Construction Materials Technician

Construction Materials Technician (Construction Inspector) | Onsite in Sandston, VA | Pay: $20 - $26/hr

Job Description

This role offers the opportunity to work alongside experienced project management and field services professionals to safely perform construction materials testing, inspection, and documentation on active construction sites. You will support a variety of projects by conducting field observations, tests, and inspections on soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, and structural steel, while building your technical expertise and professional certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform field observation, testing, sampling, and inspection of construction materials, including soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, and structural steel placement on construction sites.

• Execute field tasks in accordance with project requirements under the guidance of senior technicians, staff professionals, and project managers.

• Conduct routine field tests for soils, aggregates, concrete, grout, masonry, asphalt, and structural steel placement using appropriate methodologies and testing equipment that comply with industry standards and project specifications.

• Follow established procedures and standards for construction materials testing to support quality control and compliance with engineering requirements.

• Perform calculations and data reduction based on sampling, test results, and inspections, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all recorded information.

• Prepare clear and detailed field reports that document site observations, test procedures, and results for all field work performed.

• Engage in drafting and other administrative duties as needed to support project documentation and reporting.

• Maintain daily communication with site contractors, other technicians, and project managers to coordinate testing activities and resolve field issues.

• Keep supervisors and project teams informed of changing site conditions, unexpected findings, and any additional testing requested or required.

• Attend project meetings with senior staff as requested to discuss project progress, findings, and any issues related to field testing and inspection.

• Receive and apply training in established methodologies for project observations, inspections, and testing, including proper documentation of findings.

• Adhere to heavy construction safety practices and procedures at all times, including safe lifting, equipment use, and compliance with site-specific safety rules.

• Use electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops to record data, complete reports, and communicate with project teams.

• Drive to and from job sites using personal transportation, following assigned routes and directions, and ensuring timely arrival for scheduled testing and inspections.

• Lift and carry materials, equipment, and samples weighing 40-70 pounds multiple times per day, and occasionally lift up to 85 pounds to waist height as required by field activities.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of related experience in construction materials testing, inspection, or a closely related field.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Ability and willingness to obtain and maintain current basic-level certifications and at least two advanced certifications relevant to construction materials testing.

• Experience with concrete, concrete testing, and concrete inspection.

• Experience with construction materials testing and quality control practices.

• Strong understanding of heavy construction safety, practices, and procedures.

• Valid driver's license and active insurance.

• Ability to provide suitable personal transportation for use on job sites.

• Ability to lift and carry 40-70 pounds multiple times per day and occasionally lift up to 85 pounds to waist height.

• Strong communication skills, including clear speaking, reading, and writing abilities.

• Ability to work effectively and professionally with clients, peers, and supervisors.

• Proficiency in using electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops for data entry, communication, and reporting.

• Strong math skills with the ability to read maps, follow directions, and interpret engineering and construction plans.

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Basic-level construction materials certifications, with a commitment to maintaining them in good standing.

• At least two advanced certifications in relevant areas such as concrete, materials testing, or related disciplines (existing or obtained after hire).

• ACI certification experience or training related to concrete and materials testing.

• OSHA 10 training is a plus.

• Interest in pursuing additional certifications through organizations such as ACI, ASNT, AWS, ICC, NICET, NRCA, RCI, various State Departments of Transportation, WACEL, and similar professional bodies.

• Interest in continuous professional development through internal and external training programs.

• Demonstrated attention to detail in documentation, reporting, and adherence to engineering standards.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite at a data center in Sandston, VA and involves daily work on active construction sites. You will spend most of your time outdoors or in partially completed structures, performing field testing and inspections in a dynamic, construction-focused environment. The role requires frequent travel between job sites using your personal vehicle, for which mileage will be reimbursed. You will regularly handle testing equipment and materials, and must be comfortable lifting and carrying 40-70 pounds multiple times per day and occasionally lifting up to 85 pounds to waist height. You will use electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops to record data and complete reports in the field. The organization supports a culture of safety, professional development, and ongoing training, encouraging participation in internal and external certification programs to enhance your technical skills and career growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA.

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Richmond,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 6, 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 click.appcast.io 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.