Laboratory Technician

Overview

At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Laboratory Technician - Construction Materials Testing

Location: Little Rock, AR | Full-Time

Not Your Typical Lab Job. Build Skills That Make a Real Impact.

Looking for a hands-on career where your work contributes to building roads, bridges, schools, commercial developments, and other critical infrastructure in your community?

UES is hiring a full-time Laboratory Technician I in Little Rock, Arkansas!

Whether you're starting your career, exploring a new industry, or looking for an opportunity to develop valuable technical skills, this position offers hands-on experience, professional development, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced industry professionals.

This isn't your traditional medical or research laboratory. You'll work with the materials that go into real construction projects, helping ensure they meet important quality and performance standards.

About the Role

As a Laboratory Technician I, you'll support our construction materials testing operations by evaluating soil, concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and other materials used in infrastructure and development projects.

You'll learn standardized testing procedures, operate specialized laboratory equipment, and work closely with engineers, project managers, and field technicians.

No previous construction materials testing experience? We encourage candidates with strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and an interest in hands-on technical work to apply.

What You'll Do

• Perform laboratory testing on soil, concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and other construction materials.

• Prepare, organize, and document samples for testing.

• Operate and maintain laboratory testing equipment.

• Record accurate test results and assist with technical documentation.

• Follow established testing procedures, quality standards, and safety protocols.

• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and field technicians.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.

• Develop technical skills through hands-on training and exposure to industry-standard testing methods.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking dependable, detail-oriented individuals who enjoy hands-on work and want to develop valuable technical skills.

Ideal candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.

• Willingness to learn new testing procedures and equipment.

• Reliability, organization, and good time management.

• Ability to follow written instructions and established procedures.

• Basic math, measurement, and documentation skills.

• Strong communication and teamwork.

• Comfort working in an active laboratory environment.

Previous laboratory, construction, manufacturing, quality control, or materials testing experience is a plus, but not required.

Why Join UES?

Hands-On Training: Learn practical testing methods and develop skills you can build a career around.

Meaningful Work: Contribute to the quality and safety of construction projects throughout your community.

Career Development: Gain experience that can lead to opportunities in laboratory operations, construction materials testing, quality assurance, and other technical roles.

Collaborative Environment: Work alongside experienced technicians, engineers, and project managers who can support your development.

Full-Time Opportunity: Build a career in a growing industry with opportunities to expand your knowledge and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory testing on construction materials, including soil, concrete, and other construction materials following ASTM, AASHTO, and other applicable industry standards to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Ensure that project testing requirements are met and compliant with project specifications, requirements, and company policies and procedures.
• Accurately document and report test results, maintaining detailed, organized, and error-free records.
• Assist with sample preparation, handling, and proper storage, ensuring sample integrity, traceability, and adherence to laboratory protocols.
• Operate laboratory testing equipment.
• Follow strict safety protocols and laboratory procedures, including proper handling of materials and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Communicate effectively with lab supervisors, engineers, and field personnel, providing timely updates on test results, sample status, and any technical issues.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, supporting the laboratory team, field technicians, and project managers as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science, or a related field preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical laboratory work, or a related field (prior laboratory experience preferred but not required).
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA, company, and laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Basic computer proficiency, with experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to construction materials testing and laboratory protocols.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, field personnel, and clients to carry out instructions and report findings.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, ensuring accuracy in sample preparation, testing procedures, and data documentation.
• Ability to work independently within the limitations of experience, using initiative to solve routine lab challenges.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving materials or equipment.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record; ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Travel Requirements

This position does not require regular travel as part of its primary responsibilities. However, occasional

travel may be required, up to 10%, primarily for occasional off-site meetings, training sessions, or

company events. Travel, when necessary, will be communicated in advance and aligned with business

needs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is sometimes conducted in a laboratory setting, but may also involve fieldwork and exposure to outdoor conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling samples, operating lab instruments, and performing testing procedures.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) and smell.

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here