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Asphalt Loader Operator Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Skilled Laborer - Paving

Hermitage, TN ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

Equipment Operation-Proficiency in operating large loaders with ability to accurately and smoothly ... Specialized skills in at least one area, such as grading, sign installation, concrete, asphalt, or ...

Skilled Laborer - Paving

Hermitage, TN ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20/hr

... Proficiency in operating large loaders with ability to accurately and smoothly maneuver and ... asphalt, or pipe laying. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities โ€ข Specialized Labor-Expertise in a ...

... loader, roadway roller, bulldozer, dump truck, tractor, and rotary brush hog mowers for maintaining ... asphalt road repairs as needed. Operates trucks with snow plows and spreaders and apply sand, salt ...

CDL Dump Truck Driver

White House, TN ยท On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Will be driving the new 2020 Volvo automatic tri axle hauling asphalt and pulling equipment trailer ... Ensuring that the materials are loaded correctly onto the dump truck. * Greasing the dump truck ...

Showing results 41-60

Asphalt Loader Operator information

See Tennessee salary details

$10

$17

$25

How much do asphalt loader operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for asphalt loader operator in Tennessee is $17.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.48 and $20.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an asphalt loader operator?

Asphalt Loader Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating heavy machinery, such as front-end loaders, to move and load asphalt and related materials at construction sites or asphalt plants. Their duties include transporting raw materials, loading hoppers or trucks, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They play a crucial role in the production and distribution of asphalt for road construction and maintenance projects. Attention to detail, equipment knowledge, and adherence to safety standards are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an asphalt loader operator, and why are they important?

As an Asphalt Loader Operator, you need a solid understanding of heavy equipment operation, safety protocols, and basic mechanical skills, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with front-end loaders, conveyor systems, and computerized load-out systems is commonly required, along with OSHA safety training or certifications. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and accurate handling of materials, contributing to smooth plant operations and project timelines.

What are some common challenges faced by asphalt loader operators, and how can they be overcome?

Asphalt Loader Operators often work in fast-paced environments where coordinating with truck drivers and plant operators is essential. Common challenges include maintaining safety while working around heavy equipment, managing time efficiently during peak production periods, and ensuring accurate loading to prevent material waste. Overcoming these challenges requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and adherence to safety protocols. Regular equipment checks and staying updated on best practices also help ensure smooth operations.

What is the difference between Asphalt Loader Operator vs Asphalt Paver Operator?

AspectAsphalt Loader OperatorAsphalt Paver Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL preferredHigh school diploma, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, equipment yardsRoad construction sites, paving areas
Job RoleLoads asphalt into pavers and trucksOperates paver to lay asphalt on roads
Common UsageUsed in asphalt production and transportationUsed in paving and road construction

While both roles are essential in asphalt road construction, the Asphalt Loader Operator primarily handles loading materials, whereas the Asphalt Paver Operator focuses on laying asphalt. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the industry.

What job categories do people searching Asphalt Loader Operator jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Asphalt Loader Operator jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Asphalt Loader Operator jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Asphalt Loader Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Asphalt Loader Operator job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,382 per year, or $18 per hour.

Equipment Operator Part Time (Open until filled)

City Of Columbia

Columbia, TN โ€ข On-site

Part-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Type
Part-time
Description
Job Summary:
Operates heavy automotive and other specialized equipment in the Public Works Group.
Essential Functions:
Performs scheduled maintenance and repairs on City streets, rights-of-ways, alleys, medians, storm water drainage systems, and retention basins;
Operates a variety of equipment, machinery and tools used in department projects and activities, which may include weed cutters, blowers, mowers, and chainsaws; learns to operate dump truck, backhoe, front-end loader, water truck, tractors and associated attachments, and other related equipment;
Assists in asphalt repair and replacement; dumps, rakes, spreads, and rolls/compacts asphalt; patching, crack sealing; applies cold mix to potholes; patches and repairs potholes in road surfaces; applies sealant to road cracks;
Assists in concrete repair and replacement for sidewalks, driveways, curbs, and gutters;
Maintains storm water drainage by cleaning catch basins, trash racks, and other storm water structures to prevent localized flooding; removes debris and other safety hazards from streets, curbs, storm drains, alleys, and adjacent public areas;
Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, checking fluid levels, replacing fluids, greasing equipment, replacing parts, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning shop/work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety;
May respond to emergency situations as needed involving accidents, road spills, debris, or other situations; assists with traffic control when necessary;
Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures;
Display courteous, civil, and respectful behavior to all persons and shall make every effort to meet the needs of citizens requesting assistance;
Refrain from the use of abusive, indecent or profane language or gestures in the workplace, in the performance of duties or in the presence of a member of the public;
Perform duties in a manner that is fair, impartial, and without prejudice toward any person or group;
Refrain from arguing unnecessarily with any person or otherwise showing a lack of self-control, ridicule, or defame any employee, elected official or any other person or any agency of the City of Columbia;
Display responsibility for attendance and promptness and report to the work area on time.
Communication:
Communicates with the general public, other city employees, management, or others to explain various job functions in the absence of the crew leader from the job site.
Notifies customers of the nature, duration, and cause of water and wastewater service interruption, answering questions as necessary, and referring problem customers to crew leaders
Manual/Physical:
Sets barricades and traffic cones in accordance with crew leader's instructions to safely reroute traffic away from the work area.
Operates a variety of construction power equipment including: jackhammer, tamper, easement machine, boring and tapping machines, and dump truck used for installing, maintaining, and repairing water and wastewater lines to facilitate project completion, to remove soil from excavation site, and move to and from different job locations.
Operates a motor vehicle or equipment such as: a combination truck, dump truck, crew truck with trailer carrying backhoe, various &fac12;- and &fac34;-ton, or larger trucks, etc., requiring a valid Class B CDL to service and maintain the City's water and wastewater systems.
Excavates the ground using a pick, shovel, spade, sharp shooter, or other tools to excavate at repair sites.
Moves objects, tools, and equipment (up to 75 pounds) for distances of up to 50 feet to load and/or unload and place equipment/material at job site with the assistance of hand carts, power winches, or rigging equipment.
Cleans work area, all hand, and/or power tools, and/or equipment around excavation site for next use.
Works with cleaning fluids, chemicals, piper spray, poly-vinyl-chloride, (PVC) pipe cleaner, glue, and mastic pipe sealant using normal protective equipment.
Manually excavates trenches and periodically exposes underground utility lines to identify any possible dangers or obstructions to backhoe operation.
Backfills, compacts, and cold patches holes and trenches remaining after construction maintenance or repair activity has been completed.
Loads materials and equipment needed for the day's work assignment(s) onto crew truck.
Shades, backfills, and compacts in conformance with established standard specifications for size and location of cut and type of fill material used.
Installs saddles, clamps, and other emergency repair devices, which may be required to stop leaks in water and wastewater mains and services.
Cleans, inspects, and clears blockages of wastewater mains and services.
Works in confined spaces, at depths of forty feet, or more under a wide range, of weather conditions.
May enter sewer manholes, wet well, and water meter vaults as necessary.
Meet scheduling, and attendance requirements.
Mental:
Applies general procedures for cleaning, inspecting, installing and repairing streets and wastewater lines to daily work assignments.
Learns job-related material through on-the-job training regarding the cleaning, inspecting, repair and, installation of water and wastewater lines.
Secondary Functions:
Performs other related duties as required.
Supervisory Functions:
None.
Requirements
Job Requirements
Please note: the minimum qualifications stated below are a guide for determining the education, training, experience, special skills, and/or license which may be required for employment in the class. These are re-evaluated each time the position is opened for recruitment. Please refer to the most recent Job Announcement for updated minimum qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications:
Knowledge, Skills:
Operation of various types of heavy equipment.
Hazards and safety rules and precautions in heavy equipment operation.
Traffic laws, ordinances and rules involved in equipment operation.
Street layouts and routes.
Safe, efficient operation of assigned equipment and observance of traffic laws and regulations.
Ability:
Perform general maintenance and service requirements of equipment in area of responsibility.
Record work activities and maintain daily logs and journals.
Detect needed repairs to make necessary operations adjustments.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and ability to work independently.
Coordinate eye and hand movements.
Provide lead supervision to personnel.
Fill out accident reports.
Deal with the public in the resolution of sanitation service problems.
Identify hazardous or special waste and take appropriate reporting action.
Certifications, Licenses, Registrations:
A commercial driver's license with endorsements.
Applicants will be required to undergo drug testing prior to employment and will be subject to further drug and alcohol testing throughout their period of employment in accordance with the City of Columbia Substance Abuse policy
Preferred Education:
High school education or Equivalency; and
One (1) year experience in street maintenance or civil construction; and
Valid Commercial Driver's License Class B
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Physical Conditions:
Working Conditions:
Performed in an outdoor environment and may include working in adverse weather conditions, vehicular traffic, and hazards involving the use of power tools and equipment and hazardous chemicals and materials.
Salary Description
$18.90 per hour minimum starting rate.