How to hire a paver operator

How to hire a paver operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step paver operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a paver operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new paver operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the paver operator you need to hire. Certain paver operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A paver operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, paver operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   Here's a comparison of paver operator salaries for various roles:

   Type of Paver Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Paver Operator	Construction equipment operators drive, maneuver, or control the heavy machinery used to construct roads, bridges, buildings, and other structures.	$15-26
   Equipment Operator	Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing... Show more	$11-19
   Heavy Equipment Operator	Heavy equipment operators are skilled workers who are trained to handle heavy equipment. They are usually in the construction industry... Show more	$12-27

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Asphalt
   • Highway Construction
   • Loaders
   • OSHA
   • Construction Sites
   • Safety Standards
   • Safety Checks
   • Hand Tools
   • DOT
   • End Loaders
   • Screeds
   • Routine Maintenance
   • RAN
   • Water Truck

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Receive MSHA training and implement safety procedures daily.
   • Crane operator, Bidwell paving machine operator and setup.
   • Help to ensure EPA and OSHA standards and procedures are followed.
   • Install dies, cutters, and extensions to screeds onto machines, using hand tools.
   • Train to operate equipment in a safe and effective manner in accordance to MSHA regulations.
   • Start engine and control paving machine to push dump truck and maintain constant flow of asphalt into hopper.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your paver operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A paver operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, paver operators' average salary in georgia is 35% less than in minnesota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level paver operators earn 43% less than senior-level paver operators.
   • Certifications. A paver operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a paver operator's salary.

   Average paver operator salary

   $42,531yearly

   $20.45 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level paver operator salary

   $32,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 17, 2025

4. Writing a paver operator job description

   A paver operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a paver operator job description:

   Paver operator job description example

   City: [[Hays]]
   
   State: [[Kansas]]
   
   Postal/Zip Code: [[67601]]
   
   APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Construction, a part of CRH Company is a multi-million dollar heavy highway contractor that was established in 1874, and has multiple asphalt plants, ready mix plants, rock quarries and sand operations in Kansas. Shears is diversified with public, private and commercial work including paving, utility, dirt-grading and concrete flat work. Our valued employees produce quality work and products in a competitive market with safety first at all times. If you are seeking a rewarding career with challenging work, a variety of responsibilities, potential for advancement and looking for benefits of a large corporation with a small company feel, come join our team.
   
   Traveling Paver Operator: Do you want to work for a company that values your skills? Do you want to work for a company that values safety above all else? Are you looking for opportunities and benefits of a large corporation with a small company feel? Then CRH is the company for you! Apply for the Screed Operator today and jump start your career with the CRH family.
   
   Job Description Summary
   
   The selected candidate will be required to work in a team environment with other co-workers and managers.
   
   * Safely and efficiently operate heavy equipment of various sizes and weights used in road, site or highway construction and paving.
   * Control material taken into the paver and the depths of material distributed through the machine.
   * Develop an understanding of all aspects of the paving industry including preparatory work, grades, drainage, paving patterns, aggregate size, job specifications, oil consistencies, compaction and other details related to asphalt paving
   * Report any problems to your manager.
   * Operator will be responsible for a safe work environment for themselves and co-workers.
   * When working with co-workers, constant eye contact will be maintained when backing, communicating using hand signals or other movements.
   * Properly follow all company policies and OSHA / MSHA regulations for safe working procedures and environment.
   * Follow directions of Foreman as to daily tasks and expectations for each specific project or job site.
   * Perform minor servicing and maintenance of equipment; refer major problems to the Foreman.
   * Responsible for completing daily pre-and-post inspections with appropriate documentation in compliance with company policies.
   * Assist in training less experienced employees on the proper operations, servicing and repair of equipment to further their abilities.
   * Execute general labor duties when necessary.
   * Responsible for quality control and safety
   * Perform other duties as assigned.
   
   Work Requirements
   
   The ideal candidate will:
   
   * Pass pre-employment drug screen and criminal background check.
   * Pass a pre-employment "Fit for Work" physical.
   * Be able to provide valid documentation for the I-9 Immigration document.
   * Display a professional and courteous attitude to co-workers, supervisors and the general public at all times.
   * Display strong communication (written, verbal and listening skills) and interpersonal skills.
   * Basic computer knowledge, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.
   * Self-Motivated, strong team player.
   * Good attention to detail.
   * Report to work at the designated start time.
   * Must be willing to travel and work away from home when required.
   * Be willing to work nights and weekends when necessary.
   * Be willing to work outdoors in extreme temperatures, both hot and cold.
   * Strictly adhere to safety requirements and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
   * Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated operations and production areas as stated by OSHA and / or MSHA.
   * Have the willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as required.
   * Be at least age 18 years of age due to nature of working environment.
   
   Education/Experience
   
   * Minimum high school diploma or general education degree (GED) required.
   * Maintain current driver's license that meets state requirements.
   * Have a MVR that meets company standards.
   
   Keywords: Construction; Screed; Operator; Kansas; Hays
   
   What CRH Offers You
   
   * A culture that values opportunity for growth, development and internal promotion
   * Highly competitive base pay
   * Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
   * Group retirement savings program
   * Health and wellness programs
   
   About CRH
   
   CRH has a long and proud heritage as one of North America's largest corporations. We are a proud reflection of the hundreds of family businesses, local and regional companies and mid to large sized enterprises that together form the CHR family. Oldcastle operates with a decentralized, diversified structure, letting you work in a small company environment while having the career opportunities of a large enterprise.
   
   CRH is a great place to grow! If you're up for a rewarding challenge, we invite you to take the first step and apply today! Please complete your online application and profile which will be sent directly to the appropriate Hiring Manager. Thank you for your interest in the CRH family!
   
   Join our Talent Community to receive an email newsletter with hot jobs & career advice. Follow Oldcastle Careers on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, Pinterest, WordPress (Career Blog) and LinkedIn!
   
   APAC-Kansas, Inc., Shears Construction is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.
   
   EOE/Vet/Disability--If you want to know more, please click on this link.
   
   Date Posted: Oct 13, 2022

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find paver operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your paver operator job on Zippia to find and recruit paver operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Recruiting paver operators requires you to bring your A-game to the interview process. The first interview should introduce the company and the role to the candidate as much as they present their background experience and reasons for applying for the job. During later interviews, you can go into more detail about the technical details of the job and ask behavioral questions to gauge how they'd fit into your current company culture.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new paver operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect paver operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new paver operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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