00629 - Engineering Specialist Materials

Virginia Department of Transportation•Bristol, VA

About The Position

Perform materials sampling and testing on projects and in the laboratory. Perform inspections at plants and on projects. Compile and maintain test results and report findings. Maintain and operate testing equipment. Provide technical assistance to projects. Provide technical support to assigned engineering program. How you will contribute: Compliance: Ensure compliance with all Construction Directives (CDs), environmental safety, EO, Materials, acceptance testing and quality directive. Ensure assigned project is compliant with VDOT, District, and regional environmental and safety goals. Ensure environmental discrepancies and safety violations are corrected. Monitor and assure compliance with all VOSHCP, OSHA, DPOR and VDOT safety policies and regulations. Engineering Technology Solutions: Provide engineering technology solutions to complex or unusual cases and projects. Equipment Maintenance: Maintain minor and major equipment inventories. Coordinate routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment. Ensure appropriate guidelines for equipment storage, use, and transportation. Field Operations Inspection: Plan and coordinate inspection of materials placement techniques, testing, and equipment at project site. Train or assist field staff on proper testing procedures and preparation of samples for materials testing. Review documented test results, compare with plans and specifications, and advise of substandard performance results. Job Safety: Determine and demonstrate proper work site protection techniques. Ensure workplace safety by identifying workplace hazards and making suggestions for improvement. Wear proper personal protection equipment. Maintain current knowledge of safety rules, regulations, laws and procedures (OSHA, VOSHA, etc.). Ensure equipment is used properly and safely. Apply MUTCD for detours, lane closures, work zones, etc. Maintain clean, orderly, and safe work environment. Follow VDOT safety regulations and practices. Laboratory Testing: Perform laboratory testing on materials samples collected from plants and project sites. Review documented test results. Compare with specifications and advise of substandard performance results. Ensure equipment calibration, lab personnel training, and lab accreditation. Maintain Records: Research information and update records or databases on for activities in assigned program area. Collect and verify project data, maintain files and recommend updates when discrepancies are found. Other Duties as Assigned: Perform additional tasks as directed by supervisor, to the required level of accuracy and quality. Production Plants Inspection: Plan and coordinate inspection and sampling of materials production at plant. Review statistical sampling and analysis reports for distribution. Review mix designs based on current performance data and field performance. Keep supervisor informed of plant performance and maintain updated quality assurance and quality control plans for plants. Records Maintenance: Maintain automated and written reports and project records for materials sampling and testing conducted in production plants, on project sites, and in the laboratory. Special Studies: Perform special studies and assignments to support initiatives and decision making for assigned engineering program area. Prepare project related correspondence. Technical Advice and Guidance: Serve as a technical resource and consultant to inspectors, contractors and agency management. Instruct and guide field staff to assure work conforms to Agency, OSHA, VOSH and contract safety policies, plans, specifications and contract documents. Time Management: Ensure work assignments are performed to achieve on schedule completion of activities on projects. Manage multiple projects and adjusts priorities as needed. Training: Assist in developing and performing employee training for assigned program areas. Assist in mentoring field staff and work with team members to monitor training programs. VDOT Representative: Represent VDOT with outside contacts, which include handling and resolving concerns of contractors and the public.

Requirements

Ability to obtain required materials certifications within 12 months of employment.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations, apply statistical concepts in sampling and testing of materials.
Ability to work in the area of low-level ionizing radiation.
Considerable knowledge of materials test methods and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of plant and field quality assurance sampling and testing methods, frequencies, and procedures.
Considerable knowledge of quality control, quality assurance concepts and practices.
Knowledge of AASHTO laboratory accreditation requirements.
Skill in collecting, organizing, analyzing, and maintaining data.
Skill in interpreting plans, drawings, manuals, VTM/ASTM/AASHTO test methods, and VDOT specifications.

Nice To Haves

A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineerning Technology, or related field desired.
Current possession of required materials certifications.
Experience reflecting considerable knowledge of materials quality control and quality assurance practices.
Experience reflecting skill in interpreting plans, drawings, manuals, test methods, and specifications.
Several years' experience in materials testing, construction, maintenance or a related field desired.

Responsibilities

Ensure compliance with all Construction Directives (CDs), environmental safety, EO, Materials, acceptance testing and quality directive.
Provide engineering technology solutions to complex or unusual cases and projects.
Maintain minor and major equipment inventories.
Coordinate routine maintenance and repairs on testing equipment.
Plan and coordinate inspection of materials placement techniques, testing, and equipment at project site.
Determine and demonstrate proper work site protection techniques.
Perform laboratory testing on materials samples collected from plants and project sites.
Research information and update records or databases on for activities in assigned program area.
Perform additional tasks as directed by supervisor, to the required level of accuracy and quality.
Plan and coordinate inspection and sampling of materials production at plant.
Maintain automated and written reports and project records for materials sampling and testing conducted in production plants, on project sites, and in the laboratory.
Perform special studies and assignments to support initiatives and decision making for assigned engineering program area.
Serve as a technical resource and consultant to inspectors, contractors and agency management.
Ensure work assignments are performed to achieve on schedule completion of activities on projects.
Assist in developing and performing employee training for assigned program areas.
Represent VDOT with outside contacts, which include handling and resolving concerns of contractors and the public.