Laboratory Technician I - Charleston, SC

Job Description

ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps. All positions are onsite, unless otherwise stated.


Job Description
Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.


Position Overview

Build Your Career From the Ground Up
Looking for a hands-on opportunity where you can learn technical skills and see how your work contributes to real construction projects?
 
As a Laboratory Technician I at UES, you’ll help test the materials that go into the built environment, from soil and concrete to aggregates and other construction materials. Your work helps teams understand whether materials meet project requirements and provides important information to engineers, field teams, and project managers.
 
This is a great opportunity to begin or grow a career in construction materials testing, geotechnical services, or engineering support. Prior laboratory experience is helpful, but it isn’t required. We’re looking for someone who is curious, dependable, safety-minded, and ready to learn.
What You’ll Work On
You’ll gain hands-on experience while working alongside laboratory, engineering, and field professionals. You will:
Perform laboratory testing on soil, concrete, aggregates, and other construction materials
Learn and apply recognized testing standards and laboratory methods
Operate laboratory equipment and develop valuable technical testing skills
Prepare and handle samples while helping ensure accurate, reliable results
Partner with supervisors, engineers, and field teams to keep projects moving
Help identify testing concerns and communicate results clearly
Contribute to a safe, organized, quality-focused laboratory environment

Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities

What Will Help You Succeed
You don’t need to know everything on day one. Success in this role starts with the right mindset.
 
You’ll thrive here if you are:
Curious and eager to learn technical skills and testing methods
Detail-oriented, with an eye for accuracy and quality
Hands-on and dependable, and comfortable working with materials and equipment
Safety-focused and committed to following established practices
Organized and adaptable, with the ability to balance multiple priorities
A strong communicator who enjoys working as part of a team
 


Responsibilities

Perform routine laboratory testing on construction materials, including soil, concrete, and other construction materials following ASTM, AASHTO, and other applicable industry standards to ensure compliance with project specifications.
Ensure that project testing requirements are met and compliant with project specifications, requirements, and company policies and procedures.
Accurately document and report test results, maintaining detailed, organized, and error-free records.
Assist with sample preparation, handling, and proper storage, ensuring sample integrity, traceability, and adherence to laboratory protocols.
Operate laboratory testing equipment.
Follow strict safety protocols and laboratory procedures, including proper handling of materials and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Communicate effectively with lab supervisors, engineers, and field personnel, providing timely updates on test results, sample status, and any technical issues.
Perform additional duties as assigned, supporting the laboratory team, field technicians, and project managers as needed.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or technical coursework in engineering, geology, construction science, or a related field preferred.
0-3 years of experience in construction materials testing, geotechnical laboratory work, or a related field (prior laboratory experience preferred but not required).
Commitment to workplace safety, following OSHA, company, and laboratory safety protocols, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Basic computer proficiency, with experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and Field Data Collection (FDC) software preferred.
Ability to read, write, and interpret procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to construction materials testing and laboratory protocols.
Mathematical skills sufficient to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, field personnel, and clients to carry out instructions and report findings.
Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
Detail-oriented and quality-focused, ensuring accuracy in sample preparation, testing procedures, and data documentation.
Ability to work independently within the limitations of experience, using initiative to solve routine lab challenges.
Ability to stand for extended periods of time and perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting and moving materials or equipment.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record; ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Travel Requirements

 

Certificates/Security Clearances/Other

This position does not require regular travel as part of its primary responsibilities. However, occasional travel may be required, up to 10%, primarily for occasional off-site meetings, training sessions, or company events. Travel, when necessary, will be communicated in advance and aligned with business needs.#LI-RS1


Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work is sometimes conducted in a laboratory setting, but may also involve fieldwork and exposure to outdoor conditions, including:

Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, construction zones, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
Moderate to loud noise levels due to lab equipment, field operations, and construction environments.
Exposure to dirt, dust, chemicals, sun, heat, humidity, and varying weather conditions as part of field sample collection and testing.
Physical requirements include:

Ability to lift and carry between 35 and 75 lbs. over distances up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate laboratory and field equipment for extended periods.
Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling samples, operating lab instruments, and performing testing procedures.
Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for laboratory and fieldwork.
Ability to communicate effectively through verbal and written means in a lab and field environment, often requiring the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) and smell.