Highway Lab Technician
State of Indiana
- Location
- Onsite (La Porte, IN)
- Compensation
- $22 - $24/hr
- Employment
- Full-time
- Level
- Entry Level
About the role
The Indiana Department of Transportation seeks a Highway Lab Technician to collect and test soil and aggregate samples, ensuring construction materials meet quality assurance standards. The role involves laboratory and field testing, equipment maintenance, and documentation to support infrastructure projects across the state.
Skills
Benefits
- Medical plan
- Vision plan
- Dental plan
- HSA
- 401k/457b
- Pension plan
- Paid leave
- Life insurance
Perks
- Free parking
- LinkedIn learning
- Wellness rewards
- Referral bonus
- Education reimbursement
Full job details
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.
Role Overview:
The Highway Lab Technician is responsible for collecting and testing soil and aggregate samples to ensure construction materials meet INDOT quality assurance standards and specification requirements. The position involves performing laboratory and field tests, calculating and recording results in INDOT reporting systems, and maintaining accurate documentation to support material acceptance decisions. Technicians also communicate with contractors and project personnel regarding material compliance and testing requirements. The three most important skills for success in this role are technical knowledge of materials testing, strong attention to detail, and analytical problem-solving abilities.
Location:
This position is in INDOT's LaPorte District Testing Lab.
Pay Rate:
This position traditionally starts at an hourly rate of $24.26 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
Testing Positions:
Candidates who do not have Testing Certification through INDOT may be hired at a lower hourly rate, starting at $22.00 and will then be eligible for incremental increases as they pass the required annual exams and gain experience in the department.
CDL Positions:
Candidates with a current CDL and endorsements required by the district will earn an additional $1 per hour. Candidates without a CDL will be given 90 days to obtain their CDL and endorsements required by the district and will then earn an additional $1 per hour. CDL training provided onsite by certified INDOT staff.
A Day in the Life:
The essential elements of the job duties:
- Comply with all Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) safety policies and procedures.
- Operate basic highway maintenance/ traffic equipment to maintain, repair and clean highways and rights-of-way.
- Ensure staff are completing work assignments as directed and report problems to the supervisors.
- Communicate with contractors to ensure procedures comply with INDOT standards and specifications.
- Perform winter operations duties including snow and ice removal.
- Perform regular inspections and routine equipment maintenance such as: minor repairs, preventative maintenance, refueling, and pre-trip inspections.
- Maintain, repair, and install traffic signs, route markers, pavement markings.
- Perform emergency response activities such as clean-up, traffic control, lane closures, placement of signs and erecting barricades.
- Workday attendance at assigned worksite(s) is an essential function of this position.
These additional duties may be performed depending on the job assignment:
Bridge Maintenance Specialist
- Provide unit crews with technical expertise, oversight, and specialized equipment to ensure work is completed and report problems to the Bridge Maintenance Supervisor.
- Operate basic and intermediate highway maintenance and bridge equipment to maintain, repair and clean bridges, highways, and right-of-ways.
Testing
- Sample and test construction materials according to quality assurance and specification requirements.
- Visit material producers’ plants, construction job sites or INDOT facilities to collect material samples for testing.
- Perform various test on materials incorporated into INDOT construction or maintenance contracts.
- Calculate and record the test results in the INDOT reporting system.
Construction
- Involved in planning, design, construction, and rehabilitation of state-owned highways and bridges.
- Perform construction inspection, which include assisting the project supervisor/engineer.
- Ensure construction tests, measurements and inspections are completed and recorded in a timely manner.
- Perform facility maintenance such as repairing and installing brine making and storage systems.
Geotechnical Services
- Maintain qualifications for the required Soil Test procedures.
- Operate and maintain geotechnical laboratory equipment to perform soil & rock testing.
- Prepare and perform advance testing on soils & rock samples such as Resilient Modulus Testing (MR), strength testing (QU & Triaxial), Proctor, Sulfate, Organic Tests etc.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
- Must possess a valid Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain one with the first 90 days of employment.
- Pass and submit to a drug test as a condition of employment.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local highway guidelines, laws and regulations, principles, and practices for purposes of construction inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of highway.
- Knowledge of drafting and surveying techniques.
- Ability to independently lead and coordinate the work of a crew in the field.
- Ability to read, interpret and follow technical documents.
- Must be able to endure exposure to inclement weather.
- Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
- Ability to perform physical activities such as lifting, dragging, stooping, standing, and walking for long periods of time.
May need additional requirements depending on the assigned specialty:
Testing:
- Ability to read, interpret and follow technical documents such as AASHTO, ASTM, INDOT specifications, and Indiana Test Methods (ITM).
- Ability to pass the INDOT Certified Testing Technician program.
Construction
- Ability to pass the INDOT Certified Inspector program.
Geotechnical Services
- Ability to demonstrate proficiency by passing the Office’s Proficiency Exams. These exams are: Classification & Atterberg Proficiency Test, Electrochemical Proficiency Test, Strength & Proctor Proficiency Test, Resilient Modulus Proficiency Test.
A degree is not required. However, a High School Diploma or High School Equivalent (HSE) applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.