Construction Materials Testing / Engineering Technician

Terracon; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon has an opportunity for Construction Materials Technicians in Des Moines, IA. The role involves observing and testing soils, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel and asphalt on building projects and at Terracon laboratories.

Training and professional certifications are provided as you advance within 1–2 years. Safety is Terracon’s core value; a safe work environment and IIF, incident-free mindset are emphasized for all employees.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• 6 months’ experience in construction related field.
• Ability to obtain ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade 1 or ATI Nuclear Gauge Safety Certification within 90 days of start (fees paid by Terracon).
• Successful completion of related internal safety and technical certifications.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.

Responsibilities

• Assist with basic sample tests and observation of soils, aggregates, concrete, masonry, reinforcing steel and asphalt.
• Document and submit testing data and findings to a Project Manager.
• Effectively communicate testing and inspection results to stakeholders.
• Ensure testing equipment and tools are properly calibrated and maintained.
• Transport materials safely from job sites to the lab.
• Follow safety rules and pre-task planning for all projects.

Skills

Observations & testing

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

General Responsibilities

Terracon has an opportunity for several Construction Materials Technicians to join our team in Des Moines, IA. Our Construction Materials Technician I will perform various observations and tests 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 within 1-2 years.

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

• Under direction of senior technicians, staff professionals or project managers, assists with tasks and perform basic sample tests and observation 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
• 6 months’ experience in construction related field
• Ability to obtain American Concrete Institute (ACI) Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade 1 or American Technical Institute (ATI) Nuclear Gauge Safety Certification within 90 days of start (fees for classes and testing paid by Terracon)
• Successful completion of related internal safety and technical certifications
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history

Preferred Requirements

• Obtain Nuclear Density Gauge certification within 6 months of hire
• Current industry certifications for materials testing a plus, but not required