Materials Laboratory Technician

State of Minnesota; Maplewood (MN); On-site; USD 47,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking agency dedicated to enhancing Minnesota's transportation system! As a Materials Laboratory Technician, you'll engage in vital testing and analysis, ensuring construction materials meet rigorous standards. You'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse team, contributing to impactful projects that benefit the community. This role offers a chance to grow your skills in a supportive environment, with a strong commitment to work-life balance and professional development. Enjoy competitive benefits and be part of a mission-driven organization that values equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

12 paid holidays each year

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Employer paid life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Training and professional development

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in materials testing or one year plus construction inspection.
• Education in Civil or Construction Technology can substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct standardized materials lab testing and record results accurately.
• Perform non-routine tests for construction and design decisions.

Skills

Materials Testing

Construction Inspection

Data Analysis

Technical Certification Training

English Communication

Education

Two-year Civil or Construction Technology Degree

Four-year degrees in Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Lab Equipment

Job description

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Job Title: Materials Laboratory Technician - Transportation Generalist Senior or Transportation Generalist or Transportation Associate

At MnDOT, we are driven to find talented, innovative employees for Minnesota’s nationally recognized transportation system. We work to build the best team in the transportation industry to ensure that Minnesota thrives with a safe, sustainable and leading edge transportation system. You will be surrounded by a diverse community of experts, each driven by challenging work and motivated by the greater good. You will understand the impact of the work you are doing and be able to see the benefit you are providing to the citizens of Minnesota. You can set your sights high and use your strengths to grow within the organization. MnDOT offers superior health and retirement benefits as well as a solid commitment to work-life balance, which provides you the tools to thrive both at work and outside of work.

Working Title: Lab Technician
Job Class: Transportation Generalist Senior or Transportation Generalist or Transportation Associate
Agency: Transportation Dept

• Job ID: 78134
• Location: Maplewood
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 04/16/2025
• Closing Date: 04/30/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / DOT-Metro-Central Off-AFSCME
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: Transportation Generalist Senior: $26.28 - $33.98 / hourly; $54,873 - $70,950 / annually; Transportation Generalist: $24.39 - $30.60 / hourly; $50,926 - $63,893 / annually; Transportation Associate: $22.82 - $23.51 / hourly; $47,648 - $49,089 / annually
• Classified Status: Permanent Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207 - Technical/AFSCME

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Job Summary

Note: This posting may represent more than one multi-level job posting. If the position(s) is not filled by a qualified applicant at the Transportation Generalist Senior level, the position may be filled at the Transportation Generalist or Transportation Associate level.

Examples of work for this specific vacancy include but are not limited to:

• Verifies and records incoming material samples so they are properly identified, logged in, and ready for testing.
• Conducts all aspects of standardized and specific materials lab testing using specialized lab equipment to provide test results on materials for construction, design, maintenance or research.
• Performs difficult, non-routine materials tests for special studies, circumstances and investigations so that decisions on construction, design, maintenance or research can be made.
• Calculates test results and inputs data to generate reports and to ensure that test results can be retrieved electronically as needed.
• Performs preliminary analysis of test results to determine if additional testing is required and if materials meet specifications and tolerances.
• Maintains, and assists in the testing, calibration and documentation of materials lab equipment to meet AMRL, CCRL, ACI Accreditation, ensure equipment is ready for use, ensure accuracy and ensure equipment life is maximized.
• Assists in the delivery of technical certification program training for agency and external personnel so that personnel involved in construction related activities have received necessary training.

Qualifications

The level of experience to perform this job at the Transportation Generalist Senior level can be achieved with:

• Two (2) years of experience performing materials testing.
• OR
• One (1) year of experience performing materials testing or related activities plus one year in construction inspection.

Note: A Two year Civil or Construction Technology Degree or the following four-year degrees: Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics; or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience. (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).

Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

A valid Class D Driver’s License with no major traffic convictions in the past 5 years AND the ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver - Class B license with no air brake restrictions and tanker endorsement within 6 months of hire (training will be provided).

Required certifications at the Transportation Generalist Senior level:

• Aggregate Production Tester (formerly Aggregate Production).
• Plus at least one of the following:
• Bituminous Plant Tester (formerly Bituminous Plant 1) (or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire - training will be provided) AND/OR
• Concrete Plant Tester (formerly Concrete Plant 1) (or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire - training will be provided).

If the position is not filled at the Transportation Generalist Senior level, it may be filled at the Transportation Generalist level by utilizing the following minimum qualifications:

• One year of experience in a combination of any roadway construction, engineering support or roadways maintenance areas such as: soils, traffic, surveys, design, construction, hydraulics, maintenance etc.
• OR
• A Two year Civil or Construction Technology Degree or the following four-year degrees: Architectural, Civil or Mechanical Engineering; Land Surveying / Geomatics; or equivalent may substitute for one year of experience. (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).
• Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.
• A valid Class D Driver’s License with no major traffic convictions in the past 5 years AND the ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver - Class B license with no air brake restrictions and tanker endorsement within 6 months of hire (training will be provided).

If the position is not filled at the Transportation Generalist Senior or Transportation Generalist levels, it may be filled at the Transportation Associate level by utilizing the following minimum qualifications.

• Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.
• A valid Class D Driver’s License with no major traffic convictions in the past 5 years AND the ability to obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver - Class B license with no air brake restrictions and tanker endorsement within 6 months of hire (training will be provided).

Preferred Qualifications

Both Concrete Plant Tester (formerly Concrete Plant 1) and Bituminous Plant Tester (formerly Bituminous Plant 1).

Physical Requirements

The physical demands of this job will vary, but may require the ability to joint lift up to 150 pounds maximum with frequent moving and/or lifting or otherwise transfer of objects of various weights. This job also may require walking, moving, standing, to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. This job may require strenuous physical labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, crawling, bending, pushing, pulling and climbing. For a complete list of physical requirements, please contact Valerie Ringhofer at 612-505-7831 or Kim Rice at 651-234-7426.

Additional Requirements

It is our policy that all candidates successfully submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Kimberly Rice at [e-mail].

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov )

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care.

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail: [e-mail] or by calling Janet Miller at 651/366-4720 ; or using MN Relay 711.