Asphalt Plant Operator

Knife River; Idaho Falls (ID); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Knife River Corporation in Idaho Falls is seeking an Asphalt Plant Operator to operate and maintain the plant safely and efficiently. You will manage schedules and daily duties for all plant personnel, and communicate with customers about orders and needs.

The role requires at least two years of asphalt plant experience, strong math and reading of specifications, and the ability to work in high‑pressure environments. Nights, weekends, and travel between plants may be required.

Qualifications

• Requires at least two years of asphalt plant operation experience.
• Able to monitor multiple plant systems for quality and profitability.
• Capable of working in high and confined spaces.
• Strong math skills and ability to work with statistical specifications.
• Strong planning, organization, communication, and observation.
• Able to read specifications, operator manuals, and maintain logs.
• Mechanical ability with welding and fabrication; strong troubleshooting.
• Positive attitude and ability to work well with others.
• Must pass pre-employment background check, physical/functional exam, and drug screen.
• Display a professional and courteous attitude toward team members and customers.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain asphalt plant safely and efficiently.
• Manage schedules and daily duties for all plant personnel.
• Communicate with internal and external customers regarding daily orders and needs.
• Track inventories of incoming and outgoing products.
• Participate in quality control and safety programs.
• Operate equipment and perform plant maintenance as directed by supervisor.
• Ability and desire to work in a high-pressure environment.

Skills

Asphalt plant experience

Plant system monitoring

Reading specs & manuals

Planning & organization

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Mechanical ability

Welding & fabrication

Safety mindset

Attention to detail

Tools

Loader operation

Welding equipment

Job description

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain asphalt plant in a safe and efficient manner
• Manage schedules/hours as well as daily duties for all plant personnel
• Communicate with internal and external customers with daily orders and needs
• Track inventories of incoming and outgoing products
• Participate in quality control and safety programs
• Operate equipment, perform asphalt plant maintenance, and other misc. duties as directed by supervisor
• Ability and desire to work in a high-pressure environment

This position will/may include nights and weekend shifts during the paving season.

This position will/may include travel between plants as needed by supervisor.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires minimum two (2) years experience in asphalt plant operation
• Must be able to monitor multiple plant systems for production of a quality and profitable product
• Must be able to work in high and confined spaces
• Need good math skills and the ability to work with statistical specifications with a high degree of accuracy
• Requires skills in planning, organization, communication, and observation
• Must be able to read and comprehend specifications, operators manual, instructions, and maintain operators log
• Must have mechanical ability with welding, fabrication, and good troubleshooting skills
• Need a positive attitude and the ability to work well with others
• Ability to operate loader helpful
• Ability to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, physical/functional exam and drug screen
• Display a professional and courteous attitude towards all team members and customers

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings & Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with Company Match
• Profit Sharing
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.

Veterans: Put your Skills to Work with Us! At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Asphalt Plant Operator position:

• Air Force:
  • Pavement and Construction Equipment Journeyman
  • Pavement and Construction Equipment Apprentice
  • Pavement and Construction Equipment Helper
• Army:
  • Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator
• Navy:
  • Maintenance and Production Chief

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.