Entry-Level Construction and Eng. Tech-Portland/Wilsonvile, OR
About The Position
Certerra is hiring an entry-level Construction and Engineering Technician to learn and support construction quality, testing, inspection, and field services. The role works alongside experienced technicians, inspectors, engineers, geologists, and other technical professionals. Previous construction materials testing or inspection experience is not required; Certerra provides hands-on training, mentoring, and opportunities to earn industry certifications. The position offers exposure to how buildings and infrastructure are constructed, tested, and evaluated. As experience grows, employees may take on greater responsibility and pursue technical specialties such as construction materials testing, special inspection, laboratory testing, geotechnical services, building science and building envelope, field investigations, instrumentation and monitoring, or project management. Candidates should be dependable, curious, willing to learn, and interested in developing a long-term career in the construction and engineering industry. The work includes outdoor activities in varying weather conditions, work around active construction operations and equipment, and lifting and carrying equipment and materials used in field testing.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
- 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 and work effectively with others.
- Dependable, professional, and willing to learn.
- Ability to meet background and identity verification requirements for certain federal or secured project sites.
Nice To Haves
- Related education, construction experience, technical skills, or industry experience may provide opportunities for increased responsibility and career growth.
- Relevant backgrounds may include construction trades or hands-on construction experience; construction inspection or materials testing; coursework or 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 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; employees may develop relevant certifications, such as 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
