Materials Technician

Job Title: Materials Technician

Job Description

The Materials Technician provides critical construction materials testing and observation services on projects such as roadways, bridges, airports, large commercial developments, and remediation work. This role performs field and laboratory testing of soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel, documents results clearly, and supports project teams by ensuring materials meet specified standards. The position offers strong training, leadership development, and clear growth potential into advanced technical and project management roles within a multi-discipline firm.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials including soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel in accordance with training and specified procedures.
• Provide critical materials testing and observation services on infrastructure and development projects such as roadways, bridges, airports, large commercial developments, and remediation projects.
• Follow established testing standards and procedures to ensure accurate, consistent, and repeatable results.
• Document all findings and test results clearly, accurately, and in a timely manner using standardized forms and digital tools.
• Perform basic analysis and review of collected data to verify accuracy before communicating and submitting results to the Project Manager.
• Communicate test results, observations, issues, and progress updates to the Project Manager and other designated project personnel as directed.
• Use laptop computers and software tools, including Microsoft Word and Excel, to prepare reports, logs, and documentation.
• Operate and properly handle testing equipment such as nuclear density gauges and related materials testing instruments.
• Maintain testing equipment in good working condition, including routine checks, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting.
• Assist with scheduling and dispatching technicians to project sites when needed to support field operations.
• Drive company vehicles, such as a Ford F-150 or equivalent, to job sites across the region in a safe and responsible manner.
• Adhere to strict safety standards and company safety policies while working in the field, laboratory, and during travel.
• Train and mentor lower-level technicians when appropriate, sharing knowledge of testing procedures, safety practices, and equipment use.
• Support a leadership-focused program by actively participating in on-the-job training and development under the guidance of the Field Supervisor.
• Collaborate with laboratory staff and field teams to ensure smooth coordination between field sampling, lab testing, and reporting.
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance testing efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

Essential Skills

• At least one year of experience in field testing in construction materials or a closely related area.
• Minimum of one season of field experience either as a materials technician or working on a construction project where materials technicians are present.
• Experience performing construction materials testing, including soil testing, concrete testing, asphalt testing, and related materials inspection.
• Ability to perform field and laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials following established procedures.
• Familiarity with concrete inspection and construction materials testing practices.
• Experience using a nuclear density gauge (such as Troxler) and understanding of proper handling and safety practices.
• Proficiency with laptop computer use and basic office software, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate a pickup truck or similar vehicle.
• Ability to pass a drug and background screening, with THC permitted as specified by company policy.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to perform basic analysis of test data to verify accuracy.
• Effective communication skills to relay information and findings to Project Managers and project teams.
• Ability to adhere to strict safety standards in both field and laboratory environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ACI-related experience or certification in concrete or materials testing.
• Experience with ICC Special Inspector responsibilities or related inspection work.
• NICET-related experience or credentials in materials testing or construction inspection.
• Experience with soil sampling, material handling, and construction field operations.
• Exposure to engineering and geotechnical frameworks or multi-discipline project environments.
• Interest in leadership development and growth into Assistant Project Manager or Project Manager roles.
• Willingness to participate in company-sponsored certifications, additional training, and professional development programs.
• Interest in working within an employee-owned firm with profit-sharing opportunities.
• Ability to assist with scheduling and dispatching technicians as needed to support project demands.
• Comfort working both independently in the field and collaboratively with a small laboratory team.

Work Environment

This role is predominantly field-based, with approximately 95% of the work performed on active construction sites across an upstate region, supported by a fully functioning materials laboratory staffed by a small, focused team. The technician will typically sit in an office based in Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse and drive to project sites, often using a company vehicle such as a Ford F-150, with regional travel about once a week. Typical working hours are Monday through Friday, with optional Saturday and Sunday work depending on project needs, and daily shifts commonly ranging from 8 to 12 hours. Work hours tend to be higher in the summer and lighter in the winter, and weekly hours may vary with no guaranteed 40-hour minimum, though opportunities to work 40–50 hours per week on average are common. The environment involves frequent outdoor work in varying weather conditions, use of testing equipment such as nuclear density gauges, and adherence to strict safety standards. The company supports a leadership-focused culture, offering training under an experienced Field Supervisor, clear growth paths into APM and Project Manager roles, and a premium pay program providing additional pay for overnight and weekend work. Team members may receive a gas card or company truck and can benefit from a GPS-based safe driving program that rewards strong driving records. As an employee-owned, multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services, the organization offers a collaborative culture, profit-sharing potential, and a comprehensive benefits package based on eligibility, role, and status, which may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, certification support, and various bonus programs.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Buffalo, NY.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Buffalo,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $20 - $32