07291 - Engineer Technician Senior Materials

Virginia Department of Transportation•Suffolk, VA

10d•$54,578 - $88,689

About The Position

Perform materials sampling and testing on projects and in the laboratory, inspect plants and projects, compile and maintain test results, report findings, and maintain and operate testing equipment. Provide engineering technical support and assistance to the assigned program area. The role involves inspecting materials placement and production, conducting field and laboratory tests, analyzing results against plans and specifications, reviewing mix designs, and supporting quality assurance and quality control activities. The technician maintains project and testing records, communicates developments and field observations to a supervisor, provides technical guidance and training to field staff and contractors, and manages assignments within established timeframes. VDOT employees must abide by VDOT’s Code of Ethics and the Commonwealth’s Standards of Conduct. All VDOT positions require pre-employment screenings, which may include a fingerprint-based criminal history background check, DMV record check, work history verification, references, pre-employment physical, and drug screen.

Requirements

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to work in the area of low-level ionizing radiation.
Ability to work with and train others.
Knowledge of highway construction, maintenance methods, materials, and usage.
Knowledge of materials sampling and testing procedures.
Ability to obtain the combination of certifications applicable to the specific materials position within 12 months of employment; required certifications vary by position.
Skill in using computers and software applications.
Skill in using materials sampling and testing equipment.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering or a related field.
Ability to interpret plans, drawings, manuals, test methods, and specifications.
Current possession of required materials certifications.
Knowledge of materials quality control and quality assurance practices.
Prior experience in materials testing, construction, maintenance, or a related field.
Experience working in teams with VDOT Construction, contractor, or producer personnel.
Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and maintain data.
Ability to prepare or review technical reports.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and interpret and apply policies and procedures related to VDOT program areas.
Ability to interpret plans, drawings, manuals, VTM/ASTM/AASHTO test methods, and VDOT specifications.
Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
Ability to provide training and guidance to other technicians.
Ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications.
Ability to work independently and in teams with VDOT Construction, contractor, and producer personnel.
Knowledge of highway construction and maintenance materials.
Knowledge of materials sampling and field testing methods and procedures.
Knowledge of materials test methods and procedures.
Skill in preparing samples and performing laboratory tests.
Knowledge of quality control and quality assurance concepts and practices.
Skill in using computers and job-relevant software programs.

Responsibilities

Communicate with VDOT staff and external staff, including consultants and localities, to proactively resolve issues and advise the supervisor of critical developments and field observations.
Apply engineering technology principles and practices to assigned program areas and interpret and apply policies and procedures in daily assignments.
Maintain the testing equipment inventory; perform routine maintenance and repairs; and follow guidelines for equipment storage, use, and transportation.
Inspect and approve materials placement techniques, testing, and equipment at project sites.
Train or assist field staff in proper testing procedures and preparation of samples for materials testing.
Compute and document test results, compare them with plans and specifications, and advise of substandard performance.
Review or inspect field work performed by VDOT staff or contractors and determine compliance with policies, procedures, and standards.
Perform laboratory tests on materials samples from plants and project sites; compute, analyze, and document results; compare results with specifications; and advise of substandard performance.
Inspect materials production at plants and perform statistical sampling and analysis under the VDOT quality assurance program.
Process data analysis and prepare reports for distribution.
Review and approve mix designs based on current specifications and guidelines.
Keep the supervisor informed of plant performance and maintain updated quality assurance and quality control plans for plants.
Document, enter, and complete required data, such as work orders, schedules, and records.
Provide technical assistance and training to field staff and contractors; address questions about assigned program policies and procedures; and provide guidance on VDOT policy and standards.
Compile and maintain automated and written reports and project records for assigned program areas and materials sampling and testing conducted at production plants, project sites, and in the laboratory.
Manage time to complete project work efficiently within supervisor-established timeframes and notify the supervisor promptly of issues that could affect scheduled completion.