Laboratory Technician I

About the role

Raba Kistner, Inc. is a premier engineering consulting and program management firm. Our purpose is to build a better and more sustainable world for our employees, their families, our clients, and the communities we serve. Our core values are Community (“We care for our communities”), Integrity (“We act with integrity”), Passion (“We infuse passion into everything we do”), Quality (“We believe quality comes from a culture of innovation and continuous improvement”), and Growth (“We dedicate ourselves to personal and business growth”).

Responsibilities

• Sampling, processing, and testing materials in accordance with established procedures and specifications, including proper documentation of testing results (ASTM, AASHTO, DOT, US Corp of Engineers, etc.)
• Perform physical/index/chemical construction material laboratory testing as assigned:
  • Concrete/Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) testing (concrete cylinder/CMU/core prep and compressing, specialty concrete testing, etc.)
  • Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) testing (gradations, AC content, density, etc.)
  • Soils (roadway base, select fills, subgrade, etc.) testing (moisture/density, Atterberg Limits, gradations, specialty, strength, etc.)
  • Aggregate testing (gradation, specific gravity, unit weight, etc.)
• Properly document hours worked and assist in client billing efforts.
• Perform and keep documentation of routine maintenance and calibration of equipment.
• Maintain a neat/clean/safe laboratory and work space.
• Maintain relevant certifications and regularly review pertinent testing methods.
• Meet deadlines and priorities according to established procedures.
• Demonstrate safe usage, storage, and maintenance of all tools and equipment, including company vehicle.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external personnel.
• Understand, adhere, and participate in the Raba Kistner Health & Safety and BBS Programs, setting a good example of safety standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license within the applicable jurisdiction and meet firm’s auto insurability requirements.
• Laboratory Technician In Training: High School Diploma or GED required; no experience necessary.
• Laboratory Technician I: At least 6 months of applicable experience in the materials testing and inspection industry and possess at least 1 or more industry certification (ACI, NICET, TXDOT, ICC, PTI, or other comparable industry certifications as approved by hiring manager).
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to read and understand instructions, labels, reports, etc.
• Good oral and written communication skills including the ability to write short correspondences, notes, letters and memos.
• Must be safety minded and willing to put safety first in performing all duties.
• Physical requirements: regularly required to sit, stand, walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and talk; regularly required to lift and/or move up to 70 pounds (with or without assistance); daily use of hands and reach; specific vision abilities required include close vision, far vision, color vision, peripheral vision, focus vision and depth vision.
• Work environment includes potential exposure to movement of heavy equipment on construction or roadway sites; hazardous chemicals and solvents, noise, dust, fumes, grease and oils, radiant and electrical energy, and vibration; requires implementation of proper safety procedures and use of appropriate protective equipment.
• Regular use of non‑complex machines, tools, and equipment; must possess dexterity to utilize delicate and small laboratory equipment.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
• Position may require protracted or irregular hours; flexibility to work irregular hours is necessary due to client needs.