Job Responsibilities

This position performs laboratory tests and records the results on materials used for district, county, local and other state agency transportation projects. 

No. of samples taken: 1,500 - 2,500 annually
No. of reports submitted: 1,500 - 2,500 annually
Value of materials tested: $5,000,000 - $30,000,000

This position reports to the Laboratory Supervisor. No subordinates report to this position but will train the Laboratory Technician and Junior Laboratory Technician as directed by the Laboratory Supervisor. 

This technical position performs a variety of tests on materials sampled or purchased for use in district transportation projects or materials obtained for special investigations. Test results determine the acceptance or rejection of the material tested, determine contractor pay factors for performance-based specifications, and provide information to engineering staff for special investigations. 

Typical problems encountered include developing a knowledge of the different testing procedures and the range of typical results so abnormal results can be identified and their causes also identified and corrected. Typical problems also include, organizing a large number of samples from multiple sources requiring multiple tests, performing the appropriate tests efficiently and accurately to accommodate construction and production schedules. The greatest challenges are troubleshooting equipment problems and developing testing protocols for special investigations. 

This position is responsible for performing laboratory tests, calculating, reporting results, repairing and calibrating laboratory and field test equipment, and maintaining a clean and organized lab environment. The incumbent is required to perform data entry into various computer programs including Materials Integrated System for Test Information and Communication (MISTIC) and Excel spreadsheets. Laboratory tests include hot mix asphalt volumetrics and core density, concrete compressive strength, aggregate gradation, soil Atterberg limits and moisture-density relationships. The incumbent will recommend the purchase of laboratory equipment and assist with the purchasing process. The incumbent may also temporarily assist with other tasks in the Materials Section as needed. S/he is required to obtain samples, calibrate testing equipment, or perform investigative tasks.

This position is given wide freedom in pursuing testing activities according to department policies and District Standards of Practice handbook. This position also operates within the guidelines established in the department’s Manual of Test Procedures for Materials and other applicable departmental guidelines. Only complex problems are referred to the Laboratory Supervisor. 

The incumbent has internal contacts with district Materials and Construction staff and central Bureau of Materials and Bureau of Research staff. Externally, s/he has contacts with material suppliers, producers, and local agency staff. This position requires the ability to lift 50 pounds. Incumbent will be subjected to random drug and alcohol testing. Successful completion of a background check, a pre-employment physical, and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is required. 

The effectiveness of this position is based on the incumbent’s ability to perform appropriate test procedures efficiently and accurately. 

Principal Accountabilities

1. Organizes samples and ensures testing is completed efficiently.
2. Performs material tests to determine whether the product conforms to approved standards and/or determine properties of the product.
3. Reports test results and maintains complete and accurate materials test records.
4. Troubleshoots testing and equipment problems.
5. Calibrates, maintains, and repairs laboratory and field-testing equipment.
6. Performs data entry.
7. Trains the Laboratory Technician and Junior Laboratory Technician.
8. Performs duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive to the fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
9. Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Position Requirements

• Education/Experience

• Completion of two years of college in civil engineering technology, pre-engineering or a job related technical/science curriculum PLUS thirty months of engineering experience; OR
• Six years of engineering experience.

• Valid Drivers’ License
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment physical.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.
• Overtime and outdoor work in a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, active construction sites, drilling sites, and roads open to traffic.
• Two years experience in transportation materials testing and use of laboratory testing equipment.
• Possess IDOT QC/QA certification in Aggregates and HMA Level I.
• Ability to successfully obtain IDOT QC/QA certification in PCC Level I within 18 months of start date.
• This position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Position Desirables

• Knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to two years of college in pre-engineering or civil engineering technology.
• Working knowledge of math to include algebra.