Job Title: Construction Materials TechnicianJob Description
The Construction Materials Technician plays a key role in supporting geotechnical engineering and testing activities for construction projects. In this entry-level role, you perform field and laboratory testing on concrete and soil, review plans and specifications, and document observations to help ensure projects meet required standards and specifications. This position offers hands-on training and a strong career path for individuals who want to grow in the construction and civil engineering field.
Responsibilities
Review civil, architectural, and structural plans and specifications to prepare for field observations on active construction sites.
Perform field testing of concrete and soil to verify that construction materials meet project standards, specifications, and industry codes.
Conduct laboratory testing of concrete and soil samples to assess material properties and compliance with project requirements.
Document field activities, observations, and testing results in a clear and accurate manner, noting any conformance with or deviation from project plans and specifications.
Communicate field and laboratory testing results to Construction Services and Geotechnical Project Management staff, general contractors, and project stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
Calibrate and verify field and laboratory equipment in accordance with applicable industry codes and standards to maintain accurate and reliable test results.
Use Microsoft Word and Excel to prepare reports, maintain records, and organize test data.
Follow established safety procedures and guidelines while working on construction sites and in the laboratory.
Handle and transport field and lab samples and equipment, routinely lifting 20 to 40 pounds as part of daily duties.
Work primarily outdoors on construction sites, with occasional assignments in the laboratory environment.
Essential Skills
At least 1 year of experience working in the field (outdoors) in construction, farming, environmental work, or similar settings.
High school diploma or GED.
Entry-level knowledge or background in construction, civil engineering, geology, or environmental fields, including individuals pursuing related degrees or taking online courses.
Construction inspection or construction materials testing (CMT) experience preferred.
Concrete testing experience required if ACI certification is not held.
Familiarity with construction inspection practices, ACI certification, concrete inspection, or nuclear density gauge use is preferred.
Experience with ASTM, AASHTO, or ISO standards is preferred.
Effective communication skills, including strong reading and writing abilities, to document and report test results and observations.
Solid math skills to perform measurements, calculations, and interpret test data.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation and reporting.
Ability to routinely lift 20 to 40 pounds to handle field and laboratory samples and equipment.
Willingness and physical ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions on construction sites.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
One or more active ACI-related certificates preferred, such as Field Testing Technician Grade I, Strength Testing Technician, or Aggregate Testing Technician.
Prior CMT experience in a construction or geotechnical testing environment is a strong plus.
Experience working with nuclear density gauges for soil compaction testing is beneficial.
background in civil engineering, construction management, geology, or environmental science through education or coursework is advantageous.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to following industry standards and project specifications.
Interest in building a long-term career in construction materials testing and geotechnical services.
Ability to work independently in the field while collaborating effectively with project teams and contractors.
Work Environment
This role is primarily field-based, with most time spent on active construction sites performing testing and observations. You will regularly work outdoors in a true construction environment, which can be dusty, dirty, and subject to changing weather conditions. Some work will take place in the office laboratory, where concrete and soil samples are tested using industry-standard equipment and procedures. The setting is hands-on and physically active, requiring routine lifting of 20 to 40 pounds and adherence to safety practices appropriate for construction and lab environments. Work is conducted using testing equipment, calibration tools, and standard office software such as Microsoft Word and Excel. The position is an entry-level opportunity with structured training, offering a practical, field-oriented work environment for individuals who want to grow their career in construction and geotechnical testing.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lexington, KY.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $23.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Lexington,KY.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 30, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
