Bituminous Materials Inspector

State of North Carolina; Wake Forest (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

State of North Carolina’s Department of Transportation seeks an Engineering Technician III to oversee asphalt binder and emulsion programs. You will inspect facilities, sample materials, and enforce QA/QC standards, ensuring compliance with AASHTO/ASTM specs.

The role requires laboratory certification, documentation rigor, and the ability to train producers on corrective actions while maintaining safety and quality across projects.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; three years of progressive technician experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with asphalt testing, PG binders, and laboratory QA/QC procedures is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Inspect and approve producer manufacturing facilities based on QC plans.
• Conduct on-site evaluations after QC plan approval and document deficiencies.
• Approve new asphalt emulsion producers' laboratories for entry into NCDOT programs.
• Verify binder and emulsion quality using AASHTO R66 testing for PG binder and emulsions.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of sampling activities and results.
• Enforce NCDOT QC/QA PG Binder and Asphalt Emulsion program requirements.
• Certify producer personnel responsible for sampling and provide guidance on corrective actions.

Skills

Quality Control

AASHTO testing

Safety practices

Laboratory equipment

Education

Associate’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology or Survey Technology

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

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.