Entry-Level Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

This role supports construction projects by performing field and laboratory testing on soils, concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials. The construction materials technician reviews project plans and specifications, conducts inspections and observations under general supervision, and documents all activities with accurate daily reports. The position requires careful adherence to testing standards, safe operation and maintenance of specialized equipment, and clear communication of findings to project personnel. The technician helps ensure that construction materials meet project requirements and industry standards while consistently following all safety policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions for assigned projects and tasks.
• Review project plans, specifications, and testing requirements related to assigned work to ensure proper execution of tests and inspections.
• Perform field testing, inspections, and observations on construction projects under general supervision, following applicable standards and procedures.
• Document field activities thoroughly and submit daily reports that accurately reflect testing, inspection, and observation results.
• Identify non-conforming conditions or deficiencies during testing and inspections and communicate them promptly to appropriate project personnel.
• Assist with sample collection, including soils, concrete, asphalt, and other materials, in accordance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Conduct material testing and record data accurately to support quality control and compliance with specifications.
• Apply knowledge of soil classification, compaction testing, and other standard construction materials testing procedures in the field and laboratory.
• Clean, maintain, and calibrate assigned equipment in accordance with applicable standards, procedures, and manufacturer guidelines.
• Safely transport, operate, and maintain specialized testing equipment required for field and laboratory work.
• Accurately record, maintain, and organize testing and inspection records for future reference and reporting.
• Follow all company safety policies and applicable regulations while performing field and laboratory activities.
• Use computers, tablets, and proprietary software systems to complete reports, store data, and communicate results.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, contractors, and team members by communicating clearly and professionally.
• Represent the organization positively in both field and office settings through professional demeanor and reliable performance.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project demands while maintaining attention to detail and quality.

Essential Skills

• Basic understanding of construction materials testing, including concrete, asphalt, soils, and related materials.
• Basic knowledge of inspections, sample collection, and field documentation practices in a construction environment.
• Ability to accurately record, maintain, and organize testing and inspection records.
• Proficiency with computers, tablets, and common business software applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize proprietary software and reporting systems for data entry and reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with project personnel and documenting results.
• Ability to follow procedures, accept direction, and work independently after appropriate training.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, contractors, and team members.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to represent the organization positively in the field and office.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality and accuracy in all testing and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project demands and schedules.
• Commitment to working safely, ethically, and responsibly at all times.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to operate company vehicles safely.
• Familiarity with construction materials testing concepts such as concrete testing, concrete inspection, asphalt testing, soil sampling, and geology.
• Ability to use or learn to use a nuclear density gauge and other specialized construction materials testing equipment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to or interest in construction materials testing, including concrete, asphalt, soils, and related materials.
• Familiarity with American Concrete Institute (ACI) practices or certifications related to concrete testing and inspection.
• Awareness of National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) concepts or certifications in construction materials testing.
• Coursework in civil engineering, geology, or related disciplines.
• Experience with construction materials testing laboratories or field testing environments.
• Comfort working with specialized testing equipment such as nuclear density gauges and other field instruments.
• Interest in developing a long-term career in construction materials testing, inspection, and quality control.

Work Environment

The construction materials technician works primarily in the field on active construction sites, as well as in a laboratory setting for materials testing. The role involves regular travel to project locations using company vehicles and the safe transport of specialized testing equipment, including devices such as nuclear density gauges and other field instruments. Work is often performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain, requiring awareness of site safety practices and adherence to all safety policies and applicable regulations. The technician uses computers, tablets, and proprietary software systems to document test results, complete daily reports, and communicate with project teams. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, with changing priorities and schedules that require flexibility and strong time management. In the laboratory, the technician works with standard materials testing equipment and follows established procedures and calibration requirements to ensure accurate and reliable results. A professional appearance and conduct are expected when interacting with clients, contractors, and team members on-site and in the office.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $21.00/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 Nashville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.