Bituminous Materials Inspector

Department of Transportation; North Carolina; On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Carolina Department of Transportation seeks an Engineering Technician III (S) to oversee asphalt binder and emulsion programs. The role involves inspecting producer facilities, verifying QC plans, and enforcing NCDOT/ASTM/AASHTO specifications to ensure material quality.

Responsibilities include on-site evaluations, sampling per AASHTO guidelines, maintaining accurate records, and certifying personnel.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Survey Technology or related field with 3 years progressive technician experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may apply.
• Knowledge of QC/QA programs and lab safety practices.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and approve producer facilities based on QC plans.
• Conduct on-site evaluations and document deficiencies.
• Approve new asphalt emulsion producer laboratories.
• Verify binder and emulsion quality per AASHTO/ASTM specs.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of sampling activities.
• Enforce NCDOT QC/QA PG Binder and Asphalt Emulsion Programs.
• Certify producer personnel responsible for sampling.
• Provide guidance on corrective actions and quality requirements.

Skills

Asphalt Superpave knowledge

Laboratory equipment knowledge

Multi-tasking

Work with odors/chemicals

HiCams Software

Education

Associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Survey Technology, plus 3 years experience

Tools

HiCams Software

Job description

Agency Dept of Transportation Division State Hwy Administrator - Div of Hwys Job Classification Title Engineering Technician III (S) Position Number 60027244 Grade NC11

About Us It’s the mission of the NC Department of Transportation to connect people, products and places safely and efficiently with customer focus, accountability, and environmental sensitivity to enhance the economy and vitality of North Carolina. We encourage you to consider joining NCDOT where our work not only serves the citizens of North Carolina but has an impact on our world through all modes of transportation.

Description of Work Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date. The Inspector is responsible for evaluating and approving producer manufacturing processes, facilities, and personnel participating in the NCDOT PG Binder and Asphalt Emulsion Programs. This role ensures full compliance with NCDOT, AASHTO, and ASTM specifications through facility inspections, material sampling, certification activities, and enforcement of quality standards.

Facility and Process Oversight

• Inspect and approve producer manufacturing facilities based on their Quality Control (QC) plans.
• Conduct on-site evaluations upon QC plan approval and document any deficiencies in writing.
• Approve new asphalt emulsion producer’s laboratories seeking entry into NCDOT programs.

Sampling and Verification

• Verify binder and emulsion quality using AASHTO R66 Sampling Bituminous Materials, including sampling PG Binder and asphalt emulsions from NCDOT roadway locations.
• Obtain samples following the Materials and Tests Sampling Guide, PG Binder Program, Asphalt Emulsion Program requirements, and applicable AASHTO/ASTM specifications.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of sampling activities and results.

Quality Assurance and Enforcement

• Enforce all requirements within the NCDOT QC/QA PG Binder and Asphalt Emulsion Programs.
• Identify and address inconsistencies in producer test data, ensuring proper follow-up and documentation.

Certification and Training

• Certify producer personnel responsible for sampling asphalt emulsions to ensure proper procedures and compliance.
• Provide guidance to producers on corrective actions and quality requirements.

The primary consequence of error is economic, i.e., acceptance of inferior material that subsequently requires rehabilitation or replacement before its design life is reached. In extreme measures, error may result in the loss of property or life. In the laboratory, failure to adhere to safety standards and regulations could result in personal injury. In the case of AASHTO re:Source proficiency samples, poor accuracy results give a poor reflection of the Unit as a whole and may result in loss of accreditation.

Instructions consist of initial training by the Laboratory Engineer and yearly competency evaluations in the areas of customer service, operation of equipment, safety guidelines, and testing procedures and specifications. These instructions are provided verbally in the case of customer service and by written material in the case of all other training. Additional instructions may also be provided by D.O.T. courses and other knowledgeable lab technicians. The technician is supervised by the Laboratory Engineer. Daily supervision will not be required except for the case of technical assistance. A schedule of activities is maintained by the technician. Periodic feedback is required to ensure that the schedule is maintained. Test results are reviewed by the Laboratory Engineer for accuracy and compliance.

The selected applicant for this positing should be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to wear safety glasses and other personal protective equipment.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Salary Grade and Salary Range: NC11 $45,431 to $79,504

Management prefers applicants with the following:

• Knowledge of the principles of asphalt Superpave and AASHTO testing techniques, procedures and equipment associated with the testing of performance graded (PG) binders and asphalt emulsions
• Knowledge of laboratory equipment and terminology and of laboratory hazards and safety practices.
• Experience multi-tasking while maintaining specimen and data integrity.
• Demonstrated ability to work with obnoxious odors and chemicals, climb and walk on high structures; lift samples and equipment weighing up to 50lbs.
• Knowledge of HiCams Software Application

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Survey Technology or assigned discipline from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years of progressive technician level experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

In accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 303, our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

EEO Statement The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.

All job postings close at 11:59pm the night before the End Date on the posting.