Asphalt Foreman
Grand Rivers, KY
Jim Smith Contracting is seeking an experienced Asphalt Foreman to lead a paving crew on heavy civil construction projects throughout our Western Kentucky service area. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the day-to-day operation of a paving crew — production, quality, safety, and schedule — on road, highway, and site paving projects.
This position is a union role, classified consistent with our other paving foremen.
What You'll Do
- Lead and direct a paving crew's daily operations, including asphalt placement, grade and slope control, joint construction, and compaction
- Read and interpret plans, grade stakes, and specifications to ensure paving meets project and DOT/spec requirements
- Coordinate paver, roller, and haul truck operators to keep production on schedule and within spec
- Maintain accurate daily crew time records (company-provided iPad/timekeeping system)
- Enforce all company safety policies and job-site safety standards; conduct or participate in job-site safety meetings
- Communicate daily with the Paving Superintendent on progress, material needs, and job-site issues
- Train, mentor, and hold crew members accountable to quality and productivity standards
- Maintain the company vehicle assigned to the position, keeping it clean and up to date on required maintenance
- Perform related duties as assigned
What We're Looking For
- Prior experience as a paving/asphalt crew leader, foreman, or lead laborer on heavy civil or highway paving projects
- Working knowledge of asphalt paving operations and equipment (pavers, rollers, milling machines, etc.)
- Ability to read grade stakes, plans, and specifications
- Strong leadership, communication, and crew-management skills
- Valid driver's license in good standing (Motor Vehicle Report required)
- Ability to pass a pre-employment background check and drug screening
- Willingness and ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, with extended hours during the paving season
- CDL a plus, not required
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, and work on uneven, hot asphalt and unpaved surfaces for extended periods, including full shifts of 8-12+ hours
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, and precipitation, and around dust, fumes, and loud equipment noise
- Frequent bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing on/off equipment and trucks
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. (tools, materials, barricades, signage) and occasionally more with assistance
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and, at times, hand tools and small equipment
- Sufficient vision, hearing, and reaction time to safely work around moving equipment and vehicular traffic
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive weekly pay, with a seasonal pay structure consistent with our paving operations (further detail provided during the interview/offer process)
- Full union health & welfare and pension benefits
- Company vehicle, cell phone, and iPad provided
- Paid vacation
- Year-end bonus eligibility