What are the responsibilities and job description for the Construction Materials Testing Specialist position at Office of the County Engineer?
Position Description
Position Overview:
The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Specialist supports Harris County construction projects by coordinating and overseeing construction materials testing services to ensure quality, compliance, and consistency. This role ensures that all CMT work complies with project specifications, ASTM, AASHTO, TxDOT, ISO standards, and Harris County requirements. The position plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of construction materials and supporting safe, reliable infrastructure delivery.
Job Duties:
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:
Preferences
Education:
Position Type, And Typical Hours Of Work:
Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.
Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.
Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.
Physical Demands And Environmental Exposure:
Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).
This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., as well as frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
FEATURED BENEFITS:
Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
Wellness.
Professional development opportunities.
Flexible spending accounts.
457 deferred compensation plans.
Retirement pension (TCDRS).
Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
Disability and life insurance.
Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
If job posting requires attachment: search “FC” in templates listing and select appropriate template
Position Overview:
The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Specialist supports Harris County construction projects by coordinating and overseeing construction materials testing services to ensure quality, compliance, and consistency. This role ensures that all CMT work complies with project specifications, ASTM, AASHTO, TxDOT, ISO standards, and Harris County requirements. The position plays a key role in maintaining the integrity of construction materials and supporting safe, reliable infrastructure delivery.
Job Duties:
- Review and evaluate CMT field and laboratory reports for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards.
- Monitor project budgets, prepare budget tracking reports, and ensure testing services remain within established allocations.
- Review and validate invoices for accuracy and adherence to Harris County fee schedules and governing specifications.
- Coordinate with CMT firms regarding scheduling, performance expectations, and billing discrepancies
- Perform field and laboratory evaluations of CMT technicians to ensure adherence to testing procedures and quality standards
- Assist in training Harris County inspectors on ASTM, TxDOT, and related testing procedures
- Support or lead material failure investigations, including documentation and coordination with relevant stakeholders
- Attend project meetings and provide input on materials testing, quality concerns, and compliance issues
- Maintain documentation and tracking of testing activities to support reporting and audit readiness
- Provide general support to project teams and leadership as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net .
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience in construction materials testing, including field and/or laboratory work.
- Valid Texas Driver's License upon hire, and a good driving record
- Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
- Working knowledge of ASTM and TxDOT test methods for soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and reinforcing steel.
- Ability to interpret construction plans, specifications, and testing requirements.
- Strong understanding of materials testing procedures in both field and laboratory environments.
- Proficiency in standard math calculations used in construction materials testing.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to coordinate across internal teams and external vendors.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:
- Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities. Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.
- Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
- Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.
Preferences
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field (experience may be substituted)
- Experience in estimating testing services for road and bridge projects
- Familiarity with Harris County testing specifications
- Prior experience in a lead or mentoring capacity
- Hands-on experience performing field testing procedures
- Experience supporting quality assurance and compliance efforts across multiple projects
- National Institute of Engineering Technologies (NICET)
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
- United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)
- American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA)
Position Type, And Typical Hours Of Work:
Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.
Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.
Salary: Commensurate experience, based on 26 pay periods.
Physical Demands And Environmental Exposure:
Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).
This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., as well as frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
FEATURED BENEFITS:
Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
Wellness.
Professional development opportunities.
Flexible spending accounts.
457 deferred compensation plans.
Retirement pension (TCDRS).
Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
Disability and life insurance.
Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
If job posting requires attachment: search “FC” in templates listing and select appropriate template