Asphalt Operator I

At GAF, we cover more than just buildings. We cover each other. Under this roof, you will have the tools and resources you need to grow and develop in your career. You will experience our incredible culture and will be empowered to support your teammates, your customers, and especially your community. Under this roof, we define the future while leading the present through our deep well of experience and our responsibility to the future to drive improvements and innovation in our products. We are GAF. And under this roof, we protect what matters most.

About GAF - Newton, Kansas

Newton is a vibrant Kansas community founded in 1871 on a spirit of work, from its earliest days as a railroad, agriculture and cattle drive hub. With a population of about 20,000, Newton and neighboring North Newton features an active arts community, three National Historic Districts, a variety of museums, trails, restaurants, shops and attractions, Bethel College, award winning school districts, a championship golf course, first-class convention center and many other amenities. This collaborative region is close to dynamic Wichita and may be the next best place for you to call home, in GAF’s newest “Field of Dreams!” 

New Plant, New Opportunities

If you haven’t been part of a greenfield startup, now is your chance. GAF is the North American leader in residential roofing materials. We are honored to be constructing our newest shingle manufacturing facility in Newton KS and hiring is underway as we build our initial plant leadership team. Due to our investment in training and the development of employees, you will have the opportunity to travel to our other locations, engage with peers, support the hiring of plant staff and participate in the design and construction of the facility. Expect your first years to be rewarding and challenging with an amazing team fully supporting you. You will wear many hats during the construction and commissioning phases of the project, and ease into your steady role over time.

Job Summary
Under the direction of the Asphalt Yard Supervisor, the Asphalt Operator I supports primary operations through the monitoring, testing, and unloading of raw materials. This role is responsible for general maintenance, upkeep of equipment, and acting as relief for Level II operators as required.



Essential Duties

• Champion a safe and clean work environment, embedding safety as the highest priority within our culture.
• Participate in safety, continuous improvement, and 5S initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with safety policies and procedures, conduct inspections of plant areas and/or equipment, and ensure deficiencies found are resolved or appropriately communicated.
• Responsible for unloading asphalt/flux from railcars and trucks, including safe connection to steam systems for heating
• Obtains and tests samples from holding tanks, railcars, and trucks to ensure conformance to quality specifications.
• Manages the flow of materials using P&IDs and system knowledge; assists Level II operators with pump operation and valving
• Performs basic maintenance, including bi-weekly plug valve lubrication and pump strainer changes
• Maintains accurate records of daily transactions, flux tank levels, and receives shipments of self-seal and other raw materials
• Keeps all asphalt yards and unloading areas clean and compliant with environmental standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications Required

• H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) required
• 2+ years in a safety sensitive position within a high volume manufacturing environment

General Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A demonstrated commitment to safety
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to work as a team player
• Situational awareness in plants with moving machinery, overhead hazards and pedestrian walkways
• Strong communication skills required when working with employees at all levels of the organization
• Ability to pivot quickly to operational disruptions
• Able to work under limited supervision make independent judgement and decisions as necessary.
• Ability to identify problems and resolve conflicts within a collaborative, team-driven environment
• Ability to identify and react to upset conditions such as leaks, pressure spikes, or equipment malfunctions and report them immediately
• Ability to perform manual labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs with assistance, climbing industrial ladders, working on elevated catwalks, and unloading rail cars
  
• Ability to maintain productivity during an 8 to 12 hour shift that may involve bending, lifting, and mounting/dismounting equipment.
• Ability to work effectively with Level II Operators to provide relief and support during complex process changes or maintenance activities
• Excellent organization skills.

Technical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Entry-level proficiency in Google suite and/or Microsoft Office
• Knowledge of OSHA and FRA regulations, Lock, Tag Verify, Fall protection and PPE required for hot liquid handling
• Understanding of secondary containment, spill prevention, and reporting procedures for oil and asphalt
• Understanding of piping layouts, valve types (plug, gate, check), and the mechanics of asphalt/flux flow from railcars and trucks to storage.
• Knowledge of safe steam connection procedures used to heat high-viscosity materials to flowing temperatures
• Understanding of the specific gravity, temperature, and viscosity requirements for incoming raw materials
• Skill in obtaining representative samples from tanks and transport vessels and performing basic lab tests to ensure conformance to specifications
• Ability to perform "Autonomous Maintenance," including the lubrication of plug valves, changing of pump strainers, and basic pipe fitting
• Skill in using computer systems to log daily transactions, inventory levels, and safety audits accurately
• Ability to safely operate pumps, blowers, and air compressors under the guidance of a Level II operator or supervisor
• Skill in directing or assisting in the precise positioning of transport vehicles for unloading operations.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis for safety and loading incidents

Qualifications Preferred

• Previous working knowledge of P&ID’s (Piping and Instrumentation diagrams), valve operations, and use of hand tools for routine maintenance

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position - Frequently
• Move/Traverse - Frequently
• Stationary Position/Seated - Frequently
• Transport/Lifting - Frequently
• Transport/Carrying - Frequently
• Exerting Force/Pushing -
• Exerting Force/Pulling - Frequently
• Ascend/Descend - Frequently
• Balancing - Frequently
• Position Self/Stooping - Frequently
• Position Self/Kneeling - Frequently
• Position Self/Crouching - Frequently
• Position Self/Crawling - Frequently
• Reaching - Constantly
• Handling - Constantly
• Grasping - Frequently
• Feeling - Occasionally
• Communicate/Talking - Frequently
• Communicate/Hearing - Frequently
• Repetitive Motions - Frequently
• Coordination - Frequently

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold - Frequently
• Extreme heat - Frequently
• Humid - Frequently
• Wet - Frequently
• Noise - Frequently
• Hazards - Frequently
• Temperature Change - Frequently
• Vibration - Frequently

Travel Requirements: May require 25% of travel in connection to job duties as it relates to conferences, site visits, professional development or learning opportunities, etc. in which advance notice of travel expectations/events will be provided.

How We Protect What Matters Most:

GAF complies with federal, state, and local disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR Services at 833-HR-XPERT.