Construction Materials Technician
About the role
This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced project management and field services professionals to safely perform construction materials testing, inspection, and documentation on active construction sites.
Responsibilities
- Perform field observation, testing, sampling, and inspection of construction materials, including soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, and structural steel placement on construction sites.
- Execute field tasks in accordance with project requirements under the guidance of senior technicians, staff professionals, and project managers.
- Conduct routine field tests for soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, and structural steel placement using appropriate methodologies and testing equipment that comply with industry standards and project specifications.
- Follow established procedures and standards for construction materials testing to support quality control and compliance with engineering requirements.
- Perform calculations and data reduction based on sampling, test results, and inspections, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all recorded information.
- Prepare clear and detailed field reports that document site observations, test procedures, and results for all field work performed.
- Engage in drafting and other administrative duties as needed to support project documentation and reporting.
- Maintain daily communication with site contractors, other technicians, and project managers to coordinate testing activities and resolve field issues.
- Keep supervisors and project teams informed of changing site conditions, unexpected findings, and any additional testing requested or required.
- Attend project meetings with senior staff as requested to discuss project progress, findings, and any issues related to field testing and inspection.
- Receive and apply training in established methodologies for project observations, inspections, and testing, including proper documentation of findings.
- Adhere to heavy construction safety practices and procedures at all times, including safe lifting, equipment use, and compliance with site-specific safety rules.
- Use electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops to record data, complete reports, and communicate with project teams.
- Drive to and from job sites using personal transportation, following assigned routes and directions, and ensuring timely arrival for scheduled testing and inspections.
- Lift and carry materials, equipment, and samples weighing 40–70 pounds multiple times per day, and occasionally lift up to 85 pounds to waist height as required by field activities.
Requirements
- Minimum of 2 years of related experience in construction materials testing, inspection, or a closely related field.
- High school diploma or GED.
- Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain current basic-level certifications and at least two advanced certifications relevant to construction materials testing.
- Experience with concrete, concrete testing, and concrete inspection.
- Experience with construction materials testing and quality control practices.
- Strong understanding of heavy construction safety, practices, and procedures.
- Valid driver’s license and active insurance.
- Ability to provide suitable personal transportation for use on job sites.
- Ability to lift and carry 40–70 pounds multiple times per day and occasionally lift up to 85 pounds to waist height.
- Strong communication skills, including clear speaking, reading, and writing abilities.
- Ability to work effectively and professionally with clients, peers, and supervisors.
- Proficiency in using electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops for data entry, communication, and reporting.
- Strong math skills with the ability to read maps, follow directions, and interpret engineering and construction plans.
- Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Skills
- Basic-level construction materials certifications, with a commitment to maintaining them in good standing.
- At least two advanced certifications in relevant areas such as concrete, materials testing, or related disciplines (existing or obtained after hire).
- ACI certification experience or training related to concrete and materials testing.
- OSHA 10 training is a plus.
- Interest in pursuing additional certifications through organizations such as ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, RCI, various State Departments of Transportation, WACEL, and similar professional bodies.
- Interest in continuous professional development through internal and external training programs.
- Demonstrated attention to detail in documentation, reporting, and adherence to engineering standards.
Work Environment
This position is based onsite at a data center in Sandston, VA and involves daily work on active construction sites. You will spend most of your time outdoors or in partially completed structures, performing field testing and inspections in a dynamic, construction-focused environment.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $26.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include:
- Medical, dental & vision
- Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
- Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
- Short and long-term disability
- Health Spending Account (HSA)
- Transportation benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)