Materials Lab Specialist

State of Montana • Helena, MT

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Materials Laboratory Specialist in the Materials Bureau. The position is responsible for directing various materials testing processes to ensure the quality, consistency, and efficiency of materials lab operations, to ensure that materials comply with specifications and to provide information and consultation for the development and application of materials and planning and conducting materials testing and analysis projects. The position is also responsible for the accuracy and consistency of testing and results for the cement, concrete, fabric, and soils materials laboratories in the Materials Bureau. The position reports to the Concrete Supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Physical, or Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of work-related experience.
• 1 year of progressively responsible experience in cement testing for highway and bridge construction.
• 1 year progressively responsible experience in highway construction materials laboratory testing.
• Experience testing the physical properties of Cement in a CCRL accredited lab is necessary.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in cement testing per ASTM C1222 within 90 calendar days from date of hire.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Requires obtaining ACI Strength Testing Technician Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Requires obtaining WAQTC Concrete Field Testing Certification within 6 months of hire.
• Knowledge of materials inspection and testing principles and practices.
• Knowledge of properties and characteristics of a variety of materials.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing protocols and procedures.
• Knowledge of highway construction methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of a variety of site specific circumstances and their impacts (soils, temperature, weather conditions, gradations, segregation, air contents, slumps, admixtures, absorption rates, etc.).
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of state, federal, AASHTO, FHWA, and ASTM standards and project specifications.
• Knowledge of the Montana Materials manual.
• Knowledge of material specifications.
• Knowledge of testing equipment diagnosis and repair.
• Knowledge of project administration.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.
• Knowledge of collective bargaining agreements.
• Knowledge of training and professional development principles.
• Knowledge of technical writing.
• Skill in planning and coordinating materials testing projects.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting technical test results.
• Skill in adapting testing methods and techniques to meet various material and project circumstances.
• Skill in operating a variety of testing equipment and general office equipment including a personal computer and associated business applications.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.
• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date.

Nice To Haves

• Lab management experience is preferred.
• Alternatively, any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications, including 2 years progressively responsible experience in highway construction materials laboratory testing, with the ability to demonstrate proficiency in cement testing per ASTM C1222 within 90 calendar days from date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Directing various materials testing processes to ensure the quality, consistency, and efficiency of materials lab operations.
• Ensuring that materials comply with specifications.
• Providing information and consultation for the development and application of materials.
• Planning and conducting materials testing and analysis projects.
• Ensuring the accuracy and consistency of testing and results for the cement, concrete, fabric, and soils materials laboratories in the Materials Bureau.

Benefits

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montan Health Centers
• 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: Mid Level