Field Project Technician - Materials Lab

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Field Project Technician in the Miles City Materials Lab! This position serves as an experienced Field Project Technician within the District and is responsible for coordinating and conducting various inspection, sampling, and testing procedures to verify that construction project features and materials conform with standard specifications, Department requirements, and contract agreements. The position is also responsible for coordinating and conducting staking and surveying procedures and performing a variety of other duties as assigned. The position reports to the Field Project Technician III and provides guidance and technical assistance to less experienced Field Project Technicians performing routine inspections, sampling, testing, and surveying procedures.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

For a full job description, please contact Jordan Ulrich at julrich@mt.gov .

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive 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
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
  
  

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as “Relevant.”

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education And Experience

Field Project Technician Level 1 ($23.46):

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma, including coursework in algebra, geometry or trigonometry.
• This position (L1) requires no engineering technician-related experience.
  
  

Field Project Technician Level 2 ($24.25):

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma, including coursework in algebra, geometry or trigonometry.
• This position (L2) requires one (1) year of engineering technician-related experience.
  
  

Field Project Technician Level 3 ($27.09):

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma, including coursework in algebra, geometry or trigonometry.
• This position requires two (2) years of experience in highway construction or related field (e.g., laboratory testing, transportation design, engineering, etc.).
  
  

Jr. Engineering Coordinator ($31.49):

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma, including coursework in algebra, geometry or trigonometry.
• This position requires three (3) years of experience in highway construction or related field (e.g., laboratory testing, transportation design, engineering, etc.).
  
  

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• The position requires knowledge of project inspection and testing procedures, including site features and materials; general construction engineering principles; sampling and laboratory testing procedures; State, AASHTO, FHWA, and ASTM standards and specifications; and maintenance and calibration of specialized tools and equipment. The position also requires knowledge of surveying and highway construction methods and operations; project implementation and documentation techniques; project design and construction criteria and standards; properties and characteristics of materials components and the impacts of site specific circumstances (e.g., soils, temperature, weather conditions, gradations, segregation, stability, flows, additives, absorption rates, etc.); highway construction terminology; business English; and basic algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
• The position requires skill in reviewing, interpreting and applying design plans and specifications to site circumstances; acquiring and documenting field data; constructing sets of field notes; interpreting site conditions (e.g., elevations, features, etc.); and communicating effectively with contractors, landowners, and other Department personnel. The position also requires skill in operating specialized sampling and testing equipment (e.g., Gilson shaker, nuclear gauge, sieves, survey equipment, etc.) and office equipment used to calculate and record data (e.g., PCs, calculator, laptop computers, VAX system, etc.).
  
  

Other Information

• Driver’s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant’s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment. (if applicable)
• This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.
• The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.
• Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov