Construction Materials Technician

Actalent; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

PTO / Vacation

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Construction Materials Technician in Nashville, TN for a contract-to-hire role. You will perform field and laboratory testing of concrete, asphalt, and soils, document results, and support project teams with accurate data.

Travel to active construction sites and operate specialized testing equipment under supervision. You will follow procedures, maintain equipment, and communicate findings to project personnel while ensuring safety and quality.

Qualifications

• Experience with construction materials testing and field documentation.
• Familiarity with concrete testing and inspection.
• Ability to record and organize testing/inspection records clearly and accurately.
• Proficiency with computers/tablets and standard software.
• Willingness to learn proprietary reporting systems.
• Strong communication skills for field and office use.
• Must follow procedures and safety regulations.
• Ability to travel between sites and work in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing of concrete, asphalt, and soils per project requirements.
• Review project plans and testing requirements to prepare for work.
• Document findings and prepare daily reports reflecting results.
• Identify non-conforming conditions and communicate them to project personnel.
• Calibrate and maintain testing equipment and ensure safety compliance.
• Collect samples and support data recording for project documentation.
• Maintain organized testing records using reporting systems and devices.
• Build professional relationships with clients, contractors, and team members.

Skills

Materials testing

Concrete testing

Documentation

Computers/tablets

Communication

Independent after training

Field & lab testing

Safety compliance

Driver's license

Education

Civil engineering background

NICET concepts/certifications

ACI standards familiarity

Tools

Nuclear density gauge

Testing equipment

Job description

Job Title: Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

The Construction Materials Technician performs field and laboratory testing, inspections, and observations on construction projects under general supervision. This role focuses on evaluating construction materials such as concrete, asphalt, and soils, accurately documenting results, and supporting project teams with reliable data and clear communication. The technician follows established procedures and safety standards while using specialized testing equipment and software to ensure quality and compliance with project specifications and industry requirements.

Responsibilities

• Receive, understand, and follow written and verbal instructions for assigned projects and tasks.
• Review project plans, specifications, and testing requirements to prepare for field and laboratory work.
• Perform field testing, inspections, and observations on construction projects under general supervision.
• Conduct construction materials testing, including concrete, asphalt, soil sampling, and related materials, in accordance with project requirements and industry standards.
• Apply knowledge of soil classification, compaction testing, and other standard construction materials testing procedures during field and laboratory activities.
• Assist with sample collection, material testing, and data recording to support accurate project documentation.
• Document field activities and prepare daily reports that clearly and accurately reflect testing, inspection, and observation results.
• Identify non-conforming conditions or deficiencies and promptly communicate findings to appropriate project personnel.
• Accurately record, maintain, and organize testing and inspection records using computers, tablets, and reporting systems.
• Clean, maintain, and calibrate assigned equipment in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
• Safely transport, operate, and maintain specialized testing equipment, including nuclear density gauges and other materials testing instruments.
• Follow all company safety policies and applicable regulations while performing field and laboratory activities.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, contractors, and team members through professional communication and conduct.
• Manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project demands while maintaining a strong focus on quality and accuracy.
• Represent the organization positively in both field and office environments through a professional demeanor and ethical behavior.

Essential Skills

• Basic understanding of construction materials testing, inspections, sample collection, and field documentation practices.
• Experience or familiarity with concrete testing, concrete inspection, and general construction materials testing.
• Ability to accurately record, maintain, and organize testing and inspection records.
• Proficiency with computers, tablets, and common business software applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize proprietary software and reporting systems for data entry and reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with project teams and documenting results.
• Ability to follow procedures, accept direction, and work independently after training.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, contractors, and team members.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to represent the organization positively in the field and office.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy in all testing and documentation activities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project demands.
• Commitment to working safely, ethically, and responsibly at all times.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to operate company vehicles safely.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Knowledge of concrete, asphalt, soils, and other construction materials testing methods.
• Familiarity with nuclear density gauge operation and safety practices.
• Background or coursework in civil engineering, geology, or related fields.
• Exposure to ACI (American Concrete Institute) standards and practices.
• Exposure to NICET (National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies) concepts or certifications in construction materials testing.
• Experience with soil sampling and basic geology concepts related to construction projects.
• Ability to quickly learn new technologies, equipment, and testing procedures.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain clear, thorough documentation.

Work Environment

This role is primarily field-based with regular work on active construction sites, complemented by laboratory and office activities for testing and documentation. The technician uses specialized materials testing equipment, including nuclear density gauges, concrete testing tools, and other instruments, along with computers, tablets, and proprietary reporting software. Work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, and typical construction site environments while adhering to strict safety procedures and regulations. The position requires safe operation of company vehicles to travel between job sites and facilities. Attire typically includes appropriate field clothing and required personal protective equipment, such as safety boots, high-visibility gear, and other safety-related items, to ensure safe and professional conduct on site.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashville, TN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $18.00 - $21.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Nashville,TN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 6, 2026.

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 [e-mail] 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.