Geotechnical Lab Technician

State of Montana • Helena, MT

12d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Geotechnical Lab Technician. This position is responsible for laboratory testing of a variety of soil, aggregate, and rock samples used in the geotechnical design of highway construction projects. Testing is performed to ensure compliance with professional engineering design standards, project specifications, and State and Federal regulations. The test results also provide information to construction staff, contractors, and project managers on the engineering parameters of these materials for construction and contract administration. This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

Requirements

• Level I: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Level II: High school diploma or equivalent and one year of materials lab technician related work experience or qualification based upon Helena Materials Lab Advancement Policies.
• Level III: High school diploma or equivalent and two years of materials lab technician related work experience or qualification based upon Helena Materials Lab Advancement Policies.
• Thorough knowledge of MDT testing, sample preparation, and inspection procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of mathematical, algebraic, and geometric formulas.
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory and equipment safety procedures.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the standards set for soil/rock testing by governing bodies (ASTM, COE, AASHTO, Materials Bureau).
• Thorough knowledge and familiarity of rock/soil materials.
• Ability to recognize when a discrepancy between the material and its representing data occurred.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.

Nice To Haves

• Alternative qualifications include: Combinations of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory testing of a variety of soil, aggregate, and rock samples used in the geotechnical design of highway construction projects.
• Ensuring compliance with professional engineering design standards, project specifications, and State and Federal regulations.
• Providing information to construction staff, contractors, and project managers on the engineering parameters of these materials for construction and contract administration.
• Coordination with other labs in the Materials Bureau for calibration and production testing programs involving multistage sampling, preparation, and evaluation of materials through different areas of the Materials Testing Section.
• Strict adherence to Department sampling and testing standards and procedures.
• Recognizing the severe impact errors or omissions may have on the engineering design and long-term performance of features reliant on the testing data produced.

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED