Construction Materials Technician

Job Title: Construction Materials Technician

Job Description

The Construction Materials Technician provides critical materials testing, observation, and inspection services on a wide range of infrastructure and commercial projects, including roadways, bridges, airports, large commercial developments, remediation sites, schools, universities, solar farms, and retail developments. This role focuses on field and laboratory testing of construction materials such as soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel, ensuring that all work complies with established procedures and quality standards. The technician documents findings clearly, performs basic data analysis to verify accuracy, and supports project delivery by communicating results to project leadership.

Responsibilities

• Perform field and laboratory testing, observation, and inspection of construction materials including soils, aggregates, concrete, asphalt, and steel in accordance with training and specified procedures.
• Conduct compaction testing, concrete testing, concrete inspection, asphalt testing, and soil sampling as required by project specifications.
• Follow established testing protocols and inspection procedures to ensure accurate, reliable, and repeatable results.
• Provide clear, complete, and timely documentation of all testing activities, observations, and inspection findings.
• Perform basic analysis and verification of test data to confirm accuracy before communicating and submitting results to the Project Manager.
• Communicate test results, observations, and any issues or anomalies to the Project Manager and other project personnel as directed.
• Use laptop computers and software tools such as Microsoft Word and Excel to record, analyze, and report test data and inspection findings.
• Maintain testing and inspection equipment, including calibration and routine checks, to ensure proper operation and compliance with standards.
• Safely operate and handle specialized equipment such as nuclear density gauges and other materials testing instruments.
• Support quality control and quality assurance processes for construction materials by adhering to project specifications and company standards.
• Train and mentor lower-level technicians, when appropriate, by sharing knowledge of testing procedures, safety practices, and documentation standards.
• Apply critical thinking skills to identify potential material quality issues, interpret test results, and escalate concerns when necessary.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and company policies while working in the field and laboratory environments.
• Drive to project sites using a company vehicle or personal vehicle as required, maintaining a safe driving record in accordance with company expectations.
• Collaborate with engineers and project staff involved in geotechnical, environmental, and materials services to support project objectives.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of relevant construction field experience, such as construction work or a materials-related co-op position.
• Hands-on experience with concrete, steel, and compaction testing in a construction or materials testing environment.
• Ability to perform construction materials testing, including soil testing, concrete testing, asphalt testing, and materials inspection.
• Experience using laptop computers and proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation and reporting.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet driving requirements for travel to field sites.
• Ability to meet standard BG check, motor vehicle record, and drug screening requirements.
• Strong interpersonal presence and communication skills, with the ability to interact confidently with project managers, engineers, and field staff.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills for interpreting test results and identifying potential quality issues.
• Ability to safely operate and handle nuclear density gauges and other field testing equipment after appropriate training.
• Interest and capability to pursue ACI Level I certification, with at least one year of field testing experience supporting this track.
• Ability to work effectively in a field-based role, often in varying outdoor conditions and on active construction sites.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in construction materials testing, including quality control and quality assurance activities for soils, concrete, asphalt, and aggregates.
• Exposure to or certification with ACI (American Concrete Institute) for concrete testing and inspection.
• Experience or certification with ICC (International Code Council), including ICC Soils, for inspection-related work.
• Familiarity with NICET certification areas related to materials testing or construction inspection.
• Experience or education in engineering disciplines, with credentials such as EIT (Engineer-in-Training) or FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) considered beneficial.
• Experience in material handling and inspection on construction sites.
• Knowledge of nuclear gauge and nuclear density gauge use in compaction and density testing.
• Understanding of engineering principles related to geotechnical, environmental, and materials services.
• Interest in pursuing additional certifications and training in materials testing, inspection, and related technical fields.
• Motivation to grow into roles such as Assistant Project Manager or Project Manager within geotechnical, environmental engineering, or materials services career paths.

Work Environment

This position is primarily field-based, working on active construction sites such as roadways, bridges, airports, solar farms, schools, universities, and large commercial developments. The role involves regular travel to project locations, often using a company truck or other vehicles, and requires working outdoors in varying weather and site conditions, as well as in laboratory settings when performing materials testing. You will use laptop computers, Microsoft Word and Excel, nuclear density gauges, and a range of materials testing equipment and inspection tools. The organization operates as a multi-discipline, employee-owned firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services, with a culture that emphasizes strong employee retention, leadership development, and career growth. Team members benefit from leadership-focused programs, structured training under experienced professionals, and clear pathways into geotechnical, environmental engineering, and project management roles. The company offers a gas card and access to a company truck, along with a GPS-based safe driving recognition program that provides gift card rewards for good driving records. A premium pay program provides 25% additional pay on top of the hourly rate for overnight and weekend work. The organization pays for certifications and additional training, and offers profit sharing as part of its employee-ownership model. Based on role and eligibility, employees may also access medical, dental, vision, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs, all within a collaborative environment focused on exceeding client expectations and supporting long-term career growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Syracuse, NY.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $26.00/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 Syracuse,NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 8, 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.