Construction Material Testing Technician-Houston, TX
About The Position
CERTERRA is seeking an entry-level Construction Material Testing Technician in Houston, Texas. The role offers hands-on training, mentoring, and opportunities to earn industry certifications while learning construction quality, testing, inspection, and field services alongside experienced technical professionals. Previous construction materials testing or inspection experience is not required. Candidates with related education, construction, technical, military, or other hands-on experience are welcome. The technician may work with soils, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and other construction materials in both field and laboratory settings. The role includes work on active construction sites and may involve earthwork observation, soil compaction testing, concrete sampling, geotechnical investigations, construction observation, and quality assurance. Employees may pursue additional responsibilities and technical specialties as they gain experience. Potential career paths include construction materials testing, special inspection, laboratory testing, geotechnical services, building science and building envelope, field investigations, instrumentation and monitoring, and project management. The position requires regional travel (80%), outdoor work in varying weather, safe work around active construction operations and equipment, and the ability to lift and carry field-testing equipment and materials. CERTERRA supports employees in developing certifications and technical qualifications appropriate to their work and career goals. The company describes itself as an equal opportunity employer and states that reasonable accommodation will be offered to individuals with disabilities to the extent company resources allow without undue hardship.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
- Ability to travel within the region (80%).
- Ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to work safely around active construction operations and equipment.
- Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials associated with field testing.
- Basic computer and mobile-device skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly in English and work effectively with others.
- Dependable, professional, and willing to learn.
- Ability to pass extensive background, drug screen, and identity verification requirements.
Nice To Haves
- Related education, construction experience, technical skills, or industry experience may support increased responsibility and career growth.
- Relevant backgrounds may include construction trades or hands-on construction experience; construction inspection or materials testing; coursework, degrees, or technical programs in construction management, civil engineering, engineering technology, geology, environmental science, physical sciences, or related fields; laboratory or field-testing experience; surveying, utilities, earthwork, concrete, asphalt, or other civil construction experience; military experience involving construction, engineering, technical, or field operations; or other technical or hands-on experience demonstrating mechanical aptitude, problem-solving, attention to detail, or safe field work.
- Industry certifications are not required to apply; certification opportunities may include ACI Concrete Field-Testing Technician Grade I, Nuclear Density Gauge Safety Certification, WAQTC or similar transportation-related certifications, NICET certifications, ICC Special Inspector certifications, and other technical certifications related to construction testing, inspection, geotechnical services, or building science.
Responsibilities
- Perform and assist with field testing of soils, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and other construction materials.
- Learn construction materials testing procedures and industry standards.
- Support earthwork observation and soil compaction testing.
- Perform concrete sampling and field testing.
- Assist with geotechnical field investigations, test pits, and drilling activities.
- Support construction observation and quality assurance activities.
- Perform laboratory testing of construction materials.
- Collect and document field data.
- Learn to safely operate specialized testing and monitoring equipment.
- Prepare clear and accurate daily reports.
- Communicate with project managers, contractors, clients, and other team members.
- Maintain safe work practices on active construction sites.
- Participate in continuing education, certification programs, and professional development.
Benefits
- Hands-on training and mentoring.
- Opportunities to earn industry certifications and develop technical qualifications.
- Continuing education and professional development.
- Opportunities to pursue greater responsibility and technical specialties as experience grows.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
