Yard Person​/Plant Operator; Blacktop

Introduction

Peckham Industries Inc. (PII) has been a family run business since 1924 and we believe our “family by choice” ethos delivers value as the trusted supplier of construction materials, products, and services in the communities we serve. Through our extensive network of hot mix asphalt and ready‑mix concrete plants, quarries, and liquid asphalt terminals, PII delivers the highest quality materials and custom solutions to thousands of road construction and road maintenance customers.

The Yard Person/Plant Operator is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and organization of the asphalt (HMA) plant and assisting in the safe and efficient operation of plant processes. This role is essential to supporting daily production, ensuring quality asphalt output, and maintaining a safe, compliant, and productive work environment.

• Results Matter. Safely load, unload, stockpile, and manage materials (aggregates, RAP, liquid asphalt) using loaders, forklifts, and other heavy equipment to support asphalt plant operations.
• Dedication. Operate, monitor, and troubleshoot asphalt plant equipment, including drum/dryer systems, conveyors, silos, and related components, to ensure consistent production and adherence to mix specifications.
• Committed to Serve. Perform routine mechanical maintenance, repairs, and adjustments on plant equipment, utilizing stick/MIG welding, fabrication, and cutting skills to minimize downtime and maintain plant reliability.
• Determined. Maintain cleanliness and organization of the asphalt plant, yard, and equipment to promote operational efficiency and safety.
• Focused. Conduct pre‑shift and ongoing equipment inspections; identify mechanical or operational issues and report or resolve them promptly.
• Protect Family and Friends. Follow all safety procedures, environmental regulations, and lockout/tagout practices to ensure a safe working environment and compliance with air quality and environmental standards.
• Respect and Engage. Collaborate with plant operators, truck drivers, maintenance personnel, and supervisors to meet production schedules, deadlines, and quality standards.
• Communicate. Maintain clear communication with team members and supervisors while supporting shipping, receiving, dispatch, and overall plant operations.

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Relevant experience in asphalt (HMA), construction materials, or heavy industrial environments strongly preferred.
• Stick/MIG welding, fabrication, and cutting experience required.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain asphalt plant equipment required.
• Prior experience as a Plant Operator in an asphalt (HMA) facility is strongly preferred.
• Experience operating and maintaining asphalt plant components such as drums, burners, conveyors, silos, loaders, manlifts, and related equipment preferred.
• Requires basic computer proficiency to operate automated plant control systems, monitor asphalt production processes, input data, adjust system settings, and maintain electronic production records.
• Strong work ethic with a demonstrated history of punctuality, reliability, and consistent attendance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team‑based environment.
• Attention to detail with a strong commitment to safety, quality, and environmental compliance.
• Willingness and ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Legal right to work in the U.S.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position may require up to 5% travel by personal vehicle to offices throughout the state of New York, and New England based on the needs of the business.

Heavy Work:
Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Job involves sitting, standing, walking, climbing, reaching, bending, working at elevated heights, and working in confined spaces in all types of weather. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear in order to communicate effectively with employees and visitors.

At Peckham, you will experience our values wherever you work: corporate offices, plants, quarries, or paving operations. We share a common set of values - safety, integrity, dedication, and efficiency which are embedded in how we show up every day. Ours is a culture where we protect family and friends, our word is our bond, we are committed to serve and results matter.

Our values are the foundation of our growth, and we believe will pave the way for future success.