Material Laboratory Technician (Pavement Smoothness Technician)

About the role

This is a full-time position with the Department of Transportation responsible for collecting inertial profiler pavement smoothness data for newly constructed Portland cement concrete and asphalt pavements and preparing smoothness reports for each project. The role also includes performing highway construction materials testing in the Central Materials Laboratory as assigned. Work assignments take place on active highway construction projects and inside a highway materials laboratory. Outdoor duties involve working in all weather conditions. The position requires travel within South Dakota, and some extended workdays may be necessary to complete pavement smoothness testing. Overnight travel is minimal.

Responsibilities

• Collect inertial profiler pavement smoothness data for newly constructed Portland cement concrete and asphalt pavements.
• Prepare smoothness reports for each project.
• Perform highway construction materials testing in the Central Materials Laboratory as assigned.
• Work on active highway construction projects and inside a highway materials laboratory.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Travel within South Dakota for work assignments.
• Complete pavement smoothness testing, which may require extended workdays.

Work environment

Laboratory work may involve exposure to dust, chemicals, noise, and heated materials.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Certification in one or more materials testing areas and/or one or more inspection areas within the first year of employment.
• Further certification areas determined by the supervisor according to job responsibility and needs.
• Required certifications must be maintained for continued employment.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field.
• Experience in highway construction inspection and materials testing.

Knowledge

• Techniques and procedures involved in the sampling and testing of materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways.
• Uses of common highway construction material testing equipment (preferred but not required).

Skills

• Computer skills to operate test equipment, Microsoft Office, and department-specific software.
• Mechanical skills to operate and maintain equipment.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations accurately.

Abilities

• Perform highway construction materials testing within acceptable standards.
• Understand and comprehend written materials in order to follow procedures.
• Set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of projects and assignments.
• Attend to all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly.
• Listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas.
• Display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals.
• Work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate.
• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to help others develop specific knowledge and skills needed to perform tasks.
• Actively identify development needs, take advantage of development opportunities, and apply newly learned knowledge and skills on the job.
• Read, interpret, and implement state and federal laws, policies, procedures, and standards in a variety of sampling and testing activities.
• Communicate effectively with SDDOT personnel and contractors.
• Maintain positive working relationships.
• Prioritize workload, schedule, and complete work within timeframes.
• Provide training and work directions to others.
• Use arms, legs, and back to safely move, drag, lift 30 pounds frequently, up to 50 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 100 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance).
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Benefits

• Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan).
• Well-being program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Flexible benefits including dental, vision, life insurance, critical illness, and more.
• Health savings account.
• 6% fully matched retirement plan.
• Vacation leave (15 days per year).
• Sick leave (14 days per year).
• Military leave (15 days per year).
• Paid parental and family medical leave.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Longevity pay.
• Semimonthly pay periods.
• Eligibility for meal per diems.

Pay

$25.02 hourly, depending on experience.

The total compensation of Hourly Wage + State/Federal Benefits for a typical year for an entry-level Pavement Smoothness Technician is approximately $72,490.00 annually.

Schedule

Full-time position with potential for extended workdays to complete pavement smoothness testing.