Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on performing critical construction materials testing and observation services on a wide range of infrastructure and commercial projects, including roadways, bridges, airports, large commercial developments, remediation projects, schools, universities, solar farms, and retail developments. The construction materials technician conducts field and laboratory testing of soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel, documents and analyzes results, and supports project teams by ensuring that construction materials meet quality and specification requirements. This position offers strong growth potential into geotechnical and environmental engineering careers, as well as advancement into project management roles within an employee-owned, multi-discipline firm.

Responsibilities

• Perform field testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials such as soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel in accordance with specified procedures and training.
• Conduct laboratory testing of construction materials to verify compliance with project specifications and standards.
• Provide clear, accurate, and timely documentation of testing activities, observations, findings, and results.
• Perform basic analysis of test data to verify accuracy before communicating and submitting results to the project manager.
• Communicate test results, observations, and any issues or anomalies to the project manager and other designated personnel as directed.
• Follow established testing protocols, safety procedures, and quality control standards during all field and laboratory activities.
• Operate, maintain, and calibrate testing equipment, including nuclear density gauges and other field and laboratory instruments, to ensure reliable performance.
• Conduct concrete testing, including sampling, slump, air content, and cylinder preparation, as well as concrete inspection activities as needed.
• Perform soil testing and soil sampling, including compaction testing and use of nuclear density gauges to verify in-place densities.
• Assist with asphalt testing and inspection activities related to quality control and quality assurance of paving operations.
• Support materials testing and inspection for structural steel and other construction materials, following applicable codes and standards.
• Use laptop computers and software such as Microsoft Word and Excel to prepare reports, data logs, and other project documentation.
• Collaborate with project teams in the field to help ensure that construction materials and workmanship meet project requirements.
• Train and mentor lower-level technicians when appropriate, sharing knowledge of testing procedures, safety practices, and quality standards.
• Pursue and maintain relevant certifications, such as ACI Level I and other materials testing or inspection credentials, with support from the company.
• Adhere to company policies related to driving, safety, and field conduct while operating company vehicles and equipment.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of relevant construction field experience, such as construction work or a materials-related co-op.
• Hands-on experience with concrete testing and inspection, including familiarity with field concrete operations.
• Experience with steel-related inspection or testing in a construction environment.
• Experience with compaction testing for soils and aggregates, including in-place density verification.
• Ability to perform construction materials testing for soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel in the field and laboratory.
• Familiarity with construction materials testing concepts, including quality control and quality assurance practices.
• Experience with soil testing and soil sampling procedures.
• Ability to use or learn to use nuclear density gauges for compaction and density testing.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a vehicle for field assignments.
• Ability to meet background, motor vehicle record, and drug screening requirements as defined by company policy.
• Proficiency with laptop computers and basic software tools, including Microsoft Word and Excel, for data entry and report preparation.
• Strong critical thinking skills to evaluate test results and identify potential issues.
• Strong interpersonal presence and communication skills to interact effectively with project managers, field personnel, and other team members.
• Willingness to work in field conditions and travel to various project sites as required.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Progress toward or interest in obtaining ACI Level I certification for concrete field testing.
• Experience or certifications related to ICC, including ICC Soils or other inspection disciplines.
• Familiarity with NICET certifications in materials testing or related areas.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) credentials, or interest in pursuing them.
• Experience with nuclear density gauge operation and maintenance.
• background in engineering, construction, or materials testing, including exposure to geotechnical or environmental projects.
• Experience with quality control and quality assurance programs for construction materials.
• Interest in pursuing a career path in geotechnical or environmental engineering.
• Interest in growing into assistant project manager or project manager roles over time.
• Ability to participate in leadership-focused training programs and mentorship opportunities.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain additional certifications and training, supported financially by the company.
• Comfort working in a multi-discipline environment that includes environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services.

Work Environment

This position is primarily field-based, with work performed at active construction sites and in materials testing laboratories. The work environment involves supporting a wide variety of projects, including transportation infrastructure, commercial developments, educational facilities, and renewable energy installations. Technicians regularly handle testing equipment such as nuclear density gauges and other field and laboratory instruments, and they use laptop computers for data entry and reporting. Work hours may include overnight and weekend assignments, for which a premium pay program provides additional compensation. The role includes driving to job sites, with access to a company truck and gas card, and participation in a driving performance program that rewards safe driving with gift cards. The organization operates as an employee-owned firm with profit sharing opportunities, strong employee retention, and a culture that emphasizes leadership development and career growth. Benefits, based on eligibility, may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs. The company promotes a collaborative, growth-oriented environment where employees can advance into geotechnical, environmental, and project management roles while working within a multi-discipline team.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Buffalo, NY.

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 the following:
• 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)

This is a fully onsite position in Buffalo,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.