Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
What is a Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators?
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy machinery used for the construction and maintenance of roadways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces. These operators handle a variety of equipment, including asphalt pavers, concrete spreaders, and tamping machines, to lay asphalt or concrete and ensure surfaces are smooth and properly compacted. Their work is crucial in the construction industry, as it involves preparing surfaces to be durable and long-lasting, while also adhering to safety and quality standards. Operators must have a deep understanding of the machinery they use, as well as knowledge of the materials and techniques specific to paving and surfacing. They typically work as part of a larger construction team and often must coordinate with other workers and follow detailed plans and specifications for each project.
Tasks
- Start machine, engage clutch, and push and move levers to guide machine along forms or guidelines and to control the operation of machine attachments.
- Fill tanks, hoppers, or machines with paving materials.
- Control paving machines to push dump trucks and to maintain a constant flow of asphalt or other material into hoppers or screeds.
- Observe distribution of paving material to adjust machine settings or material flow, and indicate low spots for workers to add material.
- Coordinate truck dumping.
Technology Skills
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
- Microsoft Outlook
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
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Time accounting software
- Time report software
Tools Used
- Road pavers
- Rollers
- Paving material mixers
- Bituminous material distributors
- Asphalt finishers
Knowledge
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Building and Construction
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
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Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Skills
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Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Abilities
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
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Rate Control
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
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Reaction Time
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate road-surfacing equipment.
- Load materials into construction equipment.
- Direct construction or extraction personnel.
- Monitor construction operations.
- Coordinate construction project activities.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$36470.0 - $81730.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.