Soil Technician

Construction Materials Testing Technician II/III - Soil Technician

Job Description

This role focuses on field-based construction materials testing, quality assurance inspections, and construction observation on commercial, roadway, utility, and site development projects. The technician performs soil compaction testing, concrete testing, and construction inspections, with significant time spent on active construction sites. The position offers strong training support, paid initial certifications, and clear opportunities to advance from core technician duties into higher-level responsibilities and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Perform field density testing using nuclear gauge equipment to verify soil compaction.
• Verify soil compaction for building pads, roadways, retaining walls, utilities, and structural fill areas.
• Observe proof rolls and earthwork operations to confirm compliance with project requirements.
• Collect soil samples for laboratory testing and ensure proper handling and documentation.
• Document moisture content, lift thickness, and compaction results for each test location.
• Verify contractor compliance with project specifications and geotechnical recommendations.
• Perform concrete field testing in accordance with applicable standards and procedures.
• Conduct slump, air content, temperature, and unit weight testing on fresh concrete.
• Cast, label, and transport concrete cylinders for laboratory curing and strength testing.
• Monitor concrete placement activities to ensure proper methods and quality are maintained.
• Document concrete test results and detailed field observations in a timely manner.
• Perform inspections of masonry, asphalt, geosynthetics, and general site construction activities.
• Observe contractor operations for compliance with project plans, specifications, and quality standards.
• Identify construction deficiencies and communicate findings clearly to project managers and clients.
• Verify that materials and installation methods meet required quality and project standards.
• Complete daily field reports using company software and maintain accurate testing records.
• Maintain organized inspection logs, test data, and supporting documentation.
• Upload photographs and other supporting documentation to project files as required.
• Communicate project status, test results, and any issues to office personnel and project teams.
• Report non-conforming construction activities when observed and assist in documenting corrective actions.
• Drive to multiple job sites throughout Georgia, primarily within the Atlanta area.
• Check in with contractors on site, review plans, and verify the scope of testing and inspection activities.
• Work under the direction of a tenured person on-site who assigns and delegates daily tasks.
• Monitor earthwork, backfill operations, soils work, and random concrete pours as assigned.
• Perform hands-on soils work, including proof rolls, moisture content testing, and soil density testing using drive rings and related equipment.
• Adapt to changing daily assignments, working independently or as part of a crew depending on job needs.

Essential Skills

• At least 4+ years of Construction Materials Testing (CMT) soils experience, including soil compaction and soil density testing.
• Demonstrated experience with soil testing, soil sampling, soil compaction, and soil density verification.
• Experience performing concrete testing, including slump, air content, temperature, and unit weight testing.
• Experience with construction materials testing for concrete, soils, asphalt, and related materials.
• Ability to perform field density testing using nuclear gauge equipment and interpret results accurately.
• Ability to verify contractor compliance with project specifications and geotechnical recommendations.
• Strong field documentation skills, including report writing, maintaining inspection logs, and using company software for daily reports.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and extended hours as needed.
• Dependability and reliability in meeting schedules, responding to changing job demands, and supporting construction timelines.
• Comfort working outdoors in varying weather conditions on active construction sites.
• Valid certifications or strong capability to obtain the following: ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I, Nuclear Gauge Safety Certification, and relevant ICC Special Inspector Certifications.
• Commitment to safe work practices, including the use of nuclear gauges and adherence to safety protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician Grade I certification.
• Nuclear Gauge Safety Certification for safe operation of nuclear density gauges.
• NICET certification in relevant construction materials testing disciplines.
• ICC Soils Special Inspector Certification and other ICC Special Inspector Certifications.
• GSWCC Level 1A Fundamentals certification.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction certification.
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.
• RTT certifications related to construction testing and inspection.
• Experience with asphalt testing and inspection.
• Experience with geosynthetics and masonry inspection is beneficial.
• Strong report writing skills and familiarity with construction materials testing documentation requirements.
• Experience using nuclear gauges, drive rings, and related soil testing equipment.
• Ability to travel and stay overnight for certain projects, including potential work on projects in the Caribbean and Virgin Islands.
• Interest in professional growth, including obtaining additional certifications and expanding into higher-level inspection roles.
• Willingness to take advantage of company-supported training resources, including paid first-round certifications, study support, and cross-training with tenured technicians.

Work Environment

This is a primarily field-based role working on active construction sites in and around Atlanta, with travel throughout Georgia and occasional overnight stays for specific projects. Typical workweeks range from approximately 45 to 55 hours, often Monday through Friday with some Saturdays or Sundays, depending on construction schedules and weather-related make-up days. Shifts vary significantly and may include early morning or nighttime concrete pours; technicians may work schedules such as 3:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., midnight to 10:00 a.m., or more traditional daytime hours such as 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Flexibility is essential, as there is no fixed "typical" day, and work may shift between day and night over the course of a week. The role involves working outdoors in all seasons and varying weather conditions, driving to multiple job sites, and performing hands-on testing and inspection tasks on soils, concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials. A tenured person on-site typically oversees operations and delegates tasks, but technicians are expected to work both independently and as part of crews depending on project needs. The company provides a supportive, smaller-firm environment with a strong emphasis on training, mentorship, and certification support. Employees receive resources to excel, including paid first-round certifications, study assistance, and cross-training from tenured technicians. There is potential access to a company truck and fuel card, with the ability to drive the truck between home and job sites as an earned privilege. The organization invests in employee development and encourages upward mobility, helping technicians move beyond basic concrete or soils work into more advanced roles and certifications, including opportunities on projects in the Caribbean and Virgin Islands. Dress and personal protective equipment are typical of construction field work, with appropriate safety gear required on active job sites.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Roswell, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $35.00/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 Roswell,GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 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.