Highway Lab Technician
About The Position
The Highway Lab Technician works in INDOT’s LaPorte District Testing Lab and collects and tests soil, aggregate, and other construction material samples to determine whether materials meet INDOT quality assurance standards and specifications. The role includes laboratory and field testing, calculating and recording results in INDOT reporting systems, maintaining accurate documentation for material acceptance decisions, and communicating with contractors and project personnel about compliance and testing requirements. Depending on assignment, duties may also include highway maintenance, winter operations, traffic equipment and sign maintenance, emergency response, construction inspection, bridge maintenance, facility maintenance, or geotechnical testing. The position requires attendance at assigned worksites and compliance with INDOT safety policies. A degree is not required; a high school diploma or equivalent may be considered alongside relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Requirements
- Possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License, or obtain one within the first 90 days of employment.
- Pass and submit to a drug test as a condition of employment.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws, regulations, principles, and practices relevant to construction inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair.
- Knowledge of drafting and surveying techniques.
- Ability to independently lead and coordinate the work of a crew in the field.
- Ability to read, interpret, and follow technical documents.
- Ability to endure exposure to inclement weather.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods.
- For testing assignments, ability to read and follow AASHTO, ASTM, INDOT specifications, and Indiana Test Methods (ITM), and pass the INDOT Certified Testing Technician program.
- For construction assignments, ability to pass the INDOT Certified Inspector program.
- For geotechnical assignments, ability to pass the Office’s Classification & Atterberg, Electrochemical, Strength & Proctor, and Resilient Modulus Proficiency Exams.
- A degree is not required; a high school diploma or high school equivalent, together with relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities, may be considered.
- Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Responsibilities
- Collect and test soil, aggregate, and other construction material samples to verify compliance with INDOT quality assurance standards and specifications.
- Visit material producers’ plants, construction sites, and INDOT facilities to collect samples.
- Perform laboratory and field tests on materials used in INDOT construction or maintenance contracts.
- Calculate and record test results in INDOT reporting systems and maintain accurate documentation.
- Communicate with contractors and project personnel regarding material compliance, procedures, and testing requirements.
- Comply with INDOT safety policies and procedures.
- Operate basic highway maintenance and traffic equipment to maintain, repair, and clean highways and rights-of-way.
- Perform winter operations, including snow and ice removal.
- Inspect and perform routine equipment maintenance, including minor repairs, preventive maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections.
- Maintain, repair, and install traffic signs, route markers, and pavement markings.
- Respond to emergencies through cleanup, traffic control, lane closures, sign placement, and barricade erection.
- Depending on assignment, provide technical expertise and oversight to bridge maintenance crews and operate highway or bridge maintenance equipment.
- Depending on assignment, assist with construction inspection and ensure construction tests, measurements, and inspections are completed and recorded promptly.
- Depending on assignment, repair and install brine-making and storage systems.
- For geotechnical assignments, maintain qualifications for required soil tests, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and perform advanced soil and rock tests.
- Depending on assignment, lead and coordinate a field crew and report problems to supervisors.
Benefits
- Three medical plan options, including prescription coverage, plus vision and dental plans.
- Wellness Rewards Program with gift card rewards for completed wellness activities.
- Health savings account with bi-weekly state contributions.
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account with employer match.
- Two fully funded pension plan options.
- Paid New Parent Leave and Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible employees.
- Paid community service leave.
- Combined paid vacation, personal, and sick leave.
- Paid holidays.
- Education Reimbursement Program.
- Group life insurance.
- Referral Bonus program.
- Employee assistance program with covered behavioral health visits.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer.
- Free parking for most positions.
- Free LinkedIn Learning access.
- CDL training provided onsite by certified INDOT staff.
- Additional $1 per hour for candidates with a current CDL and required endorsements, or after obtaining them within 90 days.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
