Laboratory Technician (TT3) In Training

State of Washington•Clark County – Vancouver, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is seeking a Construction Materials Technician to support the Southwest Region’s construction program through materials testing and quality assurance activities. This position is crucial for ensuring construction materials meet quality standards, contributing to durable and reliable transportation infrastructure. The role supports the quality and performance of highway construction projects, ultimately enhancing roadway safety and dependable travel for the public. This is a Transportation Technician 3 position, but the hiring manager may fill it at a lower level (TT2 or TT1) as part of a formal "in-training" plan, allowing individuals to gain necessary experience on the job.

Requirements

Applied Math & Measurement Skills: Demonstrated ability to perform multi-step calculations (areas, volumes, mass, percentages), and accurately use measurement tools such as rulers, scales, thermometers, and laboratory instruments. Ability to independently check and verify materials testing calculation formulas and results against test method procedures.
Computer Skills: Proficient at using email, file systems, and basic office software (e.g., Word, Excel), and laboratory information management software (e.g. Materials Management System).
Materials Sampling & Testing: Demonstrated ability to independently conduct a full range of material testing (asphalt, concrete, soils, aggregate), document findings, identify potential quality issues, interpret test results, and understand specification requirements. Ability to independently diagnose and troubleshoot errors or anomalies in sampling and testing procedures, results, and equipment.
Organization Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage and organize data and records such as materials sampling and testing records, laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance records.
Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and proactively seek clarification to ensure accuracy and understanding. Ability to communicate with project staff to resolve materials sampling problems including sample labeling, sample handling, sample size, and transmittal errors.
Safe Work Practices: Working knowledge of workplace safety standards and safe work practices. Ability to consistently follow safety procedures, correctly use required PPE, and demonstrate safe behaviors on job sites.
Equipment Operation & Care: Ability to safely operate and care for tools and laboratory equipment such as ovens, splitters, shakers, sieves, sampling equipment. Ability to perform maintenance, verification, and calibration of laboratory equipment.
A valid driver's license with the ability to operate a state-owned automobile.
Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) Certification and American Concrete (ACI) in assigned test methods or ability to obtain within first year of hire.
Proficiency with Materials Management System or equivalent laboratory management software, data collectors, and ability to create simple drawings, spreadsheets, or digital records.

Nice To Haves

Experience gained through construction or maintenance of roadways and bridges including, but not limited to, knowledge of materials used to build roads and bridges, field inspection and material testing, and quality control/quality assurance verifying work meets specifications, tolerances, and standards.
Possession of two or more Western Alliance for Quality Transportation Construction (WAQTC) qualified tester certifications in HMA Production, Testing, and Sampling; Aggregate Production, Testing and Inspection; and Nuke Gauge, Embankment/Surfacing/Pavement Applications.
Possession of an American Concrete Institute (ACI) qualified tester certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

Maintain current WAQTC, ACI, and WTTQP certifications required for hands-on materials acceptance testing.
Perform materials sampling and testing, including soil density curve development, Hot Mix Asphalt gradation, asphalt content and volumetric testing, aggregate gradation, PCC and grout compressive strength, and miscellaneous soils testing.
Operate Materials Management System/Materials Testing System (MATS) software for data entry, reporting, and correction of test results.
Perform annual and as-needed laboratory equipment calibration, repair, and maintenance; maintain equipment inventories and verification documentation; coordinate annual calibrations with outside vendors.
Maintain and organize laboratory documentation and records (equipment calibration, maintenance, verification, samples, test reports) and prepare records for biannual laboratory review audits.
Maintain laboratory consumable supply inventories and assist with setup and maintenance of field testing lab trailers.
Safely transport samples, equipment, testing supplies, and nuclear gauges between project sites, field offices, and laboratory facilities.
Assist the Regional Independent Audit Inspector (IAI) with asphalt pavement coring, field materials sampling and testing, Aggregate Source Approval (ASA) sampling, soil testing (including WSDOT portable penetrometer testing), and pavement condition data collection.
Promote a culture of safety by participating in pre-activity safety planning, safety meetings and training, using proper PPE, completing facility safety reports in SIIRS, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment.