ASSISTANT ASPHALT PLANT OPERATOR

Knife River - SD; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with Company Match

Paid Time Off

Paid Sick Time

8 Paid Holidays

Life and AD&D Insurance

Short-term Disability

Employee Assistance Program

Years of Service Recognition

Additional Voluntary Life Insurance

Critical Illness Plan

Accident Coverage Plan

Hospital Indemnity

Job summary

Knife River - SD is seeking an Assistant plant operator to assist in operating and maintaining the asphalt plant in Sioux Falls, SD. The role requires following safety regulations and working with team members to ensure smooth production.

The position calls for willingness to learn, conduct routine maintenance, and perform inspections with supervision. The job may involve varying hours during production and maintenance seasons and potential weather-related adjustments.

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Able to work independently and under time constraints.
• Troubleshooting & problem-solving.
• Maintenance skills.
• Record keeping and attention to detail.
• Critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Obey all safety rules and work in a safe manner.
• Work alone or with other employees in a friendly & cooperative manner.
• Be self-motivated.
• Be receptive to ongoing education about products and how they work.
• Operate a motor vehicle.
• Operate hand tools and safety equipment including grease guns, wrenches, shovels, fire hoses, cutting torches and stick welding.
• Perform routine plant maintenance, including clean up.
• Inspect plant for necessary maintenance and complete repairs as assigned.
• Communicate inspections to supervisor.
• Assist with operations of asphalt plant and maintenance as directed by supervisor.
• Be able to work at heights.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Independent work

Troubleshooting

Maintenance skills

Record keeping

Critical thinking

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

MS Office

Job description

ROLE OVERVIEW

Assistant plant operators are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the plant and must adhere to safety regulations at all times.

SCHEDULE

The typical schedule is Monday – Friday, 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM during production season. During maintenance season it is Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The schedule may vary due to weather and customer demand.

DUTIES AND/OR RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Obey all safety rules and work in a safe manner.
2. Work alone or work with other employees in a friendly & cooperative manner.
3. Be self‑motivated.
4. Be receptive to ongoing education about products and how they work.
5. Operate a motor vehicle.
6. Operate hand tools and safety equipment including but not limited to: grease guns, wrenches, shovels, fire hoses, cutting torches and stick welding.
7. Perform routine plant maintenance, including clean up.
8. Inspect plant for necessary maintenance and complete repairs as assigned.
9. Communicate inspections to supervisor.
10. Assist with operations of asphalt plant and maintenance as directed by supervisor.
11. Be able to work at heights.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
2. Strong organizational skills.
3. Knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
4. Able to work independently and under time constraints.
5. Troubleshooting & problem‑solving.
6. Maintenance skills.
7. Record keeping and strong attention to detail.
8. Critical thinking skills.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
2. One to three months related experience and/or training.
3. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
4. Driver's license preferred but not required.
5. Ensure OSHA, DOT, EPA, DNR, MSHA, Federal, State and Local safety and environmental regulation compliance, including attending training.
6. This position may require wearing a half mask respirator at times; fit testing will be required.

BENEFITS

1. Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
2. Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
3. 401(k) with Company Match
4. Profit Sharing
5. Paid Time Off
6. Paid Sick Time
7. 8 Paid Holidays
8. Company Paid Life and AD&D Insurance
9. Short‑term Disability
10. Employee Assistance Program
11. Years of Service Recognition
12. Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouses, and Dependents
13. Critical Illness Plan
14. Accident Coverage Plan
15. Hospital Indemnity

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Subject to pre‑employment drug testing and background checks.

EEO STATEMENT

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 laws.