Asphalt Plant Operator

CRH; Hutchinson (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Medical, dental and disability plans

Retirement savings program

Wellness programs

Internal promotion opportunities

Job summary

CRH’s APAC-Kansas, Inc. / Shears Construction unit is seeking an Asphalt Plant Operator to oversee production operations at our state-of-the-art facility in Kansas.

You will lead a hands-on crew, ensure safe, efficient plant performance, and maintain high-quality output while following all safety and regulatory guidelines. The role emphasizes mentoring teammates, strict adherence to processes, and active participation in maintenance and improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical certifications a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.
• At least 2 years of related plant/industrial/construction experience preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to pass pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check.
• Safety protocols and OSHA/MSHA awareness required.
• Willingness to travel or work away from home as needed.
• Flexibility for nights, weekends, or extended hours.

Responsibilities

• Champion a safety-first culture and support zero-incident goals.
• Supervise, coach, and develop plant personnel.
• Manage workforce assignments to maximize productivity.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and OSHA/MSHA rules.
• Proactively address operational issues with leadership.
• Plan daily plant maintenance to minimize downtime.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization across the facility.
• Report major maintenance/issues to supervisors promptly.
• Mentor less-experienced team members and promote teamwork.
• Contribute to general labor and production tasks as needed.

Skills

Front end loaders operation

Skid loaders operation

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Excel basic

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Job ID: 529515

APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Construction, is a multi-million dollar heavy highway contractor that was established in 1874, and has multiple asphalt plants, ready mix plants, rock quarries and sand operations in Kansas. Shears is diversified with public, private and commercial work including paving, utility, dirt-grading and concrete flat work. Our valued employees produce quality work and products in a competitive market with safety first at all times. If you are seeking a rewarding career with challenging work, a variety of responsibilities, potential for advancement and looking for benefits of a large corporation with a small company feel, come join our team.

Empower Your Career. Build the Future.

Are you ready to take your expertise to the next level? We are seeking a dedicated and driven Asphalt Plant Operator to join our industry-leading team. This is your opportunity to grow professionally, lead with confidence, and shape the foundations of communities by overseeing the heart of our production operations.

As an Asphalt Plant Operator, you will not only ensure the smooth, efficient, and safe operation of our state-of-the-art plant, but you will also be instrumental in fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment. We believe people are our greatest asset, and we invest in talent who are committed to excellence, safety, and innovation.

Why Join Us?

• Pay: $20-25/hr. based on experience.
• Industry Leader: Join a company with an outstanding reputation for quality, safety, and employee satisfaction.
• Growth Opportunities: Professional development is at our core. We mentor, train, and promote from within.
• Supportive Culture: Thrive in an environment where your contributions are valued, and collaboration is encouraged.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer attractive pay, comprehensive benefits, and a clear path for advancement.
• Modern Facilities: Operate and maintain cutting-edge equipment and technology in a safe and clean environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a safety-first workplace for yourself and your team, actively supporting our zero-incident goal.
• Supervise, evaluate, coach, and inspire plant personnel to reach their full potential.
• Efficiently manage workforce assignments to maximize productivity and morale.
• Ensure full compliance with all company policies, OSHA/MSHA regulations, and industry best practices.
• Proactively identify and address operational challenges, communicating effectively with leadership to find solutions.
• Plan and oversee daily plant maintenance, ensuring reliability and minimizing downtime.
• Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and organization throughout the facility.
• Promptly report major maintenance or operational issues to the appropriate supervisory personnel.
• Play a hands‑on role in onboarding and mentoring less‑experienced team members, elevating the skill set of the entire workforce.
• Contribute to general labor and production duties as needed, demonstrating flexibility and teamwork.
• Be a reliable presence, maintaining regular and predictable attendance to support your team and the business.
• Embrace and execute other assignments that support operational goals.

What We’re Looking For: Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; higher education or technical certifications a plus.
• Valid driver’s license.
• At least 2 years of related experience in a plant, industrial, or construction setting strongly preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Ability to pass pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check.
• Strict commitment to safety protocols and procedures at all times.
• Willingness to travel or work away from home as company needs dictate.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, or extended hours as required by operational demands.

Essential Skills And Knowledge

• Proficiency in operating front end loaders, skid loaders, and similar heavy equipment.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills, including accurate record‑keeping.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to direct and support others.
• Basic computer literacy, including competency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Solid foundation in mechanical and electrical systems relevant to plant operations.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow written and verbal instructions precisely.
• Problem‑solving mindset, with the initiative to address issues proactively and collaboratively.
• Commitment to personal growth and development, and a passion for mentoring others.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Frequently required to climb, balance, and perform tasks involving physical agility.
• Regularly sit, climb, and use hand signals or equipment; occasionally stand, walk, crawl, kneel, bend, stoop, crouch, or reach above shoulder height.
• Lift and move objects weighing up to 25-50 lbs as needed.
• Work primarily outdoors, often in extreme weather and environmental conditions.
• Comfortable working in all weather conditions; exposed to jobsite hazards such as moving machinery, high places, airborne particles, and loud environments.
• Must have specific vision abilities, including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, to operate equipment safely.
• Reasonable accommodations provided as necessary to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Your Impact

As an Asphalt Plant Operator, your dedication and leadership directly fuel our success. You will play a vital role in producing the materials that build roads, create infrastructure, and connect communities. Your commitment to safety, quality, and teamwork ensures that every day, every project, and every teammate thrives.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you are motivated by challenge, inspired by teamwork, and looking to build a meaningful career with a company that values your growth—this is your next great opportunity. Join us as we shape the future, one project at a time.

What CRH Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• Health and wellness programs
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About CRH

CRH has a long and proud heritage. We are a collection of hundreds of family businesses, regional companies and large enterprises that together form the CRH family. CRH operates in a decentralized, diversified structure that allows you to work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large international organization.

APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Construction, a CRH Company, is an affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability

CRH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.