SENIOR GEOTECHNICAL FIELD TECHNICIAN (ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN III)

State of Illinois; Springfield (IL); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid scheduling

Health, life, vision & dental benefits

Pension plan

Job summary

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Field Technician to conduct field testing and monitor construction of embankments, subgrades, and recycled materials. The role includes in‑place nuclear density testing and data entry into the department’s materials tracking software.

This position offers a hybrid work schedule (1–5 days in the office) and requires two years of college in a related field or equivalent engineering experience, along with a valid driver’s

Qualifications

• Completion of two years of college in civil engineering technology, pre‑engineering or a job related technical/science curriculum PLUS thirty months of engineering experience; OR six years of engineering experience.
• Successful completion of IDOT’s S‑34 Radiation Safety and Density by the Nuclear Method training and current IDOT QC/QA certification for HMA Density (or HMA Level I Technician with HMA Density component).

Responsibilities

• Perform density testing on a variety of materials, evaluate subgrade stability, and evaluate borrow materials.
• Monitor embankment, subgrade, aggregate course, backfill, and recycling/reclamation construction activities and identify non‑compliant conditions.
• Train and support district and local agency construction staff relating to density testing and geotechnical construction testing and inspection procedures.
• Assist the Nuclear Density Supervisor in the administration of the district nuclear gauge inventory and in the training and certification of district nuclear gauge operators.
• Review field test results and enter data into the department’s materials tracking software.
• Perform duties in compliance with departmental safety rules and treat employees fairly and equitably.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Geotechnical field testing

Nuclear density testing

Driver's license

Safety compliance

Education

Two years of college + 30 months engineering experience

Six years of engineering experience

Job description

Search by keyword (e.g. County, Job Title etc.)

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

SENIOR GEOTECHNICAL FIELD TECHNICIAN (ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN III)

We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:59668 IPR #26-01819
Opening Date: 10/28/2026
Closing Date: 11/13/2026
Agency: Department of Transportation
Position Title: Engineering Technician III
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $4,159 Monthly; Full Range: $4,159 - $7,187 Monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code: NR916 Pro Tech Teamsters
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Work Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday - Friday
Work Office: Office of Highways and Intermodal Project Implementation, Region 4/District 6/Bureau of Project Implementation
Work Location: 3215 Executive Park Dr, Springfield, Illinois, 62703
Work County: Sangamon
Agency Contact: [e-mail]

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

This position conducts field testing and monitors construction of embankments, subgrades, aggregate courses,and in-place reclamation and recycling to ensure compliance with appropriate test procedures and contractspecifications and to investigate problems encountered during construction. This position also performsinvestigative or quality assurance nuclear density testing on hot-mix asphalt (HMA).

Essential Functions

• Perform density testing on a variety of materials, evaluate subgrade stability, and evaluate borrow materials.
  
• Monitor embankment, subgrade, aggregate course, backfill, and recycling/reclamation construction activities along with identifying non‑compliant conditions.
• Train and support district and local agency construction staff relating to density testing and geotechnical construction testing and inspection procedures.
• Assist the Nuclear Density Supervisor in the administration of the district nuclear gauge inventory and inthe training and certification of district nuclear gauge operators.
• Review field test results and enter data into the department’s materials tracking software.
• Perform duties in compliance with departmental safety rules. Performs all duties in a manner conducive tothe fair and equitable treatment of all employees.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of two years of college in civil engineering technology, pre‑engineering or a job relatedtechnical/science curriculum PLUS thirty months of engineering experience; OR six years of engineering experience.
• Successful completion of IDOT’s S‑34 Radiation Safety and Density by the Nuclear Method (orequivalent) training and current IDOT QC/QA certification for HMA Density (or HMA Level I Technician with HMA Density component).

Conditions of Employment

• Completion of IDOT’s S‑33 Geotechnical Field Testing and Inspection is required within 12 months.
• Valid driver’s license.
• District‑wide and overnight travel.
• Field work in a variety of weather conditions on construction projects including roadways open to traffic, which includes the ability to lift 50 lbs. and traverse slopes and rough terrain.
• Overtime and occasional night work.
• This position may also be on-call 24 hours a day as the district’s secondary nuclear gauge emergency contact.
• Successful completion of a pre‑employment physical and pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position.As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non‑State employment during state employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non‑State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor (OEIG) or may be subject to a fine.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Transportation is seeking to hire a Senior Geotechnical Field Technician.

The IDOT team works diligently to provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity and protect our environment.We are problem solvers and leaders, constantly searching for innovations and improvements in support of our commitment to providing the best multimodal transportation system for Illinois. Our team fosters a culture of inclusivity. We value diversity and hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as we work together for a common purpose. Team members frequently collaborate with colleagues and others outside the department to best meet customer needs.

The department offers extensive training and career advancement opportunities.Employees also receive a robust benefit package including:

• Flexible work schedules in several program areas (flexible time, hybrid scheduling)
• Health, Life, Vision, and Dental Insurance
• Pension Plan
• (12) Weeks paid Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program and other pre-tax benefit programs (Medical/Daycare)
• Employees earn (12) paid Sick Days annually
• New Employees earn (10) paid Vacation Days their first year of service and can earn up to (25) paid Vacation Days annually
• Employees earn (3) paid Personal Days annually(13-14) paid holidays annually (based on start date)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program and/or mental health resources

We invite qualified applicants to apply to become part of our team. We are confident that you will take pride in serving Illinois and its residents and visitors.

Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to thisposition. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non‑State employment during Stateemployment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, priorto accepting any such non‑State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.