Drum Roller Operator

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT@ H.E. JACKSON ENGINEERING LTD (HEJ)

POSITION: DRUM ROLLER OPERATOR (2 POSITIONS)

Location: Rumphi

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:

Job Title: Drum Roller Operator (2)

Nature of Contract: 12 months Fixed Term

Duty Station: Rumphi

Reporting to: Project Manager, Site Manager & Plant & Workshop Manager

Department: Plant & Equipment

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 on 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.

Interested candidates who have met the above requirements should send their applications together

with certified copies of certificates and CVs to the address that is convenient, no later than 16th September 2026:

Email: hr@hejackson.com

Postal Address:

The Head of Human Resource

H.E. Jackson Engineering Ltd

Kanengo Industrial

P. O Box 1218

Lilongwe

Malawi

Physical Address:

Kanengo Industrial

Plot 91, Area 28

Lilongwe

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.