Laboratory Technician I

UES, Inc.; South Carolina; On-site; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking a Laboratory Technician I to help test construction materials, including soil, concrete, and aggregates, to support project specifications. The role emphasizes learning, accuracy, and teamwork in a safety-minded environment.

Prior laboratory experience is helpful but not required; curiosity, dependability, and a willingness to learn are valued as you contribute to engineers, field teams, and project managers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in construction materials testing or geotechnical lab work.
• Commitment to workplace safety and PPE protocols (OSHA compliance).
• Basic computer proficiency; experience with MS Office and Field Data Collection software preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, and technical reports.
• Mathematical skills for unit conversions and measurements.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Organizational and problem-solving skills; detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and handle lab-field tasks.
• Physical ability to lift and move materials; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory testing on soil, concrete, and aggregates following ASTM/AASHTO standards.
• Document and report test results with accuracy and traceability.
• Prepare samples, handle storage, and maintain sample integrity.
• Operate laboratory testing equipment and ensure proper calibration.
• Communicate results with lab supervisors, engineers, and field teams.
• Support safety, organization, and quality-focused lab environment.
• Assist with project testing requirements and compliance with procedures.
• Perform additional duties to support the laboratory team as needed.

Skills

Curious

Detail-oriented

Team player

Safety-minded

Dependable

Strong communicator

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Outlook

FDC software

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Build Your Career From the Ground Up

Looking for a hands-on opportunity where you can learn technical skills and see how your work contributes to real construction projects?

As a Laboratory Technician I at UES, you’ll help test the materials that go into the built environment, from soil and concrete to aggregates and other construction materials. Your work helps teams understand whether materials meet project requirements and provides important information to engineers, field teams, and project managers.

This is a great opportunity to begin or grow a career in construction materials testing, geotechnical services, or engineering support. Prior laboratory experience is helpful, but it isn’t required. We’re looking for someone who is curious, dependable, safety-minded, and ready to learn.

What You’ll Work On

• Perform laboratory testing on soil, concrete, aggregates, and other construction materials
• Learn and apply recognized testing standards and laboratory methods
• Operate laboratory equipment and develop valuable technical testing skills
• Prepare and handle samples while helping ensure accurate, reliable results
• Partner with supervisors, engineers, and field teams to keep projects moving
• Help identify testing concerns and communicate results clearly
• Contribute to a safe, organized, quality-focused laboratory environment

What Will Help You Succeed

You don’t need to know everything on day one. Success in this role starts with the right mindset.

• Curious and eager to learn technical skills and testing methods
• Detail-oriented, with an eye for accuracy and quality
• Hands-on and dependable, and comfortable working with materials and equipment
• Safety-focused and committed to following established practices
• Organized and adaptable, with the ability to balance multiple priorities
• A strong communicator who enjoys working as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Perform routine laboratory testing on construction materials, including soil, concrete, and other construction materials following ASTM, AASHTO, and other applicable industry standards to ensure compliance with project specifications.
• Ensure that project testing requirements are met and compliant with project specifications, requirements, and company policies and procedures.
• Accurately document and report test results, maintaining detailed, organized, and error-free records.
• Assist with sample preparation, handling, and proper storage, ensuring sample integrity, traceability, and adherence to laboratory protocols.
• Operate laboratory testing equipment.
• Follow strict safety protocols and laboratory procedures, including proper handling of materials and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Communicate effectively with lab supervisors, engineers, and field personnel, providing timely updates on test results, sample status, and any technical issues.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, supporting the laboratory team, field technicians, and project managers as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science, or a related field preferred.
• 0-3 years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical laboratory work, or a related field (prior laboratory experience preferred but not required).
• Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA, company, and laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Basic computer proficiency, with experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to construction materials testing and laboratory protocols.
• Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, field personnel, and clients to carry out instructions and report findings.
• Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Detail-oriented and quality-focused, ensuring accuracy in sample preparation, testing procedures, and data documentation.
• Ability to work independently within the limitations of experience, using initiative to solve routine lab challenges.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving materials or equipment.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Travel Requirements

This position does not require regular travel as part of its primary responsibilities. However, occasional
travel may be required, up to 10%, primarily for occasional off-site meetings, training sessions, or
company events. Travel, when necessary, will be communicated in advance and aligned with business
needs.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is sometimes conducted in a laboratory setting, but may also involve fieldwork and exposure to outdoor conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
• Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.

Physical requirements include:

• Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling samples, operating lab instruments, and performing testing procedures.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) and smell.

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here