Staff Civil Engineering Technician

ARA Career • Champaign, IL

1d

About The Position

ARA is hiring full-time engineering technicians to participate in pavement testing and transportation infrastructure data collection projects throughout the United States. The position typically involves about 50% travel and 50% office work, with heavier travel in spring and summer and lighter travel in winter. Travel may occasionally last for weeks at a time, and some projects may be outside the United States.

Technicians learn to operate, calibrate, and maintain modern data collection equipment. They drive or operate van- or trailer-mounted systems used for deflection testing, ground penetrating radar, pavement coring, and pavement friction testing. Office duties include processing, comparing, and analyzing data using proprietary tools and software such as Microsoft Excel. No previous pavement testing experience is required; ARA provides an environment of continuous learning and training.

The anticipated wage range is $25–$30 per hour, depending on experience and location. Premium overtime is paid for hours over 40 in a week. ARA describes itself as an employee-owned international research and engineering company with more than 2,000 professionals. Its culture emphasizes technical excellence, employee ownership, innovation, collaboration, and opportunities for employees to take active roles as owners.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass a DOT physical.
• Excellent driving skills and willingness to drive pickup trucks and vans, sometimes with trailers, including long distances and extended periods in a vehicle.
• Willingness to travel, occasionally for weeks at a time.
• Flexible schedule that includes some weekends and nights, with overtime when needed.
• Reliable transportation to and from the office that accommodates schedule flexibility.
• Working knowledge of basic office software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Good communication skills, strong attention to detail, flexibility, and willingness to learn and be challenged.

Nice To Haves

• Mechanical aptitude.
• GIS aptitude.
• Valid U.S. passport and interest and availability to travel to projects outside the United States.

Responsibilities

• Participate in pavement testing and transportation infrastructure data collection projects throughout the United States.
• Learn to operate, calibrate, and maintain modern data collection equipment.
• Drive or operate van- or trailer-mounted data collection systems for deflection testing, ground penetrating radar, pavement coring, and pavement friction testing.
• Process, compare, and analyze data using proprietary tools and software such as Microsoft Excel.
• Travel to project sites, sometimes for weeks at a time, and work in the office when not traveling.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits addressing employees’ needs now and in the future; specific benefits are not listed in the posting.
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) contributions.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED