MCLP – HMA Density Technician

Heritage Construction + Materials•Richmond, IN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Build Your Career at Milestone Contractors! The HMA Density Technician is responsible for all quality control activities related to Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) density testing and plate sampling. This role ensures all asphalt materials meet INDOT specifications, project requirements, and Milestone quality standards. Work includes in place density testing, monitoring temperatures, plate sampling, documentation, communication with paving crews, and maintaining QC equipment.When not testing, this position performs other duties on the paving crew with shoveling, luting, flagging, dumping trucks, helping around the paver, striping, and other needs.

Requirements

High School or Equivalent
1+ years experience with HMA, roadway construction, or field QC in heavy highway industry
Performs mathematical operations involving variables and percentages
Assesses compaction results and solves field issues quickly
Effective oral and written communication
Ability to operate density gauges, core drills, and plate sampling equipment
Strong problem solving skills with attention to detail
Ability to collaborate effectively in a team or independent work environment
Valid driver’s license required
Must be or become a member in good standing of the Indiana Laborers Union
Lifts, pushes, pulls, or carries heavy objects
Able to consistently lift 45 pounds
Walks and stands for long periods
Bends, stoops, squats, and reaches to operate testing equipment and test materials
Uses abdominal and lower back muscles to provide support over time without fatigue
Uses good manual dexterity (hand, hand with arm, two hands) and multi-limb coordination, with the ability to quickly move arms and legs
Possess excellent stamina to work between 8-12 hours per day
Works days, nights, weekends, and overtime as needed
Works outdoors in varying weather conditions
Exposure to a variety of conditions at a construction site, including heights, moving vehicles, stopped traffic
Exposure to noise, including horns, mechanical equipment, heavy equipment, and jackhammers
Exposure to moving mechanical parts, vibration, fumes and airborne particles

Nice To Haves

Preferred High School or Equivalent

Responsibilities

Density Testing Performs in place density testing using a certified density gauge
Communicates test locations based on inspector direction
Documents each test site and results
Tracks density trends and communicates results, including failing density, to the Asphalt Superintendent
Core Sampling Cuts, collects, labels, and coordinates transportation of HMA core samples
Safely operates core drills (checks water, bit condition, proper procedures)
Removes cores carefully to avoid damage or contamination
Prepares and documents all core samples per project or lab requirements
Plate Sampling Pulls and documents plate samples for INDOT and Milestone
Safely positions plates at inspector directed locations
Coordinates timing so plates are encapsulated without delaying production
Retrieves plates safely to ensure sample is not damaged or contaminated and inspect for defects (segregation, binder issues, uniformity)
Prepares sampling plates prior to paving operations (clean, properly sized, and ready for placement)
Coordinate transport of sample to the lab
Operates motor vehicle motor and transports materials to and from plants, labs and job sites
Visual & Temperature Monitoring Conducts visual inspections of asphalt mat and compaction pattern
Works with roller operator to establish and adjust roller patterns
Evaluates temperature zones to ensure mix is within proper compaction ranges
Identifies surface irregularities (tenderness, cracking, cold joints, raveling, segregation) and documents issues
Documentation & Communication Maintains detailed field notes: density test, plates, cores, temperatures, weather, observations
Provides clear communication with QC Manager, Asphalt Superintendent, and paving crew
Track density trends to identify recurring performance patterns
Collaborates with assigned work crews
Teamwork & Safety Actively participate as a team member on the paving crew when QC tasks pause or not required
Maintains readiness to return to testing duties immediately
Promotes and maintains a safe work environment
Participates in safety huddles and demonstrates situational awareness around heavy equipment, construction traffic, and traveling public
Exhibits safe work behaviors
Additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, including but not limited to continuously growing in alignment with the Company’s core values, competencies, and skills.