Distributor Operator -- Lewiston/Clarkston

Knife River Corporation; Clarkston (WA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Knife River Corporation is recruiting a Distributor Operator for Lewiston/Clarkston. The role involves operating an asphalt distributor to apply emulsions on roadways, followed by chip sealing. This position relies on prior experience and may require workday and night shifts.

As part of our team, you will work outdoors in all seasons, perform safety checks, maintain equipment, and support paving operations. Knife River is an Equal Opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Experience operating an asphalt distributor is preferred.
• Not entry-level; requires demonstrable previous experience as an Asphalt Distributor Operator.
• Ability to work day and night shifts; shifts may vary by project.

Responsibilities

• Operate asphalt distributor truck and apply emulsions to road surfaces.
• Set the pace for paving operations and ensure proper spray width.
• Perform daily safety checks and basic maintenance on equipment.
• Shoot tack, prime, and seal as needed and adapt to project demands.

Skills

Shift work

Outdoor work

Equipment operation

Job description

Distributor Operator -- Lewiston/Clarkston

Job Category: Truck Driver

Requisition Number: DISTR002760

• Posted : January 5, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Lewiston Construction - Knife River

Description

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it’s our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

Knife River has an excellent opportunity for a Distributor Operator. The Distributor Operator position consists of operating an asphalt distributor by applying specialized emulsions to roadways, which are then covered by a chip spreader. The operator is responsible for setting the pace for the paving operation. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as an Asphalt Distributor Operator.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have an understanding, and ability to spray various asphalt emulsions on road surfaces.
• Must be able to workday shifts and night shifts. Shifts may vary according to project demands.
• Must be able to work overtime and be flexible with hours (daytime/nighttime).
• Ability to work outside in all seasons.
• Must have transportation to departure area.
• Drive and operate asphalt distributor truck equipped with tank to spray asphalt emulsions on road surfaces.
• Connect hose from storage tank to truck tank and moves lever to fill pressure tank with asphalt liquid.
• Regulate burner to heat liquid and start auxiliary pump.
• Snap or screw on spray bars to attain required width of spray.
• Turn valve to regulate flow of material at specified rate and adjust levers to adjust height of spray bar from road surface.
• Monitor flow gages, tachometer and temperature gauge to insure uniform distribution.
• Perform daily safety checks of fluid levels on oil, water, fuel and inspections for leaks and damage to machine before operation.
• Must be able to shoot tack, prime, and seal on a daily basis, as needed.
• Responsible for the efficient working condition of the equipment; and is expected to perform minor servicing and maintenance or refer major problems to the supervisor.
• May perform other related duties as instructed.
• Timely and regular attendance is essential to the asphalt distributor position.

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.

Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.

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 Distributor Truck Driver position:

Air Force:

• Ground Transportation Apprentice
• Ground Transportation Journeyman

Army:

• Motor Transport Operator
• Equipment Operator

Marines:

• Motor Vehicle Operator
• Logistics Vehicle System Operator

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.