the first coat of asphalt is laid to compact the surface layer, so an operator should know several different compacting methods for each stage of the asphalt pavement process.
Other Jobs In Asphalt Paving
General asphalt crew members will fill in and support other key players in an asphalt pavement team. These crew members may have different tasks every shift, so it’s key that they’re flexible, adaptable, and have an understanding of a range of asphalt paving skills. They also need to understand traffic direction and safety to keep the jobsite clear of danger on the roadways.
When you’re looking to hire an asphalt paving contractor, ask about their team. Vet their key team members and talk to the foreman. The better the answers, the more comfortable you can be with working together. Because of our collective team, we work together to make every project a success.
We perform your job on schedule to minimize business interruption and keep your overall project timeline. Our base of knowledge and experience will provide you with the solution that will work best with your application, whether it’s new construction, reuse of existing materials, maintenance, or repair of your facility’s parking lots and drives. Let’s talk more about how our team can tackle your next commercial paving project.