Senior Construction Materials Testing Technician

GESTRA Engineering, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Training

Retirement Plans with 4% Match

Life and Disability Insurance

Paid Time Off

Parental Leave

Referral Program

Job summary

GESTRA Engineering, Inc. in Milwaukee seeks a Senior Construction Materials Testing Technician to lead testing efforts and mentor junior staff. Your expertise will ensure compliance with strict project specifications and safety standards. The position offers a full-time schedule, typically Monday–Friday, with opportunities for evenings and Saturdays as projects require.

The ideal candidate will possess 3-5+ years of related experience, a strong commitment to quality, and proficiency in documentation and technical reporting. Join us to work on exciting construction projects while furthering your professional development.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in construction materials testing or related engineering work.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Ability to lift 20-50+ lbs. repetitively and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Perform and oversee various testing on construction materials.
• Monitor placement and verify compliance with project specifications.
• Prepare detailed reports and communicate findings effectively.

Skills

Construction Materials Testing

Leadership

Technical Reporting

Communication

Mathematical Computations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Nuclear Density Gauge

Job description

Full-Time

Our firm is looking for a seasoned professional to take on the role of Senior Construction Materials Testing Technician. This is a leadership-oriented position designed for an experienced technician who can handle complex testing, manage project documentation, and mentor junior staff. If you have a deep understanding of industry standards and a commitment to quality, we want to hear from you. This position has potential for management responsibilities including report review and distribution, proposals, and marketing.

About the Role

Operating primarily out of our Milwaukee office, sometimes helping our Madison office as needed, you will oversee and execute routine to complex field and laboratory testing. You will serve as a technical lead, ensuring that construction materials and processes meet strict project specifications and safety standards.

Schedule: Typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Occasional evening and Saturday work is required based on project needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Testing: Perform and oversee testing on concrete (slump, air, unit weight), asphalt, soil, aggregates, grout, and masonry.
• Compaction & Density: Utilize nuclear density gauges to measure in-place soil and aggregate moisture and density.
• Site Supervision: Monitor material placement (backfilling, reinforcing steel, concrete pours) and verify conformance to ASTM, ACI, WisDOT, and IBC standards.
• Leadership & Mentoring: Assign work to junior technicians, provide guidance on testing procedures, and supervise their daily performance.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed, often automated, daily reports and data sheets; communicate findings effectively to clients, contractors, and Project Managers.
• Equipment Oversight: Calibrate and maintain testing equipment and ensure strict adherence to radiation safety protocols for nuclear gauges.

Requirements

• Experience: 3–5+ years in construction materials testing or related paraprofessional engineering work.
• Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Communication: Clear and concise English communication skills (written and verbal) for technical reporting and site coordination.
• Physical Demands: Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lift 20–50+ lbs. repetitively.
• Compliance: Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and pass a pre-employment, non-DOT drug screening.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in mathematical computations, report writing, and basic computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel).

Certifications & Preferences

• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I (or higher).
• Nuclear Gauge/Density Gauge certification and radiation safety training.
• NICET certifications (Asphalt, Concrete, or Soils).
• WisDOT HTCP Certifications (strongly preferred).
• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety.
• Specialized Expertise: Experience as a Special Inspector (Reinforced Concrete, Masonry, Soils) is highly valued.

Why Join Us?

• Paid Training: We invest in your professional growth by providing the training and certifications (ACI, ICC, etc.) you need to succeed.
• Exciting Projects: Work on a variety of high-profile construction sites throughout the region.
• Career Path: Gain foundational experience in civil engineering and construction management.
• Pay ($18-$25) based on experience and job performance
• Retirement Plans with 4% Match
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program

About the Company

GESTRA Engineering, Inc. is a full service geotechnical engineering consulting firm headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. GESTRA specializes in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, geotechnical and environmental drilling. GESTRA was founded in 2000 to provide Government Agencies, Municipalities, Engineers, Architects and Contractors with high quality and cost efficient engineering services. Our projects range in size and complexity from large development projects to small challenging assignments. To enhance the capabilities of technical personnel, GESTRA maintains in house and external training programs. GESTRA provides a wide range of services, starting during the initial planning and feasibility studies to project completion.