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Roading Construction Worker

Roading construction workers use machines and equipment to apply chip seal, asphalt and other materials to make surfaces such as roads, airport runways and driveways.

Tasks & duties

Roading construction workers may do some or all of the following:

check the machinery and equipment is in good working order
meet with other workers to discuss issues such as safety, hazards, the environment and the day's work
dig up road surfaces and create trenches for new cables or drains to be laid
tip and spread gravel and apply seal onto the surface
control the rate at which materials are tipped
compact and smooth the surface using a roller
pour and smooth concrete
carry out general carpentry duties
lay or repair pipes and drains
operate earthmoving machinery
direct and control traffic moving around a site being worked on
maintain machinery and equipment

Skills & knowledge

Roading construction workers need to have:

driving skills to operate heavy equipment and machinery
knowledge of the materials they use such as asphalt, road metals, and drainage pipes
knowledge of road construction methods and road marking
communication skills
basic maths skills
surveying skills and the ability to read plans
record keeping skills

Entry requirements

To become a roading construction worker you must be at least 18 years old. Most employers prefer you to have your driver's and heavy vehicle licence (Class G or I) before you start work. For further information on driver licensing contact Land Transport New Zealand.

Training on the job

Skills are gained on the job. Courses are available in operating machinery, first aid, drainlaying, traffic control and management. On-the-job training can lead to national certificate qualifications. For further information contact Infratrain.