47-2071.00Apprenticeship

Paving, Surfacing, & Tamping Equipment Operators

Operate equipment used for applying concrete, asphalt, or other materials to road beds, parking lots, or airport runways and taxiways or for tamping gravel, dirt, or other materials. Includes concrete and asphalt paving machine operators, form tampers, tamping machine operators, and stone spreader operators.

Career Cluster:Construction
Job Family:Construction and Extraction
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Construction
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3DMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Outlook

Key Tasks

  • Start machine, engage clutch, and push and move levers to guide machine along forms or guidelines and to control the operation of machine attachments.
  • Fill tanks, hoppers, or machines with paving materials.
  • Control paving machines to push dump trucks and to maintain a constant flow of asphalt or other material into hoppers or screeds.
  • Observe distribution of paving material to adjust machine settings or material flow, and indicate low spots for workers to add material.
  • Coordinate truck dumping.
  • Drive machines onto truck trailers, and drive trucks to transport machines and material to and from job sites.
  • Inspect, clean, maintain, and repair equipment, using mechanics' hand tools, or report malfunctions to supervisors.
  • Operate machines to spread, smooth, level, or steel-reinforce stone, concrete, or asphalt on road beds.
  • Set up and tear down equipment.
  • Light burners or start heating units of machines, and regulate screed temperatures and asphalt flow rates.
  • Control traffic.
  • Place strips of material, such as cork, asphalt, or steel into joints, or place rolls of expansion-joint material on machines that automatically insert material.
  • Shovel blacktop.
  • Operate tamping machines or manually roll surfaces to compact earth fills, foundation forms, and finished road materials, according to grade specifications.
  • Drive and operate curbing machines to extrude concrete or asphalt curbing.
  • Operate oil distributors, loaders, chip spreaders, dump trucks, and snow plows.
  • Operate machines that clean or cut expansion joints in concrete or asphalt and that rout out cracks in pavement.
  • Cut or break up pavement and drive guardrail posts, using machines equipped with interchangeable hammers.
  • Install dies, cutters, and extensions to screeds onto machines, using hand tools.
  • Set up forms and lay out guidelines for curbs, according to written specifications, using string, spray paint, and concrete or water mixes.

Skills

Operations Monitoring
66%
Operation and Control
60%
Monitoring
56%
Troubleshooting
50%
Repairing
50%
Coordination
50%
Critical Thinking
50%
Speaking
47%
Equipment Maintenance
47%
Active Listening
47%
Judgment and Decision Making
47%
Time Management
44%
Quality Control Analysis
44%
Active Learning
41%
Complex Problem Solving
41%
Reading Comprehension
38%
Social Perceptiveness
38%
Equipment Selection
38%
Learning Strategies
31%
Systems Analysis
28%
Systems Evaluation
28%
Mathematics
25%
Instructing
25%
Service Orientation
25%
Persuasion
22%
Management of Personnel Resources
22%
Writing
22%
Negotiation
22%
Installation
16%
Technology Design
16%
Operations Analysis
13%
Management of Material Resources
13%
Management of Financial Resources
13%
Science
3%
Programming
0%

Knowledge

Building and Construction
66%
Mechanical
57%
Mathematics
44%
Public Safety and Security
44%
Physics
44%
Customer and Personal Service
43%
Chemistry
37%
Administration and Management
36%
Design
36%
Law and Government
35%
English Language
34%
Education and Training
32%
Engineering and Technology
32%
Geography
30%
Production and Processing
30%
Transportation
27%
Psychology
23%
Computers and Electronics
23%
Communications and Media
21%
Personnel and Human Resources
21%
Biology
19%
Foreign Language
18%
Administrative
17%
Sales and Marketing
17%
Therapy and Counseling
17%
History and Archeology
16%
Telecommunications
14%
Sociology and Anthropology
14%
Fine Arts
14%
Economics and Accounting
14%
Medicine and Dentistry
12%
Philosophy and Theology
10%
Food Production
10%

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Abilities

Control Precision
69%
Problem Sensitivity
66%
Multilimb Coordination
60%
Reaction Time
56%
Rate Control
56%
Far Vision
53%
Static Strength
53%
Trunk Strength
53%
Speech Recognition
50%
Visualization
50%
Deductive Reasoning
50%
Extent Flexibility
50%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
50%
Oral Expression
50%
Oral Comprehension
50%
Depth Perception
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Information Ordering
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Response Orientation
50%
Manual Dexterity
50%
Near Vision
47%
Finger Dexterity
47%
Spatial Orientation
47%
Time Sharing
47%
Hearing Sensitivity
44%
Category Flexibility
44%
Stamina
44%
Inductive Reasoning
44%
Perceptual Speed
44%
Auditory Attention
41%
Gross Body Coordination
41%
Flexibility of Closure
38%
Written Comprehension
35%
Dynamic Strength
35%
Visual Color Discrimination
35%
Peripheral Vision
31%
Wrist-Finger Speed
31%
Speed of Limb Movement
28%
Glare Sensitivity
28%
Gross Body Equilibrium
28%
Number Facility
25%
Mathematical Reasoning
25%
Speed of Closure
25%
Memorization
25%
Sound Localization
22%
Explosive Strength
22%
Written Expression
22%
Originality
22%
Night Vision
19%
Fluency of Ideas
19%
Dynamic Flexibility
19%

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
85%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
84%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
74%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
73%
Performing General Physical Activities
73%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
66%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
66%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
66%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
66%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
65%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
64%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
62%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
62%
Training and Teaching Others
62%
Getting Information
61%
Handling and Moving Objects
60%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
58%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
57%
Coaching and Developing Others
56%
Thinking Creatively
55%
Developing and Building Teams
54%
Scheduling Work and Activities
53%
Assisting and Caring for Others
52%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
52%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
50%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
43%
Processing Information
43%
Analyzing Data or Information
42%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
40%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
39%
Documenting/Recording Information
38%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
38%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
36%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
33%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
32%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
30%
Performing Administrative Activities
30%
Staffing Organizational Units
30%
Working with Computers
29%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
25%
Selling or Influencing Others
21%

Work Context

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

83%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

83%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

82%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

82%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

81%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

81%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

81%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

81%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

81%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

80%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

79%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

75%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

74%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

74%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

72%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

70%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

70%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

68%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

67%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

67%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

66%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

66%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

65%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

65%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

64%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

63%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

62%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

62%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

61%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

59%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

57%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

56%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

55%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

52%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

52%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

52%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

51%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

49%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

48%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

47%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

46%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

45%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

43%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

40%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

39%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

38%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

36%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

35%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

35%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

35%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

34%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

32%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

31%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

29%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

25%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

23%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

16%

Education

Less than high school diploma

41%

High school diploma or equivalent

38%

Post-secondary certificate

21%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

100

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

45

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

12

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

0

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

0

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

0

Work Styles

Dependability
76%
Cautiousness
53%
Stress Tolerance
41%
Attention to Detail
40%
Integrity
30%
Perseverance
30%
Achievement Orientation
28%
Self-Control
28%
Cooperation
24%
Self-Confidence
21%
Adaptability
15%
Initiative
8%
Optimism
4%
Sincerity
4%

Work Values

Support
78%
Relationships
45%
Independence
39%
Working Conditions
31%
Achievement
22%
Recognition
17%

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