OVERVIEW

H.E. Jackson Engineering Ltd (HEJ) is one of the leading providers of engineering solutions in Malawi and serves all sectors of the economy, including mining, energy, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing.

The company has vacancies at its Rumphi Project Site for:

Job Title: Drum Roller Operator (2 Positions)

Nature of Contract: 12 Months Fixed Term

Duty Station: Rumphi

1. JOB SUMMARY

The Drum Roller Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of drum rollers and compacting equipment used in construction and road projects.

The primary responsibility is to compact soil, gravel, sub-base, base course, asphalt, and other construction materials to the required density, level, and finish in accordance with project specifications and instructions.

The operator is responsible for the proper care and routine maintenance of the assigned machine and must comply with company procedures, site requirements, and health and safety standards.

2. KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate single-drum, double-drum, or other approved roller-compaction equipment safely and efficiently.
• Compact soil, gravel, sub-base, base course, asphalt, and other materials according to project requirements.
• Follow instructions from the Site Supervisor, Foreman, or Project Engineer regarding areas to be compacted and required compaction procedures.
• Operate the roller at appropriate speeds and vibration settings according to the material and site conditions.
• Maintain the required number of passes and appropriate overlap to achieve the required compaction.
• Monitor the surface being compacted and identify uneven areas, soft spots, excessive vibration, or other abnormalities.
• Work closely with graders, water bowser operators, tipper drivers, and other plant operators to achieve the required road or site finish.
• Carry out daily pre-start and post-operation inspections of the roller.
• Check engine oil, coolant, fuel, hydraulic fluid, tyres, drums, brakes, lights, steering, vibration systems, and other critical components.
• Check the condition and cleanliness of the roller drums and scraper systems.
• Report mechanical faults, oil leaks, unusual noises, vibration problems, or other defects immediately to the supervisor or mechanic.
• Perform basic routine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and servicing checks as authorized.
• Keep the machine clean and in good operating condition.
• Operate the machine within designated work areas and according to the approved site traffic-management plan.
• Maintain safe distances from workers, vehicles, excavations, structures, and other equipment.
• Exercise particular caution when reversing and use a banksman/spotter where required.
• Ensure the roller is parked safely and securely when not in operation.
• Complete machine-hour records, inspection checklists, fuel records, and other required documentation.
• Report daily operating hours and any issues affecting productivity or machine performance.
• Use the machine responsibly to minimize fuel consumption, unnecessary wear, and damage.
• Comply with all site safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Perform other reasonable duties assigned by management.

3. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) or equivalent is an advantage.
• Relevant training or certification in heavy plant or construction equipment operation is an advantage.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience operating drum rollers or similar compaction equipment.
• Previous experience in road construction, civil works, earthworks, or infrastructure projects is highly desirable.
• Practical knowledge of soil, gravel, sub-base, and asphalt compaction.
• Basic understanding of construction drawings, work instructions, and compaction requirements is an advantage.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to identify machine faults.
• Knowledge of construction-site health and safety requirements.

4. SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Competent and safe operation of drum rollers.
• Good understanding of compaction principles and procedures.
• Good machine-control and manoeuvring skills.
• Strong awareness of surroundings and site hazards.
• Ability to maintain consistent speed, vibration, and rolling patterns.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to follow technical and supervisory instructions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Reliability, punctuality, and good work discipline.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a construction team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet project schedules.

• Operate single-drum, double-drum, or other approved roller-compaction equipment safely and efficiently.
• Compact soil, gravel, sub-base, base course, asphalt, and other materials according to project requirements.
• Follow instructions from the Site Supervisor, Foreman, or Project Engineer regarding areas to be compacted and required compaction procedures.
• Operate the roller at appropriate speeds and vibration settings according to the material and site conditions.
• Maintain the required number of passes and appropriate overlap to achieve the required compaction.
• Monitor the surface being compacted and identify uneven areas, soft spots, excessive vibration, or other abnormalities.
• Work closely with graders, water bowser operators, tipper drivers, and other plant operators to achieve the required road or site finish.
• Carry out daily pre-start and post-operation inspections of the roller.
• Check engine oil, coolant, fuel, hydraulic fluid, tyres, drums, brakes, lights, steering, vibration systems, and other critical components.
• Check the condition and cleanliness of the roller drums and scraper systems.
• Report mechanical faults, oil leaks, unusual noises, vibration problems, or other defects immediately to the supervisor or mechanic.
• Perform basic routine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and servicing checks as authorized.
• Keep the machine clean and in good operating condition.
• Operate the machine within designated work areas and according to the approved site traffic-management plan.
• Maintain safe distances from workers, vehicles, excavations, structures, and other equipment.
• Exercise particular caution when reversing and use a banksman/spotter where required.
• Ensure the roller is parked safely and securely when not in operation.
• Complete machine-hour records, inspection checklists, fuel records, and other required documentation.
• Report daily operating hours and any issues affecting productivity or machine performance.
• Use the machine responsibly to minimize fuel consumption, unnecessary wear, and damage.
• Comply with all site safety, environmental, and operational procedures.
• Perform other reasonable duties assigned by management.

• Competent and safe operation of drum rollers.
• Good understanding of compaction principles and procedures.
• Good machine-control and manoeuvring skills.
• Strong awareness of surroundings and site hazards.
• Ability to maintain consistent speed, vibration, and rolling patterns.
• Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to follow technical and supervisory instructions.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Reliability, punctuality, and good work discipline.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a construction team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet project schedules.

• Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) or equivalent is an advantage.
• Relevant training or certification in heavy plant or construction equipment operation is an advantage.
• Minimum 2–3 years’ experience operating drum rollers or similar compaction equipment.
• Previous experience in road construction, civil works, earthworks, or infrastructure projects is highly desirable.
• Practical knowledge of soil, gravel, sub-base, and asphalt compaction.
• Basic understanding of construction drawings, work instructions, and compaction requirements is an advantage.
• Basic mechanical knowledge and ability to identify machine faults.
• Knowledge of construction-site health and safety requirements.