Construction Material Testing / Engineering Technician II

Terracon; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon in Des Moines, IA, is seeking multiple Construction Materials Technician II to join our team. You will perform testing, observation, and inspection on soils, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel and asphalt, and communicate results to project managers and client representatives.

The role offers in-depth technical training and professional certifications as you advance, with opportunities to grow within a successful, safety‑driven organization. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of relevant experience or the equivalent in training and related experience.
• Experience with laptop computer use and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• ACI certification in one or more of the following areas: Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I; Concrete Strength Testing Technician.
• Certified in radiation safety and Nuclear Density Gauge operations.
• Successful completion of related internal safety and technical certifications.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.
• Preferred Certifications: NICET Level II in Construction Materials Testing (Asphalt/Concrete/Soils); ICC certifications in Reinforced Concrete, Spray-applied Fireproofing, Structural Masonry, Prestressed/Post-Tensioned Concrete; ASNT Level II in VT/MT/PT/RT/UT.

Responsibilities

• Perform sample tests, observation and inspection of soils, aggregates, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel and asphalt.
• Document and prepare sample testing and observation data using a laptop or tablet device; submit findings to a Project Manager.
• Effectively communicate testing and inspection results.
• Progressively increase training and responsibility in work assignments.
• Ensure that all testing equipment and tools are properly calibrated and maintained.
• Follow safety rules and practices and other safety requirements for all projects; perform pre-task planning and report safety issues.
• Maintain quality standards on all projects.
• Transport materials safely from job sites to the lab using a company-provided full-size pickup truck.

Skills

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laptop usage

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Terracon has an opportunity for several Construction Materials Technician II's to join our team in Des Moines, IA. Our Construction Materials Technician II will perform various testing, observation, and inspection on construction materials such as soils, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel and asphalt. You will communicate with Project Managers, client representatives, contractor’s representatives and other key stakeholders regarding testing and inspection results. Tests are performed on building construction projects in the Des Moines area and in the Terracon laboratories. Successful candidates will receive in-depth technical training and professional certifications as they advance in the position.

Safety is Terracon’s most important core value! Terracon provides a safe work environment for our employees and safe practices for our technicians to follow. Incident and Injury-Free (IIF) is about care and concern for people. It is our personal and organizational commitment at all levels of the company to everyone going home safe to their family every day. We will hold ourselves responsible not just for our own safety and wellbeing, but for that of everyone around us. We will all develop a mindset intolerant of any incidents or injuries no matter how minor or infrequent.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

• Perform sample tests, observation and inspection of soils, aggregates, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel and asphalt.
• Document and prepare sample testing and observation data using a laptop or tablet device; submit findings accurately to a Project Manager.
• Effectively communicate testing and inspection results.
• Will be placed in a progressively increased role of training and responsibility in work assignments.
• Ensure that all testing equipment and tools are properly calibrated and maintained.
• Follows safety rules and practices and other safety requirements for all projects. Performs pre-task planning prior to executing work. Reports any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Maintains quality standards on all projects.
• Transports materials safely from various job sites to the lab using a company provided full size pickup truck.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 1-2 years of relevant experience or the equivalent in training and related experience
• Experience with laptop computer use and Microsoft Word and Excel
• ACI certification in one or more of the following areas:
  • Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I
  • Concrete Strength Testing Technician
• Certified in radiation safety and Nuclear Density Gauge operations
• Successful completion of related internal safety and technical certifications
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history

Preferred Requirements

• Certifications in one or more of the following areas:
  • NICET Level II certification in Construction Materials Testing in one or more of the following categories: Asphalt, Concrete, Soils.
  • ICC certification in one or more of the following categories: Reinforced Concrete, Spray-applied Fireproofing, Structural Masonry, Prestressed/Post-Tensioned Concrete
  • American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) Level II certification in more than one of the following areas: Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), Dye Penetrant Testing (PT), Radiographic Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT).

Other national, regional, state, and local Materials related certifications requiring experience and written examination will also be considered if deemed appropriate by the Terracon Department Manager.

The successful candidate will be encouraged to expand their skills and certifications through company provided training and mentoring. This is an opportunity to become a member of a successful team, be part of the construction process and make a career at a steady, growing organization.