District Lab Lead
Texas Department of Transportation
Houston, TX 77007
$57,614 - $93,138 a year
Description
The TxDOT Houston District Construction Office is seeking a qualified professional to be the District Lab lead. The ideal candidate should have at least four years of experience in material inspection, testing, and laboratory work. The District Lab Lead manages the District Lab and directs the work of the District Lab staff on a daily basis. This position assists the District Pavement Engineer in managing and implementing the Quality Assurance Program for Design-Bid-Build projects. This includes materials sampling, testing, and acceptance, qualification and certification of laboratory technicians and satellite laboratories, calibration, maintenance, and repair of material testing devices.
This position supports construction and maintenance activities throughout the district by providing guidance and direction on material sampling and testing requirements, training, and certification for construction and maintenance inspectors and project managers.
At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:
- Retirement Plans
- Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
- Paid Leave and Holidays
- Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
- On-the-Job Training
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
- Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
- Family-Friendly Policies and Programs
In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.
For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance (ERS.texas.gov)
Material/Process Inspector V
Performs advanced material tests and manufacturing process inspections in laboratories, plants, and/or at points of supply. Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Mentors and trains others. May serve as lead worker. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.
Essential Duties:
- Consults with producers and suppliers, including on-site visits, regarding material characteristics, specifications, and quality control requirements; identifies problems and recommends solutions.
- Mentors and develops technical employees in test and inspection procedures and material specifications.
- Assists in overseeing district laboratory operations and monitoring material testing requirements and results for compliance with specifications.
- Coordinates core drill or auger rig operations.
- Coordinates test and inspection results with engineers, inspectors, material producers, suppliers, and field construction personnel, and may assist in determining the cause for material problems.
- Informs plant personnel of material or production problems, rejects substandard material, and assists in determining the cause for material problems.
- Observes tests and inspections and reviews reports from other inspectors; performs quality assurance for tests and inspections.
- Plans, coordinates, assigns, monitors, and reviews the work of technical employees.
- Trains and assists other inspectors and private sector employees, and provides project specification information.
- May serve as a lead worker by serving as a resource for complex questions; presenting workflow and operational updates to the supervisor/manager; providing input on team members’ career conversations; and approving leave requests to ensure operations coverage.
Minimum Qualifications:
Material/Process Inspector V
Education: High School Grad or Equivalent in general high school studies.
Experience: 4 years of experience in laboratory work, material inspection, or other engineering-related activities. (Experience can be satisfied by full-time or prorated part-time equivalent). Related college education or relevant technical training may be substituted for experience on a year-by-year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications:- ACI Cncrt Fld Test Tech-Grd I
- ACI Cncrt Strength Test Tech
- HMA Mix Design Specialist Level 2
- Materials Specialist SB 101
- Field Specialist SB 102
- Materials Analyst Specialist SB 103
- Moisture-Density Specialist SB 201
- Mix Design Specialist SB 202
- Aggregate Properties Specialist Agg 101
- PG/AC Specialist Binder 101
- Emulsion Specialist Binder 102
Cutback Specialist Binder 103
Competencies:
Extensive knowledge of
- Applicable testing methods, processes, and procedures
- Laboratory testing procedures and methodologies
- Applicable industry safety standards, guidelines, and specification codes
- Aggregates and asphalt
- Soil types
Expert skill in
- Giving attention to detail and reviewing information to identify any errors and problems; ensuring consistency and clarity of information
- Safely using, operating, and maintaining applicable equipment
Proficient skill in
- Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others
- Training in a classroom, office, or field environment
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
- Subject to inside and outside environmental conditions
- Subject to noise
- Subject to vibration
- Subject to hazards-moving vehicles/mechanical parts, high places/heat, or chemicals
- Required to wear protective gear-respirator, hard hat, or other device
- Medium work: Lift up to 50 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 25 lbs
- Balancing-walking, standing, crouching on various surfaces without falling
- Crouching-bending body downward and forward by bending leg(s) and spine
- Grasping-applying pressure to an object with fingers and palm
- Feeling-determining size, shape, temperature, or texture of objects
- Talking- expressing or exchanging ideas by spoken words
- Hearing-perceive sound at normal speaking levels; receive information by oral communication
- Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading
- Close Visual Acuity-using measurement devices; and/or assembly or fabrication parts
- Visual Acuity-operate motor vehicles and/or heavy equipment
Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)
- This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical.
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Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
- Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.
To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.
https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions
The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.
Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information