Highway Materials & Research Technician III

Highway Materials & Research Technician III (Open)

Hiring Agency: Transportation - Agency 27

Location: North Platte, NE

Hiring Rate: $21.646 per hour

Applications No Longer Accepted On: 06-09-2026

As part of the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Materials and Research team, this position plays a key role in ensuring the quality of materials used on Nebraska's roadway projects. Working in the North Platte Branch Laboratory, you will support both the development and verification of Concrete, Asphalt, Soils, and Aggregates, helping ensure materials meet state specifications before and during construction by utilizing AASHTO and ASTM testing methods.

A major focus of this role is assisting with approving, testing, and evaluating construction materials. This includes processing and testing materials, analyzing laboratory and field data, reviewing contractor submittals, and verifying that the materials meet NDOT specifications. Your attention to detail and understanding of materials testing will directly contribute to the accuracy of acceptance decisions and the long-term performance of Nebraska's roads.

You will support quality assurance processes by reviewing certifications, assisting in training field and laboratory staff, maintaining accurate records in AASHTOWare Project (AWP), assisting with Independent Assurance (IA) activities, and equipment calibrations.

This role requires coordination with contractors, consultants, and internal NDOT staff to ensure compliance with testing procedures, specifications, and documentation requirements.

In addition to daily lab operations, you will have opportunities to expand your technical knowledge, assist in implementing research testing, and contribute to lab processes. For someone who enjoys hands‑on work, problem‑solving, and applying technical knowledge in a team‑oriented environment, this is a great opportunity to build a career in transportation materials.

• Fulfill the Quality Assurance Manager's administrative responsibilities in the administration of the Materials Sampling and Testing and the NDOT Quality Assurance Program.
• Work directly with field personnel, Project Managers, and Inspectors to coordinate the construction schedule with necessary testing.
• Visit project sites in Districts 5, 6, 7, and 8 to obtain materials, sample compliance oversight for the Quality Assurance Program, and provide project support.
• Maintain files for test results and associated information to provide necessary documentation and correspondence in OnBase, mainframe applications, and AWP.
• Document field sampled materials tests in AWP.
• Provide, recommend, and advise field construction personnel, including the Project Managers and various project personnel.
• Carry out Independent Assurance testing for the construction and testing Quality Assurance program of all aspects of construction.
• Act as a liaison between Materials and Research and field construction personnel regarding materials and testing procedures.
• Conduct continuous surveillance of materials used for highway construction and maintenance.
• Instruct and advise field personnel on the required use of manuals and sampling guides for materials.
• Assist in the educational programs for training construction personnel.
• Perform miscellaneous duties, tests, studies, research, etc., within the work area and other sections within the Materials and Research Division.
• Schedule, teach, and provide presentations for educating the field inspectors on the various aspects of testing, certifying, and specimen/sample submittals and associated documentation.
• Provide support to LPA Projects in Districts 5, 6, 7, and 8.
• Provide laboratory qualifications and inspections to Engineering Consultants and the Contractors' laboratories.
• Perform equipment calibrations and repairs as needed for field and laboratory equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: High school education or the equivalent, and experience in highway construction inspection, materials testing, or other laboratory operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with laboratory and field test…