Screed Operator

Martin Marietta Materials; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

401(k) with company match

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Martin Marietta is seeking a Screed Equipment Operator III in Colorado Springs. The role leads screed operations on asphalt pavers to meet exact depth, grade, and surface specs, using advanced 3D grade control and automated systems.

You will mentor junior operators and ensure high-quality ride quality on highways and runways. The position requires 3+ years in heavy equipment operation with at least 2 years in screed work, strong safety focus, and troubleshooting skills.

Qualifications

• OSHA compliance and regulations.
• Operational expertise in asphalt mix behavior.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem solving.
• Technical aptitude with automated paving tech.
• Ability to troubleshoot paving systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and adjust screed for width, depth, and crown.
• Troubleshoot automated systems (sonic sensors, 3D GPS, laser leveling).
• Coordinate with Paver Operator to regulate material flow.
• Adjust screed extensions and cut-off shoes for transitions.
• Monitor mat quality and adjust heat, vibration, or speed as needed.
• Perform material yield calculations and ensure alignment with estimates.
• Monitor screed temperatures to prevent sticking and ensure compaction.
• Inspect hydraulic lines, heating elements, and sensors.
• Clean and lubricate the screed daily and remove asphalt buildup.
• Follow OSHA and safety protocols and mentor junior operators.
• Communicate with crew to maintain continuous paving operation.
• Maintain daily logs of material usage and hours.

Skills

OSHA compliance

Operational asphalt expertise

Mechanical aptitude

Technical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Detail oriented

Time management

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Tools

3D GPS grade control

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Screed Equipment Operator III is a highly skilled technical role responsible for the precision application of asphalt materials. Operating at the highest level of the equipment series, this individual manages the screed unit on the asphalt paver to ensure the mat meets exacting specifications for depth, grade, slope, and smoothness. a Screed Equipment Operator III is expected to master advanced 3D grade control systems and automated electronics, while also serving as a lead technical resource for the paving crew. This role is critical to the ride quality of highways, runways, and commercial projects, directly impacting the final product's durability and safety.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate and adjust the screed to control the width, depth, and crown of the asphalt mat.
• Utilize and troubleshoot automated systems, including sonic sensors, 3D GPS grade control, and laser leveling tools to ensure sub-millimeter accuracy.
• Coordinate with the Paver Operator to regulate the flow of material from the hopper to the augers, maintaining a consistent 'head of material' in front of the screed.
• Manually or electronically adjust screed extensions and cut-off shoes to adapt to varying road widths and transitions.
• Continuously monitor the asphalt mat for defects such as tearing, segregation, or 'screed marks,' and make immediate adjustments to heat, vibration, or speed to correct issues.
• Perform real-time calculations of material yields and spread rates to ensure project volumes align with engineering estimates.
• Monitor and regulate screed plate temperatures to prevent material from sticking and to ensure proper compaction conditions.
• Conduct thorough inspections of the screed unit, checking hydraulic lines, heating elements, and electronic sensors for wear or damage.
• Perform daily cleaning and lubrication of the screed, including the removal of asphalt buildup (using citrus-based cleaners or approved agents) to maintain mechanical integrity.
• Adhere to all OSHA and Martin Marietta safety protocols. Proactively identify hazards related to moving traffic and heavy machinery, ensuring the safety of the ground crew.
• Serve as a mentor to junior operators, providing on-the-job training on advanced paving techniques and equipment troubleshooting.
• Communicate via radio or hand signals with the Paver Operator and truck drivers to ensure a continuous, non-stop paving operation (pave-by-link).
• Maintain accurate daily logs of material usage, equipment hours, and any site-specific challenges for the Foreman.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma, GED, or relevant experience

Work Experience

• 3+ years of Heavy Equipment Operation specifically in Asphalt Paving, with at least 2 years focused on Screed Operation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• OSHA compliance and regulations
• Operational expertise (asphalt mix behavior)
• Mechanical aptitude
• Technical aptitude
• Troubleshooting
• Detail oriented
• Time management
• Effective communication (written and spoken)

Additional Details

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.
• Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach.
• You must be able to maintain three points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.
• Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls.
• You must have good depth perception with or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.

Working Conditions

• All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet, dry and dusty.
• Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85 dbs.

Compensation & Benefits

The hiring range for this position is $32 -$41 exclusive of benefits or bonuses (discretionary and non-discretionary). The offered base compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, business need, market conditions, proficiencies, skills, education, and experience.

In addition to our base compensation, we also offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees, including medical, dental and vision coverage; prescription drug coverage; health savings accounts; flexible spending accounts; life, AD&D and disability insurance; 401(k) with a company match and an employer-funded defined benefit pension plan. Other benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, education/tuition assistance, an employee discount program, adoption assistance, wellness programs and more. Part time employees are eligible to participate in the 401k plan and receive a company match. In addition, they are eligible to start accruing service for the pension plan.

Medical Prescription Drug Dental Vision Health Care Reimbursement Account Dependent Care Reimbursement Account Wellness Programs Employee Assistance Plan Paid Holidays and Vacation 401(k) with Company matching Pension Salary Continuation - Short-Term Disability Long-Term Disability Options Employee Life Insurance Spouse & Dependent Life Insurance Business Travel Accident Insurance Direct Deposit Payroll Educational/Tuition Assistance Plan College Scholarship Program - for dependent children Matching Gift Program New Auto Purchase Discount Plans

Company Culture & Diversity

At Martin Marietta, we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all qualified applicants and teammates. We celebrate diversity and commit that qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

When you decide to invest your career in Martin Marietta, you'll know what it's like to be respected, challenged and rewarded.

Martin Marietta's Magnesia Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia and dolomitic lime products used worldwide in environmental, industrial, agricultural and specialty applications.

Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive.

A member of the S&P 500 Index, Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of heavy building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready-mixed concrete and asphalt. Through a network of operations spanning 28 states, Canada and the Bahamas, dedicated Martin Marietta teams supply the foundational resources upon which our communities thrive.