Materials Laboratory Technician (Chemical Lab Technician)

the South Dakota State Government•Pierre, SD

19h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position oversees the operations of the chemical laboratory within the South Dakota DOT's Central Materials Laboratory. Duties include performing tests on highway construction materials, generating reports, maintaining and repairing testing equipment, and managing the calibration of DOT's nuclear density gauges. The role also involves transferring knowledge and teaching testing procedures for certification courses. Work is primarily indoors in a laboratory environment with exposure to dust, chemicals, noise, and hot materials, with limited exposure to low-level nuclear radiation. Outdoor duties are performed at material supplier facilities in various weather conditions. Some longer workdays may be expected, and overnight travel is very limited.

Requirements

Certification in one or more materials testing areas and/or one or more inspection areas is required within the first year of employment.
Required certifications must be maintained for continued employment.
A valid driver's license is required.
Knowledge of techniques and procedures involved in the sampling and testing of materials used in the construction and maintenance of highways.
Knowledge of the uses of common highway construction material testing equipment (preferred but not required).
Computer skills to operate test equipment, Microsoft Office and Department specific software.
Mechanical skills to operate and maintain equipment.
Perform mathematical calculations accurately.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in civil engineering technology or related field and experience in highway construction inspection and materials testing.

Responsibilities

Perform testing on highway construction materials (e.g., traffic markings, silicone, wood, corrugated metal pipe, structural bolts).
Generate reports and determine the acceptability of tests performed.
Maintain and repair equipment associated with testing.
Responsible for maintenance, calibration, etc. of DOT's nuclear density gauges.
Transfer knowledge and teach testing procedures for certification courses.
Perform highway construction materials testing within acceptable standards.
Understand and comprehend written materials in order to follow procedures.
Set priorities, schedule activities, acquire resources, and monitor progress to ensure the successful completion of projects and assignments.
Attend to all details of assignments and complete work properly, accurately, and thoroughly.
Listen attentively to others and clearly convey information and ideas.
Display a high level of effort and commitment towards completing assignments and goals.
Work cooperatively with others and promote a friendly work climate.
Provide training, guidance, and feedback to help others develop specific knowledge and skills needed to perform tasks.
Actively identify development needs, take advantage of development opportunities, and apply newly learned knowledge and skills on the job.
Read, interpret and implement state and federal laws, policies, procedures, and standards in a variety of sampling and testing activities.
Communicate effectively with SDDOT personnel and material suppliers.
Maintain positive working relationships.
Prioritize workload, schedule and complete work within timeframes.
Provide training and work directions to others.
Use arms, legs and back to safely move, drag, lift 30 pounds frequently, up to 50 pounds occasionally (without assistance), and 100 or more pounds infrequently (with assistance).
Sit or stand for extended periods of time.

Benefits

Health insurance (low and high deductible plans which include a $0 premium employee-only coverage plan)
Well-being program
Employee assistance program
Dental and Vision
Health savings account
Free basic life insurance policy
Membership in the South Dakota Retirement System with partial state match
Paid leave (15 vacation days per year)
Sick leave (14 days per year)
Paid family leave (12 weeks for birth and adoption of child, equivalent to 40 hours per week)
Military leave (15 days per year)
11 paid holidays
Longevity pay
Semimonthly pay periods
Eligibility for meal per diems