Job Title: Construction Materials TechnicianJob Description
The Construction Materials Technician performs testing and inspections of construction materials in both field and laboratory environments to support engineering and consulting projects from design through construction. This role combines hands-on work on active construction sites with detailed documentation and communication, requiring professionalism, strong attention to detail, and a commitment to meeting project deadlines while providing excellent customer service.
Responsibilities
Perform a variety of standardized tests and inspections on construction materials such as concrete, asphalt, soil, masonry, and other construction components in the field and in the laboratory.
Conduct concrete testing and inspection activities, including sampling, slump tests, air content tests, and cylinder preparation as required by project specifications.
Carry out soil testing and soil sampling, including the use of a nuclear density gauge to measure in-place density and moisture content.
Support construction inspection and materials testing activities to help verify that work complies with project plans, specifications, and quality standards.
Use and properly handle nuclear density gauges and other testing equipment in accordance with safety and operational procedures.
Prepare clear, accurate written and electronic reports documenting test results, observations, and inspection findings on a regular basis.
Communicate verbally with site personnel, contractors, and office staff to relay test results, clarify requirements, and coordinate testing and inspection activities.
Follow strict safety procedures and standards at all times, especially when working on active construction sites and when using specialized equipment.
Travel daily to the office and various job sites as assigned, ensuring punctual arrival for scheduled testing and inspection work.
Lift, carry, and move equipment and materials weighing up to 75 pounds as part of routine field and laboratory duties.
For more experienced personnel, provide guidance, supervision, and on-the-job training to less-experienced technicians as needed.
Support project deadlines by being available for overtime and weekend work when required by project schedules.
Maintain testing equipment in good working order, including routine checks, proper storage, and reporting of any issues.
Document and organize test data so that it can be easily accessed and reviewed by project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders.
Essential Skills
Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license and current driver's insurance.
Ability to travel reliably to the office and job sites on a daily basis.
Willingness and physical ability to regularly lift and move up to 75 pounds.
Ability to work in outdoor environments and on active construction sites, including in inclement weather.
Availability to work overtime and weekends as needed to meet project demands.
Strong attention to detail when performing tests, inspections, and documentation.
Ability to complete written and electronic reports accurately and on a regular basis.
Effective verbal communication skills for interacting with site and office personnel.
Commitment to following strict safety procedures and standards.
No previous experience required; at least 1 year of relevant construction materials testing or inspection experience is preferred.
Interest in and comfort with working outside on construction projects.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with construction materials testing, including concrete, asphalt, soil, and masonry, is preferred.
Familiarity with American Concrete Institute (ACI) practices and concrete testing procedures is beneficial.
Exposure to or certification in ACI concrete testing is a plus.
Experience using nuclear density gauges for soil and asphalt compaction testing is advantageous.
Knowledge of construction inspection practices and quality assurance/quality control processes is helpful.
Experience with NICET or similar certification programs in materials testing or construction inspection is a plus.
Background or coursework in engineering, construction, or related technical fields is beneficial.
Ability to support quality assurance and quality control efforts on construction projects.
Strong organizational skills to manage multiple assignments, documentation, and schedules.
Interest in professional development, training, and pursuing relevant certifications.
Willingness to mentor or train less-experienced staff for those with greater experience.
Work Environment
This position operates in a mix of field and laboratory settings, with a strong emphasis on work at active construction sites. Technicians regularly work outdoors and should expect to be in inclement weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and varying site conditions. The role involves early morning and late-night hours as project schedules require, along with the potential for overtime and weekend work. Field work includes navigating uneven terrain, working around heavy equipment and construction activities, and using specialized tools such as nuclear density gauges and other materials testing equipment. Laboratory work involves handling construction material samples, operating testing instruments, and completing documentation in a controlled indoor environment. The organization supports employees with a comprehensive benefits package that typically includes a 401(k) with matching program, health insurance with options that can be free for employees, dental, vision, disability, and basic term life insurance often provided at no cost to employees, as well as paid time off. Additional benefits may include professional development assistance, tuition reimbursement, and employee referral bonuses, reflecting a culture that values growth, learning, and long-term career development.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Charles, MO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $25.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Saint Charles,MO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 29, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC-with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.
