Materials Lab Chief & Lead Technician (District 2)

Iowa National Guard; Mason City (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IPERS Retirement Package

Paid time off

9 paid holidays per year

Employee discount programs

Job summary

Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking a Materials Technician 4 Lab Chief to oversee materials testing operations in the D2 Materials Lab at Mason City. You will lead technicians and provide technical oversight, ensuring sampling, testing, and project submittal reviews meet federal and contract requirements.

The role emphasizes safety, integrity, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, and agency staff, in a fast-paced testing environment.

Qualifications

• Five years of full-time work experience in the sampling and testing of materials, and/or inspection of highway and bridge projects.
• Three years plus related education/experience as described in the job posting may substitute.
• Bachelor’s degree with related one-year experience also qualifies.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory testing of HMA, PCC, and aggregate materials.
• Review project submittals for sampling/testing frequencies and compliance with requirements.
• Verify mathematical accuracy of quantities calculated by hand.
• Answer technical questions and resolve materials-related problems.
• Communicate with contractor, producer staff and other Iowa DOT personnel.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Quantities calculation

Problem solving

Communication

Safety mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil/chemical/construction/environmental/materials/mechanics/structural/transportation engineering or engineering management

Associate of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Technology or equivalent

DOT highway materials testing certifications (training)

Tools

Nuclear Gauge

Profilometer

Job description

Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking a Materials Technician 4 Lab Chief to oversee materials testing operations in the D2 Materials Lab at Mason City. You will lead technicians and provide technical oversight, ensuring sampling, testing, and project submittal reviews meet federal and contract requirements.

The role emphasizes safety, integrity, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, and agency staff, in a fast-paced testing environment.