Senior Materials Testing Technician

County of Orange; California (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

County of Orange is seeking a Senior Materials Testing Technician to witness and assess laboratory and field testing of construction materials, while developing scopes of work and verifying consultant proposals meet contract requirements.

The role ensures that quality materials are incorporated into County flood, road, and infrastructure projects, with possible leadership responsibilities and emphasis on QA procedures and data management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of conducting and performing complex physical tests and inspections on construction materials.
• Leadership experience is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

• Witness and assess lab and field testing, sampling, and inspection.
• Develop scopes of work and verify consultant proposals meet contract requirements.
• Ensure that quality materials are incorporated into flood, road and other infrastructure projects.

Skills

Materials testing

QA/Independent witnessing

Laboratory data systems

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

SENIOR MATERIALS TESTING TECHNICIAN

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Senior Materials Testing Technician positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST).

OC PUBLIC WORKS

OC Public Works (OCPW) provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, cities, and other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through the sustainable delivery of projects and services. OC Public Works’ guiding principles are safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and adaptability.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services; Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Fleet Services; OC Facilities Design & Construction; OC Facilities Maintenance; OC Infrastructure Programs; and OC Operations & Maintenance.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The OC Public Works Materials Lab has an excellent opportunity for a Sr. Materials Testing Technician to witness and assess laboratory and field testing, sampling, and inspection of construction materials by a consultant laboratory performing Quality Assurance (QA) testing on behalf of the County. Individuals in this position act as Independent Assurance to witness testing in accordance with Caltrans, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and/or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test methods. Additionally, this position develops scopes of work, requests proposals from consultants, and verifies the proposal meets contract document requirements for roles, rates, and testing. This position ensures that quality materials are incorporated into flood, road and other infrastructure projects throughout the County of Orange.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS AND CORE COMPETENCIES

The ideal candidate will possess at least three (3) years of conducting and performing complex physical tests and inspections on construction materials. Prior leadership and/or supervisory experience is highly desirable but not required.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Extensive knowledge of advanced materials inspection techniques
• Hands-on experience in a wide variety of construction materials testing, including concrete, asphalt, soil, aggregate and other construction materials
• Familiarity with laboratory database programs
• Knowledge of contract administration for consultant testing, including solicitating and evaluating proposals
• Engineering plans, maps, and specifications
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Knowledge of mathematical calculations related to materials testing, including basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry

PROBLEM SOLVING AND ANALYTICAL SKILLS

• Ability to assess lab and field testing and identify deviations from the specific test methods
• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Use efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills
• Be thorough when performing work and conscientious about attention to detail
• Demonstrate excellent judgment skills

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely to communicate information and assignments
• Comprehend written technical material and concepts
• Ability to communicate diplomatically when personnel or other issues arise
• Effectively discuss deviations witnessed in lab and field testing with consultant labs and recommend corrective actions
• Produce reports and maintain accurate records
• Maintain effective working relationships with peers, managers, contractors, and stakeholders

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• Understand and apply the principles of supervision including techniques to lead, coach, train and develop subordinate staff
• Ability to foster a team atmosphere and reward collaboration
• Ability to effectively motivate others to promote productivity and efficiency
• Ability to evaluate subordinate staff and identify performance issues

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)

The Structured Oral Interview is a timed assessment. Applicants will provide answers to job-related questions, which will be rated by a panel of subject matter experts using standardized evaluation criteria. Only the most qualified candidates will move advance to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List

Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies. Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans Employment Preference

The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The County of Orange is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should notify the recruiter listed on the job posting as soon as possible. Documentation supporting the accommodation request may be required.

EMAIL NOTIFICATION

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact [Recruiter's Name] at [Email] or [Phone Number].

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.