Laboratory Technician II

Laboratory Technician II

At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Laboratory Technician II to lead advanced laboratory testing and quality assurance for soil, concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and other construction materials. This role is integral to ensuring compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, and project specifications, supporting geotechnical, construction materials testing, and infrastructure projects. You will be responsible for performing complex testing, troubleshooting laboratory equipment, and reviewing test data.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of materials testing procedures, quality control protocols, and regulatory compliance. This position requires strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining accuracy, efficiency, and safety in a fast-paced laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform laboratory testing on construction materials ensuring compliance with ASTM, AASHTO, and other applicable industry standards.
• Ensure that project testing requirements are met and compliant with project specifications, requirements, and company policies and procedures.
• Prepare and review technical reports, ensuring clear, accurate, and timely documentation.
• Analyze and interpret test results, identifying irregularities, potential compliance issues, and trends, and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Communicate effectively with lab supervisors, engineers, and field personnel, providing timely updates on test results, sample status, and any technical issues.
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and field personnel, serving as a technical resource for materials testing, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• May be asked to mentor and train junior lab technicians, providing guidance on best practices, test procedures, equipment usage, and safety protocols.
• May act as a technical resource for engineers, project managers, and field personnel, offering expertise in materials testing, troubleshooting, and compliance requirements.
• Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory testing equipment, proactively troubleshooting issues, conducting routine maintenance, and ensuring all instruments meet regulatory compliance.
• Ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and laboratory procedures, including proper handling of hazardous materials, maintaining OSHA compliance, and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Stay current with industry standards, new testing methodologies, and emerging best practices, actively participating in advanced training and certifications.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, supporting laboratory operations, field teams, and project managers as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical laboratory work, or a related field (prior laboratory experience preferred but not required).
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA, company, and laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Knowledge of basic exploratory and laboratory testing techniques, with a willingness to learn and develop technical skills in materials testing and geotechnical engineering.
• Basic computer proficiency, with experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to construction materials testing and laboratory protocols.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, field personnel, and clients to carry out instructions and report findings.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, ensuring accuracy in sample preparation, testing procedures, and data documentation.
• Ability to work independently within the limitations of experience, using initiative to solve routine lab challenges.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving materials or equipment.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record; ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Travel Requirements

This position does not require regular travel as part of its primary responsibilities. However, occasional travel may be required, up to 10%, primarily for occasional off-site meetings, training sessions, or company events. Travel, when necessary, will be communicated in advance and aligned with business needs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is sometimes conducted in a laboratory setting, but may also involve fieldwork and exposure to outdoor conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling samples, operating lab instruments, and performing testing procedures.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vision, depth vision, and ability to focus) and smell.

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here.