Quality Control Technician
About the role
Quality Control Technician is responsible for inspecting materials being produced, preparing and testing samples, interpreting and reporting results, and conducting routine and special laboratory testing to ensure conformance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and VMC standards on all materials. Examines causes of poor product quality, researches causes of complaints and implements corrective action. Acts as a source of knowledge to operations personnel with the ability to advise and recommend changes.
Responsibilities
- Samples and conducts testing on aggregates conforming to the appropriate standard test methods.
- Field and laboratory testing of complete product line to ensure Quality Control of products at the point of production, shipping and arrival upon the jobsite. Test methods include but are not limited to ASTM, AASHTO and DOT.
- Performs testing proficiently and accurately.
- Communicates test results in a timely manner to supervisor and properly documents in database.
- Troubleshoots problems and reviews basic product specifications.
- Visually inspects stockpiles, materials sources, and truck loads at plant sites.
- Monitors daily the construction of the stockpile to ensure that segregation and contamination is kept to a minimum or eliminated; notifies management immediately if contamination is identified.
- Conducts testing and assists in plant calibrations to ensure the proper quality of the product.
- Completes all required reports in a timely and accurate manner; maintains appropriate hard copy files.
- Periodically inspects, calibrates and maintains testing equipment.
- Ensures housekeeping standards are maintained in and around the lab.
- Develops and maintains relationships with state/county/city inspectors and customers to allow for proper and timely communication of test results and speedy resolution of any product quality issues or concerns.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Education: High School diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.
- Experience: Entry level (0–2 years) laboratory testing experience in construction aggregate, HMA, or RMC properties. May have prior training or experience in materials testing and demonstrates proficiency to perform basic Quality Control duties.
- Preferred certifications:
- ACI Concrete Laboratory Technician Level I
- N.I.C.E.T. Level II (Asphalt & Concrete)
- State and locally required certifications
Skills
- Customer Focus: Builds positive customer relationships and gains trust and respect, prioritizing their needs and using feedback to improve products and services.
- Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, while actively listening and adapting the message to the audience.
- Team Player: Works cooperatively and effectively with team members to achieve shared goals, willingly assisting others and fostering a positive and productive team environment.
- Planning and Scheduling: Effective planning of repair procedures, scheduling work considering resource availability, and maintaining necessary inventory.
- Problem Solving: Identifies, analyzes, and resolves work-related issues efficiently and effectively using practical knowledge, experience, and hands-on skills. Finds practical solutions, implements fixes, and adapts to unexpected challenges.
- Quality Control: Ensures that products, services, or processes meet quality standards by systematically inspecting and testing them to identify defects and make necessary improvements.
- Good math skills with ability to perform simple to moderately complex arithmetic calculations.
- Ability to maintain and calibrate testing equipment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Google, Oracle Business Environment, and other software packages relevant to the position.
- Attentive to detail; performs material testing in an orderly, efficient, and accurate manner.
- Documents all inspection and testing activities.
- Strong verbal communication skills for dealing with plant production personnel, plant managers, customers, and agency representatives.
- Ability to problem solve and work independently.
Requirements
- Knowledge and awareness of construction and mining site hazards.
- Required to wear protective gear when working in the field, including gear to protect against exposure to noise, dust, and hazardous materials (safety glasses, steel‑toe boots, hearing protection, hard hat).
- Must maintain awareness to safeguard against possible hazards.
- Required to lift and transport sample buckets and bags of up to 50 pounds.
Pay
The base hourly range for this role is between $28.00 – $32.00 per hour. This range is not inclusive of discretionary bonus or equity package. Compensation considers skillset, experience, job scope, and current market data.