Data Center Field Lead

AET; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

American Engineering Testing, Inc. (AET) in Fargo, ND seeks a Data Center Field Lead to coordinate field operations across CMT, geotechnical, pavement and environmental services.

You will ensure service quality, safety, and effective communication between field technicians, project managers, and clients. The role emphasizes mentorship, timely testing results, adherence to ASTM/AASHTO/MnDOT standards, and supporting project tracking through QEST and Dynamics.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 3 years hands-on experience in construction materials testing.
• 0–2 years of direct supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily field schedules and manage field staff.
• Provide technical guidance on soils, concrete, asphalt, aggregates, and field testing procedures.
• Perform or assist with complex field investigations, sampling, and test observations.
• Review and approve field documentation including daily field reports, timesheets, expenses, and mileage logs.
• Support the use of AET’s systems (e.g., QEST, Dynamics) for accurate project tracking and reporting.
• Serve as a point of contact for field inquiries, coordinating with project managers and clients to resolve concerns.
• Ensure client specifications, contract requirements, and industry standards (ASTM, AASHTO, MnDOT) are met on all active job sites.
• Support the development and delivery of accurate testing results and project documentation.
• Mentor, coach, and train new and junior technicians in field methods, safety, and client interaction.
• Conduct performance reviews and support development goals and certifications (e.g., ACI, NICET, MnDOT).
• Help manage field onboarding and certifications tracking with Department and HR teams.
• Lead field team meetings or tailgate talks to reinforce safety and project updates.
• Monitor project productivity, technician utilization, and overtime management.
• Assist with maintaining project and department profitability targets through scheduling, quality, and cost control.
• Help track prevailing wage compliance, WIP status, and project documentation accuracy with project managers.
• Enforce health and safety practices on all job sites; conduct spot checks and incident follow-ups.
• Uphold QA/QC standards through review of field practices and documentation.
• Promote a positive team culture rooted in safety, respect, professionalism, and accountability.

Skills

Communication

Team leadership

Safety

Client coordination

Education

High School Diploma

Associate or bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Geology

Tools

QEST

Microsoft Dynamics

Job description

Job Summary

The Data Center Field Lead at American Engineering Testing, Inc. (AET) plays a critical leadership role in coordinating and overseeing field operations across construction materials testing (CMT), geotechnical, pavement, and environmental service lines. This role ensures high-quality service delivery, team performance, and safety compliance while acting as a frontline liaison between field technicians, project managers, and clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Assign and coordinate daily project schedules for field staff based on workload, testing complexity, certifications, and project scope.
• Provide technical guidance and quality control on field procedures including soils, concrete, asphalt, aggregate, and specialty materials testing.
• Perform or assist with complex field investigations, sampling procedures, and test observations.
• Review and approve field documentation including daily field reports, timesheets, expenses, and mileage logs.
• Support the use of AET’s systems (e.g., QEST, Dynamics) for accurate project tracking and reporting.
• Serve as a point of contact for field-level project inquiries, coordinating with project managers and clients to resolve concerns or technical clarifications.
• Ensure that client specifications, contract requirements, and industry standards (e.g., ASTM, AASHTO, MnDOT) are consistently met on all active job sites.
• Support the development and delivery of accurate and timely testing results and project documentation.
• Mentor, coach, and train new and junior technicians in proper field methods, safety procedures, and client interaction.
• Conduct regular performance check-ins and annual reviews; support employees with development goals and certifications (e.g., ACI, NICET, MnDOT).
• Help manage field onboarding and certifications tracking, working closely with Department and HR teams.
• Lead field team meetings or tailgate talks to reinforce safety, project updates, and process improvements.
• Monitor and support project productivity, technician utilization, and overtime management.
• Assist with maintaining project and department profitability targets through scheduling, quality, and cost control.
• Help track prevailing wage compliance, WIP status, and project documentation accuracy in collaboration with project managers.
• Enforce AET’s health and safety practices on all job sites; conduct spot checks and incident follow-ups as needed.
• Uphold QA/QC standards through review of field practices, calibrations, and proper documentation.
• Promote a positive team culture rooted in safety, respect, professionalism, and accountability.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Direct supervision of assigned field technicians or engineering staff.

Required Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 3 years of hands‑on experience in construction materials testing or related engineering services.
• 0–2 years of direct supervisory experience required.
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Preferred Skills

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Geology preferred.
• Field certifications such as ACI Field Testing Grade I, MnDOT Bituminous/Grading & Base, NICET, or equivalent.
• Strong working knowledge of field standards and test methods (ASTM, AASHTO, MnDOT).
• Experience using project tracking systems such as QEST or Microsoft Dynamics.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills, with the ability to train and motivate technicians.
• Proven ability to manage shifting priorities in a high-volume, fast-paced field environment.

Work Environment

This job primarily operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. The position will occasionally be required to operate in a field environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands or fingers, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.