ASPHALT APPRENTICE - AD

Job Title: Asphalt Apprentice 1

Professional Pavement Services is a family owned, full-service paving, construction, and property maintenance contractor serving Central and Northern Ohio. We offer comprehensive, year-round construction and maintenance services, including asphalt, concrete, landscaping, power washing, and winter operations. Our mission is to build lasting partnerships and exceed expectations through quality work, safety, and integrity. We take pride in doing things the right way, supporting our team, and delivering work we can stand behind. Built on teamwork, accountability, and respect, we’re looking for people who want steady, hands-on work and the opportunity to grow with a company that invests in its people and serves its communities year-round.

Job Overview

Asphalt Apprentice Level 1 is an entry-level helper role focused on safety, basic asphalt support, and learning core paving processes. The apprentice is expected to assist with jobsite setup, handwork, cleanup, milling support, and material handling while following directions, maintaining safe habits, and building knowledge of asphalt workflow and crew operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Wear all required PPE correctly and consistently, including the safety gear required for hot asphalt work and active jobsite conditions.
• Understand basic asphalt hazards, including burn risk, moving equipment, truck traffic, and other struck-by or pinch-point dangers.
• Follow trailer safety expectations, including knowing how to inspect a trailer, move it safely, and report any concerns before use.
• Learn the basic paving workflow and be able to identify the purpose of each step, including prep, tack, raking, and compaction.
• Understand that asphalt is time-sensitive and work quickly enough to support the crew before the material cools and becomes harder to place and finish.
• Understand the purpose of tack coat and why surfaces must be properly prepared before paving over existing asphalt.
• Know the basic hand tools used on the paving crew, including the lute, rake, shovel, and broom, and be able to find and return them properly.
• Use hand tools as directed to move material into place, fill small low spots, support edge work, and help maintain a consistent mat.
• Show edge awareness by avoiding unnecessary damage to fresh asphalt and by protecting finished or unfinished edges.
• Assist with jobsite setup by placing cones, barricades, signs, and other control devices as directed.
• Avoid walking on unfinished mat unless specifically instructed to do so and move carefully around fresh asphalt and active work areas.

• Support base work and milling operations, including manually removing loose asphalt and helping keep the work area clean and organized.
• Follow instructions from the foreman and crew leads without repeated direction or unnecessary delays.
• Arrive on time, ready to work, and prepared for changing conditions and physically demanding work.

Qualifications

• Experience: Prior experience in asphalt paving or construction is preferred but not required; willingness to learn on the job is essential.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., stand for long periods, perform repetitive motions, and work outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Skills: Basic knowledge of hand tools and construction practices; ability to follow instructions and work effectively in a team setting.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent preferred but not mandatory.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license required. Must meet insurability standards. The ability to tow trailers or transport equipment is a plus.
• Additional Requirements: Ability to pass a drug test as part of a drug-free workplace policy.
• Phone: Must have cell phone to clock in and out daily, log jobs, and follow other company communications.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed outdoors at residential, commercial, or municipal properties, depending on the project.
• Exposure to dust, noise, chemicals, heavy materials, and seasonal weather is common; some tasks may involve heights or confined spaces.
• Schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime or weekend work during peak construction or landscaping seasons (spring through fall).

Salary and Benefits

• Pay Range: Starting wage aligns with local non-union standards (apart from prevailing wage jobs) and is commensurate with experience, versatility, and additional skills like lawncare/chemical application.
• Benefits:

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume via www.professionalpavement.net/careers