Materials Lab Technician

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Materials Lab Technician. This position is responsible for laboratory testing of a variety of materials used in highway and bridge construction and maintenance to ensure compliance with project specifications and State and Federal regulations. The test results also provide information to design staff, contractors, and project managers on the development and application of materials. Technical testing procedures vary based on the specific section e.g. Bituminous Mix Design or Asphalt Properties. The position reports to the Lab Supervisor in the assigned section.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

For a full job description, please contact Liam McConaghy at lmcconaghy@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 Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• 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 a 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." 

Required Education and Experience:

• Level 1: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Level 2: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of materials lab technician related work experience or qualification based upon Helena Materials Lab Advancement Policies.
• Level 3: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of materials lab technician related work experience or qualification based upon Helena Materials Lab Advancement Policies.
• Combinations of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The position requires understanding of materials inspection and testing procedures, laboratory testing protocols and procedures, and applicable safety practices
• The position requires skills in operating a variety of testing equipment; both mechanical and electrical.
• Skill in performing calculations, using computer software, maintaining accuracy and precision, attention to detail, time management, flexibility, and adaptability.

Other Information:

• The advertised salary includes the 2.5%25 increase passed by the 2025 MT State Legislature regarding the state pay plan effective July 1, 2026.
• 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 is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.
• Effective 5/26/2026, MDT is participating 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. Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.