Construction Materials Technician

Actalent; Tennessee; On-site; USD 26,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Construction Materials Technician to perform tests on concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and soils in a Nashville-area laboratory and field settings. You will document data, maintain equipment, and ensure proper calibration while adhering to QA and safety standards.

The role supports senior staff and engineers, offering exposure to a range of construction materials testing methods, with opportunities for professional certification and skill growth in a collaborative laboratory

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 0–2 years in a construction materials laboratory.
• Foundational knowledge of materials testing (concrete, asphalt, soils, aggregates).
• Strong math skills and ability to interpret measurements.
• Excellent English communication, both written and spoken.
• Attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Commitment to QA and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform tests on construction materials such as concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and soils.
• Record and document test data accurately for review by staff or stakeholders.
• Operate testing equipment following lab and field protocols.
• Maintain laboratory equipment with routine checks and cleaning.
• Ensure calibration status of equipment before use.
• Assist with concrete inspections and materials testing as needed.
• Support QA activities with standardized procedures for repeatable results.
• Communicate test findings clearly to team and supervisors.
• Collaborate with technicians and engineers to troubleshoot procedures.
• Follow safety guidelines and lab protocols at all times.

Skills

Math skills

Attention to detail

English communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

ACI Field Testing Technician Grade I

ACI Strength Testing Technician

ACI Laboratory Technician

ICC Special Inspector (Reinforced Concrete/Masonry/Soils)

DOT certifications (Aggregate/Conventional Density/Asphalt/Concrete)

NICET credentials (construction materials testing)

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

The Construction Materials Technician performs accurate testing and thorough documentation on a variety of construction materials while supporting the reliability and quality of field and laboratory operations. Working both independently and alongside experienced team members, this role ensures test results are logical, complete, and ready for review, while maintaining laboratory equipment in excellent working condition and proper calibration.

Responsibilities

• Perform tests on construction materials such as concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and soils in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
• Accurately record, organize, and document all test data, ensuring results are logical, thorough, and ready for review by staff or project stakeholders.
• Operate testing equipment and instruments safely and correctly, following established laboratory and field testing protocols.
• Maintain laboratory equipment in excellent condition, including performing routine checks, cleaning, and basic maintenance to ensure reliability.
• Ensure all testing equipment remains properly calibrated and verify calibration status before use to support accurate test results.
• Assist with construction materials inspections, including concrete inspection and construction materials testing, as needed.
• Support quality assurance activities by following standardized procedures and contributing to consistent, repeatable test outcomes.
• Communicate test findings clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, to team members and supervisors.
• Collaborate with experienced technicians and engineers to troubleshoot issues with test procedures, equipment, or materials.
• Follow all safety guidelines and laboratory protocols while handling materials, operating equipment, and working in testing environments.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or GED.
• 0–2 years of experience working in a construction materials laboratory.
• Foundational knowledge or exposure to construction materials testing, including concrete, asphalt, soils, and aggregates.
• Effective math skills with a basic understanding of weight, volume, pressure, and units of measure.
• Ability to interpret and apply basic measurement concepts in a testing environment.
• Effective communication skills in English, including speaking, reading, and writing, to document results and interact with team members.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when performing and recording tests.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a laboratory setting.
• Commitment to following established quality assurance and safety procedures.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or familiarity with construction materials testing methods, including concrete testing, asphalt testing, soil testing, and construction materials inspection.
• Knowledge of quality assurance practices in a construction materials or laboratory environment.
• One or more active certifications (preferred): American Concrete Institute (ACI) Field Testing Technician Grade I.
• One or more active certifications (preferred): ACI Strength Testing Technician.
• One or more active certifications (preferred): ACI Laboratory Technician.
• One or more active certifications (preferred): International Code Council (ICC) Special Inspector in areas such as Reinforced Concrete, Masonry, or Soils.
• Department of Transportation (DOT) certifications in Aggregate, Conventional Density, Asphalt, or Concrete (preferred).
• Familiarity with NICET-related concepts or credentials in construction materials testing (a plus).
• Demonstrated interest in building a career in construction materials testing, quality assurance, or related fields.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a construction materials laboratory environment, with possible work in field settings where materials are sampled and tested. You will regularly use specialized testing equipment for concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and soils, and will be responsible for keeping this equipment clean, functional, and properly calibrated.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $19.00 - $21.00/hr.

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 tempor