Asphalt Plant Operator

Who We Are:

For over 116 years and across four generations of family ownership, Brooks Construction Company, Inc. has stood for Family, Integrity, Respect, Safety, Teamwork, and Quality in the civil construction industry. Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with over 270 employees, Brooks Construction provides asphalt, concrete, earthwork, and pipe operations across northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio using best practices and innovative techniques to give our customers a quality product.

Job Summary

The Asphalt Plant Operator is responsible for the successful production of asphalt mix at an assigned plant site in the Greater Fort Wayne Area, including management of people, materials, and equipment. This position requires a thorough understanding of the asphalt manufacturing process, plant repairs, and plant maintenance. The Plant Operator ensures daily quality and production rates are achieved according to mix design and customer jobsite specifications. Duties include ordering raw materials, operating plant computer systems, coordinating with truck drivers and accounting personnel, and supervising up to two team members. This working leader position requires flexibility, dependability, and the ability to work overtime, weekends, nights, and the willingness to travel to other plant locations.

Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Communicates with foremen to determine daily material needs
• Coordinates with suppliers, plant manager, logistics, and vendors to order aggregates, liquid binder, repair parts, and supplies
• Schedules and supervises loader operators and ground crew
• Performs and oversees daily maintenance and repairs
• Completes daily plant recordkeeping and production reporting
• Operates plant computer systems to manage production and load trucks
• Monitors material temperature, quality, and adjusts production as needed
• Performs preventative maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of equipment
• Works with Maintenance Manager to identify and resolve equipment malfunctions
• Maintains system logs and documentation for testing and operations
• Assists with new equipment installations and modifications
• Works at heights up to 100 feet and performs physical repair tasks using tools and machinery
• Ensures site safety for all personnel and equipment
• Provides supervision, training, performance feedback, and discipline to plant personnel as needed

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Assists others in department as needed
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Decision-making and problem-solving ability
• Competence in operating and maintaining technical equipment
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments
• Basic math and measurement skills
• Dependability, reliability, and strong work ethic
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Safety-first mindset and ability to use PPE
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to adapt to changing demand and schedules
• Physical ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs and perform climbing, kneeling, crouching, and balancing tasks
• High attention to detail, accuracy, and efficiency

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Previous experience with motors, pulleys, belts, hydraulics, welding, electrical, or plant operations preferred
• Mechanical troubleshooting and heavy equipment experience preferred
• Membership in or willingness to join the local operating engineers union highly desired
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered

Physical Requirements

• Lifting/Carrying: Up to 50 lbs frequently
• Pushing/Pulling: Up to 50 lbs frequently
• Driving: Regular driving of automatic and possibly standard transmission vehicles
• Movement Requirements: Frequent standing, walking, and keyboarding; occasional sitting, bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, climbing, crawling, and reaching above shoulder level
• Use of Hands: Frequent use of hands for keyboarding and handling materials
• Environmental Exposure: Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat and cold, dust, wet surfaces, uneven terrain, and standing on concrete; frequent travel; frequent work in both indoor and outdoor environments

Working Environment

• Plant-based work environment
• Frequent interaction with foremen, superintendents, QC/QA lab, Safety, HR, Accounting, and other internal departments
• Work pace varies with asphalt demand
• Must be able to work long hours, weekends, and nights as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and manage plant personnel including Loader Operators and Ground Crew
• Provide leadership, performance feedback, training, and direction to ensure safe and efficient plant operations
• How to Apply:
• Online: Visit brooks1st.com/jobs to access our online Employment Application by clicking "View Open Positions and Apply Now!". Please include a resume if you have one.