Bituminous Materials Inspector
About The Position
The Bituminous Materials Inspector evaluates and approves producer manufacturing processes, facilities, and personnel participating in the NCDOT PG Binder and Asphalt Emulsion Programs. The position ensures compliance with NCDOT, AASHTO, and ASTM specifications through facility inspections, material sampling, certification activities, and enforcement of quality standards. The Inspector maintains sampling records, evaluates producer data, and provides guidance on corrective actions and quality requirements. Errors may lead to acceptance of inferior materials requiring rehabilitation or replacement before their design life, and in extreme cases may result in property damage or loss of life. Failure to follow laboratory safety requirements could result in personal injury. Poor accuracy on AASHTO re:Source proficiency samples may reflect poorly on the Unit and could result in loss of accreditation. The position receives initial training from the Laboratory Engineer and yearly competency evaluations in customer service, equipment operation, safety guidelines, and testing procedures and specifications. Additional instruction may be provided through DOT courses and knowledgeable laboratory technicians. The technician is supervised by the Laboratory Engineer; daily supervision is generally unnecessary except when technical assistance is needed. The technician maintains a schedule of activities, with periodic feedback, and the Laboratory Engineer reviews test results for accuracy and compliance.
Requirements
- Associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Survey Technology, or the assigned discipline from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of progressive technician-level experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to stand for long periods.
- Ability to wear safety glasses and other personal protective equipment.
Nice To Haves
- Knowledge of asphalt Superpave principles and AASHTO testing techniques, procedures, and equipment for performance graded (PG) binders and asphalt emulsions.
- Knowledge of laboratory equipment and terminology, laboratory hazards, and safety practices.
- Experience multitasking while maintaining specimen and data integrity.
- Ability to work with obnoxious odors and chemicals, climb and walk on high structures, and lift samples and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Knowledge of the HiCams Software Application.
Responsibilities
- Inspect and approve producer manufacturing facilities based on their Quality Control (QC) plans.
- Conduct on-site evaluations after QC plan approval and document deficiencies in writing.
- Approve laboratories of new asphalt emulsion producers seeking entry into NCDOT programs.
- Verify binder and emulsion quality using AASHTO R66, including sampling PG Binder and asphalt emulsions at NCDOT roadway locations.
- Obtain samples in accordance with the Materials and Tests Sampling Guide, PG Binder Program, Asphalt Emulsion Program requirements, and applicable AASHTO/ASTM specifications.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation of sampling activities and results.
- Enforce requirements within the NCDOT QC/QA PG Binder and Asphalt Emulsion Programs.
- Identify and address inconsistencies in producer test data, ensuring appropriate follow-up and documentation.
- Certify producer personnel responsible for sampling asphalt emulsions.
- Guide producers on corrective actions and quality requirements.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
