Materials Lab Technician

State of Montana; East Helena (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays

Public Service Student Loan Forgiv​en|

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is seeking a Materials Lab Technician to perform laboratory testing on materials used in highway and bridge construction and maintenance, ensuring compliance with project specifications and State and Federal regulations. The test results support design staff, contractors, and project managers in applying materials knowledge to road projects.

This position is part of a career ladder with opportunities for advancement and professional development

Qualifications

• Knowledge of materials inspection and testing procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform laboratory testing of materials used in highway and bridge construction and maintenance.
• Provide test results to design staff, contractors, and project managers.
• Follow testing procedures by section (e.g., Bituminous Mix Design or Asphalt Properties).
• Report to the Lab Supervisor in the assigned section.

Skills

Laboratory testing

Materials inspection

Safety practices

Calculations & data entry

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory testing equipment

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Materials Lab Technician. This position is responsible for laboratory testing of a variety of materials used in highway and bridge construction and maintenance to ensure compliance with project specifications and State and Federal regulations. The test results also provide information to design staff, contractors, and project managers on the development and application of materials. Technical testing procedures vary based on the specific section e.g. Bituminous Mix Design or Asphalt Properties. The position reports to the Lab Supervisor in the assigned section.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on a first day of employment

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation’s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Education and Experience:

• Level 1: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Level 2: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of materials lab technician related work experience or qualification based upon Helena Materials Lab Advancement Policies.
• Level 3: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of materials lab technician related work experience or qualification based upon Helena Materials Lab Advancement Policies.
• Combinations of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The position requires understanding of materials inspection and testing procedures, laboratory testing protocols and procedures, and applicable safety practices
• The position requires skills in operating a variety of testing equipment; both mechanical and electrical.
• Skill in performing calculations, using computer software, maintaining accuracy and precision, attention to detail, time management, flexibility, and adaptability.

Other Information:

• The advertised salary includes the 2.5% increase passed by the 2025 MT State Legislature regarding the state pay plan effective July 1, 2026.
• This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division at 406.444.6054.
• The Montana Department of Transportation is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
• Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.