Field and Laboratory Technician

SOCOTEC company is a provider of niche consulting services within the architecture, engineering and construction industries focusing on high-performance buildings and specialty structures. Through an integrated, holistic approach, our professionals provide solutions for building envelope, energy efficiency, sustainability, code advisory and construction advisory projects.

SOCOTEC’s combination of expertise, experience and methods are increasingly recognized as best-in-class fueling significant growth. 

SOCOTEC is proud to announce that it has been officially certified as a Great Place to Work by the renowned global authority on workplace culture, Great Place to Work®.

Job Description

SOCOTEC is expanding its construction materials testing operations in Nashville and is seeking a Field and Laboratory Technician to join our growing team.

This is a hands-on position that will split time between construction project sites and our Nashville laboratory based on workload and project needs. The technician will work directly with the Laboratory Manager and Project Managers while supporting field observation, sampling, testing, and laboratory operations involving soils, concrete, aggregates, and asphalt.

The work directly supports decisions about whether construction materials and completed work meet applicable project specifications and testing standards.

Experience in construction materials testing is preferred, but not required. We welcome candidates who are new to the industry and demonstrate reliability, attention to detail, comfort working with numbers, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn. SOCOTEC will provide training and support qualified candidates in obtaining applicable industry certifications.

Laboratory Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing of soils, aggregates, concrete, and asphalt in accordance with ASTM, AASHTO, project specifications, and company procedures.
• Conduct testing including Proctor compaction, sieve analysis, Atterberg Limits, sand equivalent, uncompacted voids, concrete compression testing, and other standard laboratory procedures.
• Perform asphalt testing including ignition oven testing, Marshall and gyratory compaction, maximum theoretical density (Rice), and related test methods.
• Receive, sample, split, process, and prepare materials for testing.
• Accurately record observations, calculations, and test results and prepare testing reports for Project Managers.
• Update laboratory project forms, records, and folders with testing results.
• Operate, inspect, clean, and maintain laboratory testing equipment and assist with calibration and verification activities when required.
• Prepare data sheets, calculations, reports, and other testing documentation accurately and clearly.
• Maintain quality control documentation in accordance with laboratory procedures and accreditation requirements.
• Complete assigned laboratory work in a timely manner and in accordance with applicable test methods and project requirements.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Assist with general laboratory operations and special projects as assigned.

Field Responsibilities

• Report to assigned project sites at the requested time and perform field testing and observation activities through completion of the assigned work.
• Arrive at project sites with the equipment, paperwork, and supplies necessary to perform the requested tasks.
• Collect soil, aggregate, asphalt, and concrete samples in the field and properly identify, transport, and document samples for testing.
• Perform applicable field tests in accordance with standard test methods, project requirements, and company procedures.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of the ASTM, AASHTO, and other standard test methods applicable to assigned field activities.
• Operate field testing equipment, including nuclear density gauges, after completing required training and receiving authorization under the company's radiation safety program.
• Maintain clear communication with Project Managers regarding field activities, site conditions, testing results, and issues requiring attention.
• Prepare accurate and complete daily field reports and supporting documentation.
• Upload daily reports, test results, and project documentation through company project management and reporting systems.
• Maintain accurate and complete project files and records.
• Participate in technician quality control meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities.
• Assist with special projects and other field-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Preferred

• Previous field and/or laboratory experience in construction materials testing.
• Experience testing soils, aggregates, concrete, and/or asphalt.
• Working knowledge of ASTM, AASHTO, and industry-standard testing procedures.
• Soils and aggregate certification through ATTI, ASTM, AASHTO, or another recognized program.
• Asphalt testing certification through ATTI or an equivalent recognized program.
• Experience reading construction drawings, specifications, and testing requirements.

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record, as the position requires travel to project sites.
• Strong mathematical skills and ability to perform testing calculations accurately.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Basic computer proficiency and willingness to learn company reporting, testing, and project management systems.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Dependability and punctuality, particularly for scheduled project-site assignments.
• Willingness and ability to work both in the laboratory and outdoors at active construction sites.
• Flexibility to accommodate occasional early starts, extended workdays, or weekend assignments based on project needs.
• Ability to stand, bend, kneel, and walk over uneven terrain as part of normal field and laboratory activities.
• Willingness to participate in training and obtain applicable industry certifications.

Candidates who do not yet hold industry certifications or who are new to construction materials testing are encouraged to apply. Prior experience is preferred, but aptitude, reliability, attention to detail, and willingness to learn are equally important considerations.

Training and Certification

SOCOTEC provides structured, paid, on-the-job training. Depending on the candidate's existing experience and certifications, training may include:

• Concrete: ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I, concrete strength testing, and related procedures.
• Soils and Aggregates: Proctor compaction, sieve analysis, Atterberg Limits, sand equivalent, and related testing methods, with progression toward applicable soils and aggregate certifications.
• Asphalt: Ignition oven testing, gyratory and Marshall compaction, maximum theoretical density, and related asphalt testing procedures.
• Radiation Safety: Nuclear density gauge safety, radiation safety procedures, and applicable hazardous materials transportation training before operating nuclear gauges.

SOCOTEC supports the training and examination process for certifications required for the position. These industry-recognized certifications can support continued technical development and advancement within construction materials testing.

Career Development

This position provides an opportunity to join a growing Nashville operation and develop experience across both field and laboratory construction materials testing.

Technicians who demonstrate strong technical ability, reliability, initiative, and continued professional development may have opportunities to progress into positions such as:

• Senior Technician
• Lead Technician
• Field Supervisor
• Laboratory Supervisor
• Laboratory Management
• Other technical or operational roles within SOCOTEC

Physical

Job Description

Typical Working Conditions:

This job is primarily performed in an office laboratory with frequent visits to active construction sites, or project sites with frequent return office visits to drop off equipment, samples, paperwork, etc.

• While in the office there is moderate noise associated with people walking down the hallway and conversations in neighboring offices and office space.
• While in the field, there may be adverse weather conditions such as wind, rain, heat, cold, dust, and noise as well as varying terrains, and exposure to construction equipment and large earth moving vehicles.

Equipment Used:

This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, scanners, filing cabinets, postage machine, and fax machines. Field equipment (e.g., safety gear, rock hammers, hand augers, manometers, PIDs, etc.) and other types of equipment may be used during field visits.

Essential Physical Tasks:

The essential physical demands required of an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully:

• Operate equipment, which may require stooping, kneeling, bending, stretching and prolonged sitting.
• Maneuver around large field equipment and machinery.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, see, and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, use hands to touch and handle, and use arms to reach.
• This position occasionally requires the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to adapt to changing weather conditions and varying terrains.

Additional Information

SOCOTEC provides consulting, testing, inspection, and engineering services to the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. Our professionals deliver solutions across construction materials testing, geotechnical engineering, environmental services, building envelope, and other specialty consulting disciplines.

SOCOTEC offers competitive compensation and benefits, mentorship, training, professional development opportunities, and social activities. SOCOTEC has also been certified as a Great Place to Work®.

Job Type: Full Time

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

SOCOTEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.