Construction Materials Technician

Job Title: Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

The Construction Materials Technician provides critical materials testing, observation, and inspection services on a wide range of infrastructure and commercial projects, including roadways, bridges, airports, large commercial developments, remediation projects, solar farms, and institutional facilities. This role focuses on field and laboratory testing of construction materials such as soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel, ensuring that all work complies with specified procedures and supports high-quality, safe, and durable construction outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials, including soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel, in accordance with established procedures and training.
• Conduct compaction testing, concrete testing, concrete inspection, asphalt testing, soil sampling, and other materials testing activities as required for each project.
• Follow specified testing and inspection protocols to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project standards and industry requirements.
• Provide clear, thorough documentation of all testing activities, observations, findings, and results for each assignment.
• Perform basic analysis of collected data to verify accuracy and completeness before communicating and submitting results to the Project Manager.
• Communicate test results, observations, and any issues or concerns to the Project Manager and other project personnel as directed.
• Use laptop computers and software such as Microsoft Word and Excel to record data, prepare reports, and maintain project documentation.
• Operate and maintain testing equipment, including nuclear density gauges and other field and laboratory instruments, ensuring proper calibration and safe use.
• Maintain all assigned equipment in good working condition, including performing routine checks, cleaning, and calibration as needed.
• Support quality control and quality assurance activities by accurately performing tests and inspections that verify material performance and compliance with project specifications.
• Apply critical thinking skills to identify potential issues in materials or testing processes and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Adhere to all safety procedures and guidelines while working in the field and laboratory environments.
• Drive to various project sites using a company vehicle or personal vehicle as required, following safe driving practices and company policies.
• Train lower-level technicians in testing procedures and equipment use when appropriate, based on experience level and direction from leadership.
• Collaborate with engineering and project teams involved in geotechnical, environmental, and materials services to support overall project objectives.
• Support leadership-focused programs by actively participating in training and development activities aimed at career growth into advanced technical or project management roles.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of relevant construction field experience, such as construction work or materials co-op experience.
• Hands-on experience with concrete, steel, and compaction testing in a construction or materials testing environment.
• Ability to perform construction materials testing, including concrete testing, soil testing, asphalt testing, and material handling tasks.
• Experience with field inspection and observation of construction materials and related activities.
• Proficiency using a laptop computer and basic software, including Microsoft Word and Excel, to document and analyze test results.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to various project sites.
• Ability to meet standard background, motor vehicle record, and drug screening requirements in line with company policy.
• Strong, confident communication style and the ability to interact effectively with project managers, engineers, and field personnel.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills to assess data, identify inconsistencies, and support quality control and quality assurance processes.
• Ability to learn and follow specified testing procedures, inspection standards, and safety protocols.
• Capability to safely operate and handle field and laboratory equipment, including nuclear density gauges and other testing instruments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Interest in pursuing or holding ACI Level I Concrete Field Testing Technician certification, with a track record or goal to obtain this credential.
• Experience or familiarity with ICC or ICC Soils certifications and related inspection standards.
• Exposure to NICET certifications or coursework related to construction materials testing or inspection.
• background or education in engineering, materials testing, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, or a related technical field.
• EIT or FE credentials, or progress toward these engineering-in-training qualifications, are beneficial.
• Experience with quality control and quality assurance processes in construction or materials testing environments.
• Knowledge of nuclear gauge or nuclear density gauge operation and safety protocols.
• Ability and willingness to mentor and train junior technicians when appropriate.
• Desire to grow into advanced roles such as Assistant Project Manager or Project Manager within geotechnical, environmental, or materials services.
• Motivation to participate in leadership-focused development programs and take advantage of training and certification opportunities funded by the employer.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based, with work performed at a variety of active construction and infrastructure project sites, including roadways, bridges, airports, commercial developments, solar farms, and institutional facilities. Technicians regularly work outdoors and in construction environments, using field testing equipment such as nuclear density gauges and other materials testing instruments, and may also perform laboratory testing as needed. The schedule can include overnight and weekend work, with premium pay provided for these shifts. Travel between project sites is common, and a valid driver's license is required; a company truck and gas card may be provided, along with recognition programs for safe driving. The organization is an employee-owned, multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services, with strong employee retention and a culture focused on leadership development and career growth. Team members benefit from paid certifications and training, profit sharing opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, holidays, education reimbursement, and bonus programs, subject to role, eligibility, and job status.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $26.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Syracuse,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

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.