Soils and Aggregate Lab Supervisor (Laboratory Supervisor II)

Position Summary

The Research & Materials Section (RMS) serves as MassDOT's central materials laboratory. Our engineers, chemists, technicians, inspectors, and administrative professionals support MassDOT by ensuring that MassDOT complies with all applicable federal guidelines and regulations relating to construction material quality. Staff are responsible for the sampling and testing of construction materials, developing a wide range of material standards and guidelines, evaluating laboratories throughout the Commonwealth, and facilitating research projects. RMS participates in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Accreditation Program and meets strict organizational, personnel, equipment, and testing proficiency requirements. The lab performs testing in the following areas: concrete, soils and aggregates, asphalt binder, hot mix asphalt, chemical, and physical (standard manufactured materials).

This position functions as the Supervisor for the Soils and Aggregate Laboratory Units that performs necessary work to support the operation of the Research and Materials Laboratory Section. The Unit Supervisor, working under the supervision of the Chief of Labs, will be responsible for all laboratory testing and procedures. This position will be responsible for managing lab staff to optimize performance and productivity Additionally, ensuring staff understand why new procedures are being implemented is also a key aspect of this position. It is critical to this position that the Supervisor has construction materials testing and inspection background.

The Research and Materials Soils and Aggregate Unit's Supervisor coordinates and performs testing of construction materials. Testing for quality and verification if the products meet the minimum specification requirements. Materials tested include, but not limited to: crushed stone and aggregate used in concrete or asphalt mixtures, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), fill material, borrow material, loam, etc.

Incumbents of positions in this series monitor and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in performing chemical, biological, bacteriological and physical tests in laboratories; provide technical assistance to laboratory personnel; implement new or revised laboratory procedures; ensure the availability of laboratory supplies and equipment; and perform related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to ensure the efficient operation of a laboratory in conformance with agency standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises the daily operation of the Soils and Aggregate Laboratory and performs sample testing on construction materials in laboratory in accordance with established MassDOT, AASHTO, ACI and ASTM specifications and testing procedures.
  
• Assigns work to team members and reviews their test reports.
  
• Performs Laboratory function in accordance with the requirements of the Research and Materials Quality System Manual.
  
• Prioritizes sample testing and Laboratory's management and duties.
  
  
• Performs calculations and prepares test reports.
  
• Performs calibration, standardization and checks all equipment associated with laboratory tests, in accordance with AASHTO procedures and schedules as are described on the Research and Materials Quality System Manual.
  
• Maintains Calibrations and Standardization records.
  
• Performs employee trainings and maintains all training records.
  
• Performs equipment maintenance per manufacturer recommendation.
  
• Participates in the AASHTO accreditation programs.
  
• Participates in the AASHTO Ballot program.
  
• Evaluates new test procedures for implementation.
  
• Demonstrates the ability to use current and new test procedures for evaluation of materials used on MassDOT construction projects.

Working Conditions

Individuals may work in an office or outside in all types of weather and under exposure to such hazardous conditions as found on construction sites or laboratories. They may require travel for job related purposes. Work assignments outside of regular hours, when scheduled, is expected. Individuals collect samples per AASHTO requirements and industry standards. Materials samples may need to be transported, carted and/or lifted during the process. The sample process may involve weights of 50 pounds.


About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation(MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth's residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT's culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers .


MassDOT's divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.

Qualifications:
Minimum Entrance Requirements

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.


Applicants must have at least (A) five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional or technical experience in chemistry, biology, histology, bacteriology, microbiology, biochemistry or medical laboratory technology, the major duties of which included laboratory analysis and the interpretation of laboratory results and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a supervisory, administrative or managerial capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.


Substitutions


I. A Graduate degree with a major in chemistry, biology, histology, bacteriology, microbiology or medical laboratory technology may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the require (A) experience.*


*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.


NOTE: No substitutions will be permitted for the required (B) experience.

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at View email address on click.appcast.io.
  
• For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
  
• For a disability-related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at View phone number on click.appcast.io.
  

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!


An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.