Shovel Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Asphalt Screed Operator / Lute Technician – Build Smooth, High-Quality Roads Across South Florida

Job Overview

• Company: Florida Blacktop Inc.
• Location: Pompano Beach, Florida. Field-based projects are primarily located throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. 
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Pay: $25-$35 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
• Schedule: Day, night, and weekend work may be required based on project needs
• Project Types: Parking lots, roadways, intersections, turn lanes, acceleration and deceleration lanes, patching, and commercial or government paving projects

The Opportunity

Florida Blacktop Inc. is seeking an experienced Asphalt Screed Operator / Lute Technician to join an active paving crew.

This position requires hands-on experience operating the screed on an asphalt paver and performing skilled lute and rake work. The successful candidate will understand asphalt placement, grade control, paving layout, mat thickness, joints, rolling patterns, and surface quality.

The ideal candidate can perform multiple functions during a paving operation and is willing to support the crew wherever needed, including shoveling, cleanup, and handwork at the end of a pass.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the screed on an asphalt paver during roadway, parking lot, patching, and commercial paving projects.
• Set and adjust screed controls to maintain the required elevation, slope, width, thickness, and surface quality.
• Use electronic grade-control systems, sonic controls, levels, stringlines, and paving references.
• Monitor the head of material, asphalt flow, mat thickness, temperature, speed, and overall paving consistency.
• Plan and set up paving passes using strong math, layout, and visual-assessment skills.
• Perform skilled lute and rake work to correct joints, edges, low spots, segregation, and surface irregularities.
• Understand when lute work is necessary and when excessive handwork may negatively affect mat quality.
• Coordinate closely with the paver operator, roller operator, truck drivers, foreman, and other paving-crew members.
• Communicate adjustments to paving speed, truck spacing, material flow, and screed settings.
• Understand proper rolling patterns and coordinate with roller operators to maintain density and surface quality.
• Assist with roller or compactor operation when qualified.
• Support paving work involving: Parking lots, Driveways, Roadways and mainline paving, Acceleration and deceleration lanes, Intersections, Turn lanes and turnouts, Patching and repair work. 
• Perform general crew duties, including shoveling, cleanup, hand finishing, and equipment preparation, when required.
• Inspect screed components and report maintenance or repair needs before they affect production.
• Follow company safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized work area.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience working on an asphalt paving crew.
• Hands-on experience operating the screed on an asphalt paver.
• Strong knowledge of electronic and sonic grade-control systems.
• Ability to use a level and perform paving-layout and grade calculations.
• Skilled experience using a lute or asphalt rake.
• Understanding of asphalt placement, material flow, mat quality, thickness, joints, edges, segregation, and rolling patterns.
• Ability to identify and correct paving issues before they affect the finished surface.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the paver operator, roller operator, truck drivers, foreman, and crew members.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to meet company driving requirements.
• Reliable transportation to project sites.
• Ability to work outdoors in South Florida weather and field conditions.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and extended shifts when project schedules require.
• Ability and willingness to perform physical paving work, including shoveling, cleanup, and hand finishing.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a fast-moving field crew.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating a roller or compactor.
• Experience with roadway and mainline paving.
• Experience with parking lots, intersections, turn lanes, acceleration and deceleration lanes, and patching.
• Experience using multiple paver makes, models, and screed-control systems.
• FDOT Asphalt Paving Level I certification.
• FDOT Asphalt Paving Level II certification.
• Advanced Maintenance of Traffic certification.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Spanish-English bilingual ability is a plus.
• Experience working on commercial, municipal, government, or federally funded paving projects.

Compensation and Benefits

• $25-$35 per hour, based on experience and qualifications.
• Weekly pay cycle.
• Overtime opportunities based on project schedules.
• Medical insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement savings program featuring employer matching and safe harbor contributions.
• Paid time off encompassing holidays and vacations.
• Annual discretionary bonus and profit-sharing opportunities.
• Travel project compensation, including a dedicated per diem allowance when applicable.
• Access to professional training programs, manufacturer training, and safety certifications.
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Exact benefit eligibility and plan details will be reviewed during the hiring process.

About Florida Blacktop Inc.

Florida Blacktop Inc. is a family-owned civil and heavy construction company serving South Florida. For over 42 years, the company has performed asphalt paving, roadway construction, earthwork, site development, underground utilities, concrete flatwork, and related civil work for commercial, industrial, municipal, and government clients.

Florida Blacktop Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Selection decisions are based on job-related qualifications, experience, performance, and business needs.