Sr Construction Materials Technician

Job Title: SR. Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

The SR. Construction Materials Technician performs advanced field and laboratory testing of construction materials and conducts special inspections to support commercial and residential projects, with a primary focus on commercial work. This role leads field testing activities, ensures compliance with industry standards and project specifications, and provides technical guidance to junior technicians. The technician works closely with project managers, engineers, and contractors to support quality assurance efforts and to ensure that materials and construction practices meet required standards.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced materials testing and special inspections for construction projects in accordance with industry standards, project specifications, and applicable codes and protocols, including ACI requirements.
• Conduct field inspections and testing of concrete, soil, aggregate, asphalt, and other construction materials, ensuring that all procedures follow established testing methods.
• Document testing activities and inspection results through detailed daily field reports, including observations, measurements, and non-conforming material findings.
• Lead field testing activities and coordinate daily tasks, ensuring that testing is completed accurately, safely, and on schedule.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and on-the-job training to junior technicians to support their development and ensure consistent testing quality.
• Utilize testing equipment such as nuclear density gauges and concrete testing equipment in accordance with safety and calibration requirements.
• Perform physical activities required for field testing, including squatting, bending, lifting, climbing, and traversing difficult or uneven terrain.
• Read and interpret construction plans, specifications, blueprints, and geotechnical reports to determine appropriate testing requirements and inspection procedures.
• Communicate testing results, field observations, and non-conforming material findings clearly and professionally to project managers, engineers, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Support quality assurance and quality control efforts by verifying that materials and construction practices meet project and regulatory requirements.
• Represent the organization professionally in front of clients, demonstrating reliability, strong work ethic, and effective communication skills.
• Work flexible hours, including after regular business hours and occasionally on holidays, to meet project schedules and testing requirements.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated experience in construction materials testing, including concrete testing and soil testing for fill or earthwork.
• Strong proficiency in concrete testing methods and procedures for commercial and residential projects.
• Experience using nuclear gauges and nuclear density gauges for in-place density and compaction testing.
• Ability to conduct soil, aggregate, asphalt, and other construction materials testing in accordance with industry standards.
• Basic understanding and ability to read and interpret construction plans, blueprints, specifications, and geotechnical reports.
• Ability to lift testing equipment weighing up to 80 pounds safely and repeatedly in a field environment.
• Ability to perform physical activities required of field testing, including squatting, bending, lifting, climbing, and traversing difficult terrain.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in documenting test results and completing daily field reports.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with project managers, engineers, contractors, and clients.
• High level of reliability, dependability, and professionalism, with the ability to represent the organization in front of clients.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with commercial construction projects, with additional exposure to residential projects considered beneficial.
• Knowledge of ICC, ACI, and other relevant inspection and testing protocols.
• Interest in cross-training across multiple disciplines such as environmental, surveying, and civil services.
• Desire to build a long-term career in construction materials testing and inspection, with a strong motivation to learn and grow.
• Openness to obtaining and maintaining relevant certifications, with support provided for certification assistance.
• Ability to manage time effectively and adapt to changing project priorities and schedules.
• Comfort working independently in the field while maintaining consistent communication with the project team.

Work Environment

This position is based in and around Charlotte, NC, with a primary focus on field work at active construction sites. The role requires frequent travel to project locations and extensive time spent outdoors in varying weather conditions while performing testing and inspections. The work environment involves traversing difficult or uneven terrain, working around heavy equipment, and performing physically demanding tasks such as lifting equipment up to 80 pounds, squatting, bending, climbing, and standing for extended periods. Work hours may extend beyond regular business hours, including evenings and occasional holidays, to meet project and testing schedules. The role typically includes the use of a company truck for travel to job sites and access to specialized testing equipment such as nuclear density gauges and concrete testing instruments. The broader office environment offers exposure to multiple disciplines, including environmental, surveying, and civil services, providing opportunities for cross-training and skill diversification.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

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.