What are the responsibilities and job description for the QC Liquid Asphalt Technical Lab Manager position at Texas Materials?
About the Company
Texas Materials, A CRH company, is a leading supplier of aggregates, asphalt, ready-mixed concrete, and paving and construction services in Texas. Our focus is to provide quality products and reliable customer service with a safety-first mindset. We consider our employees our greatest strength and we make it our priority to invest in their development and well-being. When you work for Texas Materials, you are helping to support and build the infrastructure of Texas.
About the Role
As a Quality Control Technical Manager for a Liquid Asphalt Terminal in the Texas Region, this is a key role in ensuring the quality and integrity of the liquid asphalt products being stored and distributed from the terminal. This role is critical in maintaining the reputation of the terminal as a reliable supplier of high-quality liquid asphalt products to customers in various industries, including construction, road maintenance, and more. It involves a combination of technical expertise, attention to detail, regulatory knowledge, and strong communication and leadership skills.
Responsibilities
- Quality Assurance and Testing: Overseeing the development and implementation of quality control procedures and standards for incoming and outgoing liquid asphalt shipments. This involves conducting regular tests, inspections, and analyses to ensure that the asphalt meets industry specifications and customer requirements.
- Testing Protocols: Designing and maintaining testing protocols for various properties of liquid asphalt, such as viscosity, temperature susceptibility, penetration, ductility, and chemical composition. Ensuring that all equipment and instruments used for testing are properly calibrated and functioning accurately.
- Regulatory Compliance: Staying up-to-date with local, regional, and national regulations and standards related to liquid asphalt storage, handling, and distribution. Ensuring that the terminal operates in compliance with these regulations and that all necessary permits and licenses are obtained and maintained.
- Quality Control Documentation: Keeping detailed records of test results, inspections, and quality control measures. Generating reports to provide evidence of compliance and product quality to internal stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
- Supplier Relationships: Collaborating with suppliers to ensure that the asphalt products being delivered to the terminal meet the required quality standards. Communicating any issues or concerns regarding product quality and working together to address them.
- Process Improvement: Identifying opportunities for process improvement to enhance the quality of the products and efficiency of operations. This might involve implementing new testing methods, optimizing storage conditions, or recommending equipment upgrades.
- Training and Supervision: Training and managing a team of quality control technicians responsible for carrying out various testing procedures. Ensuring that the team is well-trained and competent in their roles.
- Emergency Response: Developing contingency plans and protocols for responding to emergencies, such as spills, leaks, or accidents involving liquid asphalt. Ensuring that the terminal staff is well-prepared to handle such situations safely and effectively.
- Collaboration: Collaborating with other departments within the terminal, such as operations, maintenance, and safety, to ensure a holistic approach to quality control and overall terminal operations.
- Continuous Improvement: Engaging in continuous learning and professional development to stay current with advancements in asphalt technology, quality control methods, and industry best practices.
- Communication: Effectively communicating with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and regulatory agencies to provide information about quality control processes, test results, and compliance.
- Compliance: Complete all paperwork and reports required by the company in a timely manner. Review time cards and monitor attendance. Adhere to and positively communicate all company policies.
- Regular and predictable attendance at assigned times is required.
- Other duties as may be assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Material Science, or related discipline preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of prior experience with asphalt production, testing, quality control, or terminal operations. Polymer processing experience a plus, where applicable.
- Valid state driver’s license and satisfactory driving record is required.
Required Skills
- Proficiency in various material testing methods used to assess the quality and properties of liquid asphalt. Includes viscosity testing, penetration testing, ductility testing, etc.
- Strong understanding of QC principles and techniques.
- Understanding of relevant industry standards and regulations governing liquid asphalt production, storage and distribution. Includes knowledge of environmental, health and safety regulations.
- Experience with the operation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory instruments and equipment used for asphalt testing.
- Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively with customers and company personnel.
- Ability to supervise and control personnel to accommodate customer satisfaction.
- Solid technical and analytical skills, mathematical skills, mechanical skills and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to identify issues, troubleshoot problems and implement effective solutions.
- Precision and attention to detail are vital in QC to ensure accurate test results and adherence to standards.
- Ability to stay organized and manage test schedules, documentation, and reporting requirements.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook; ability to master local operational software.
- Ability to make good judgment calls when under pressure.
- Ability to read, write and comprehend detailed instructions.
Preferred Skills
- Must be 18 years in age or older.
- Must pass pre-employment physical, drug screen and criminal background check.
- Strict adherence to safety requirements and procedures as per company policy.
- Willingness to work in a team environment and assist co-workers or supervisors with other duties as required.
- Must be willing to travel and work away from home when required.
- Must be willing to work nights and weekends when necessary.
- Individuals are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated operations and production areas as stated by OSHA and/or MSHA. Protective equipment that may be required, but not limited to, for this position is: Face Shield, Safety (hard toe) Shoes, and Safety Vest.
- Compliance with all OSHA and/or MSHA regulations.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.