Asphalt Screed Operators

Location: Rockville, Maryland

Job Type: Full-time (March – December)

Company: Francis O. Day Co. Inc.

Position: Screed Operator

Pay Range: $22.00 – $28.00 hourly (Depending on experience and qualifications)

Francis O. Day Company is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Screed Operator to support our asphalt paving operations. This position is responsible for controlling and operating the screed on asphalt pavers to achieve proper mat thickness, width, grade, and surface quality in accordance with project specifications.

The Screed Operator plays a critical role in mat quality and rideability, working in close coordination with the paver operator, rakers, roller operators, and foreman. This role requires a strong understanding of screed setup, adjustment, and asphalt behavior, along with a commitment to precision, consistency, and safety.

This is a field-based position essential to successful roadway, commercial, highway, and industrial paving projects.

• Operate and control the paver screed to achieve specified mat thickness, width, grade, and cross-slope.
• Set up, adjust, and monitor screed components including extensions, crown, heaters, vibrators, and grade controls.
• Maintain consistent head of material and coordinate with the paver operator to ensure uniform mat quality.
• Monitor mat appearance, texture, and joints, making real-time adjustments as conditions change.
• Ensure smooth transitions at longitudinal and transverse joints and tie-ins.
• Perform daily pre-operation inspections and operator care tasks specific to screed components.
• Communicate clearly with rakers, roller operators, and foremen regarding mat conditions and adjustments.
• Identify screed or equipment issues and report them promptly to supervision or equipment management.
• Maintain compliance with all safety procedures, traffic control requirements, and job site standards.
• Keep the screed area clean, organized, and free of buildup or obstructions.

• 3+ years of experience operating asphalt paver screeds on roadway or commercial paving projects.
• Strong understanding of screed operation, asphalt behavior, and paving best practices.
• Experience with common screed systems and paver brands (e.g., Blaw-Knox, Cat, Volvo, Dynapac, or similar).
• Ability to read grades, follow paving plans, and maintain tight tolerances.
• Mechanical aptitude and working knowledge of screed heaters, vibrators, extensions, and controls.
• Knowledge of job site safety, traffic control, and environmental requirements.
• Ability to work early hours, extended shifts, and variable schedules during paving season.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a paving crew.

• Outdoor construction environment in varying weather conditions.
• Prolonged standing and walking behind paving equipment.
• Exposure to heat, asphalt materials, noise, fumes, and traffic.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform manual adjustments and cleaning tasks.

• Competitive compensation
• Overtime Opportunity
• 4 Paid holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits
• Company paid Life and AD&D insurance
• 401k with company contribution
• 16 hours of paid Sick & Safe Leave after 90 days
• 1 week of vacation time after 1 year of service

Francis O Day Co. Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without any discrimination due to their race, gender, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by Federal, state, or local law. This policy extends to all aspects of employment with F.O. Day Company, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring decisions, assignment, advancement, compensation, benefits, retention, and termination.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.