Materials Lab Specialist

Job Description - Materials Lab Specialist (26142263)

Position Title:

Materials Lab Specialist - (26142263)

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Materials Laboratory Specialist in the Materials Bureau. The position is responsible for directing various materials testing processes to ensure the quality, consistency, and efficiency of materials lab operations, to ensure that materials comply with specifications and to provide information and consultation for the development and application of materials and planning and conducting materials testing and analysis projects. The position is also responsible for the accuracy and consistency of testing and results for the cement, concrete, fabric, and soils materials laboratories in the Materials Bureau. The position reports to the Concrete Supervisor.

For a full job description, please contact Brandi Hamilton at bhamilton@mt.gov.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montan Health Centers
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation''s mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Application Materials:

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Required Education and Experience:

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor''s Degree in Chemistry, Engineering, Physical, or Environmental Science, or a related field
• This position requires a minimum of 2 years of work-related experience including, 1 year of progressively responsible experience in cement testing for highway and bridge construction and one 1 year progressively responsible experience in highway construction materials laboratory testing
• Experience testing the physical properties of Cement in a CCRL accredited lab is necessary to meet the cement testing requirement
• Alternatively, any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications, including 2 years progressively responsible experience in highway construction materials laboratory testing, with the ability to demonstrate proficiency in cement testing per ASTM C1222 within 90 calendar days from date of hire
• Lab management experience is preferred
• Requires a valid driver's license. Requires obtaining ACI Strength Testing Technician Certification and WAQTC Concrete Field Testing Certification within 6 months of hire
• This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• This position requires knowledge of materials inspection and testing principles and practices; properties and characteristics of a variety of materials; laboratory testing protocols and procedures; highway construction methods and techniques, a variety of site specific circumstances and their impacts (soils, temperature, weather conditions, gradations, segregation, air contents, slumps, admixtures, absorption rates, etc.); safety practices and procedures; state, federal, AASHTO, FHWA, and ASTM standards and project specifications; the Montana Materials manual; material specifications; testing equipment diagnosis and repair; project administration; supervisory principles and practices; collective bargaining agreements; training and professional development principles; and technical writing
• This position requires skill in planning and coordinating materials testing projects; analyzing and interpreting technical test results; adapting testing methods and techniques to meet various material and project circumstances; and in operating a variety of testing equipment and general office equipment including a personal computer and associated business applications

Other Information

Driver''s record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant''s permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201, "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

MDT participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov

Applicant Pool Statement: If another department vacancy occurs in this job title within six months, the same applicant pool may be used for the selection. Training Assignment: This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Salary: $

31.49 - 31.49 Hourly

Telework Eligibility: Not Telework Eligible Benefits Package Eligibility: Health Insurance, Paid Leave & Holidays, Retirement Plan

Number of Openings

: 1 Employee Status: Regular Schedule: Full-Time

Job Type

: Standard

Shift

: Day Job

Travel

: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Primary Location

: Helena

Agency: Department of Transportation Union: Montana Federation of Public Employees

Posting Date

: Oct 1, 2026, 11:30:00 AM

Closing Date (based on your computer''s timezone)

: Oct 16, 2026, 11:29:00 AM

Required Application Materials: Resume

Contact Name: Brandi Hamilton | Contact Email: bhamilton@mt.gov | Contact Phone: 406-461-8343 Anyone who needs to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.