LABORATORY OPERATIONS ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN -05052026-77057

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This position is in the Materials and Tests Division - Laboratory Operations - Laboratory Services Section.

For more information, visit the link below:

https://www.tdot.tn.gov/PublicDocuments/hr/M&T-Division-LaboratoryOperationsSection-Laboratory-Operations-Engineering-Technician.pdf

Qualifications

Qualifications

Education and Experience: High school diploma; General Educational Development diploma.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on the applicant's work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors, and based on business need. Within 6 months of hire, employees must demonstrate successful mastery of corresponding work competencies and skill blocks of the Technician Proficiency Program for the level of worker to which they were hired. If skills and competencies are not met during that period, the employee can be demoted to the level of worker for which he/she is qualified.

TDOT Engineering Technician 1: Entry level Engineering Technician. No prerequisites other than High School Education or equivalent. Eligible for promotion to TDOT Engineering Technician 2 upon satisfactory review and completion of the required skills and competency elements* of the TDOT Engineering Technician 1 level, including having obtained the appropriate level of Commercial Drivers License based on the employees age (see Necessary Special Qualifications) and job location.

TDOT Engineering Technician 2: Intermediate level Engineering Technician. Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements* of the TDOT Engineering Technician 1 level. Eligible for promotion to TDOT Engineering Technician 3 upon satisfactory review and completion of the required skills and competency elements* of the TDOT Engineering Technician 2 level.

TDOT Engineering Technician 3: Experienced level Engineering Technician. Must have successfully completed the required skills and competency elements* at the TDOT Engineering Technician 2 level.

*Each level of the TDOT Engineering Technician Series will have a defined Work Element Plan that details a set number of hours of core and elective skills and competencies and the corresponding exam and demonstration requirements that must be completed for eligibility to move forward to the next level of the series.

Necessary Special Qualifications for TDOT Engineering Technicians

Some positions in these classifications are assigned job duties that may require the following to operate a designated state vehicle:

• Possess and maintain a Class D driver's license valid to operate vehicles in the State of Tennessee.
• If under age 21, employees must, at their own expense and within eleven months, obtain a Class A Commercial Drivers License that is valid in the State of Tennessee (a Code O, Code K, and Code 52 restriction is allowable); Code E restriction is not allowable, testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle.
• Some positions may require that the Code O restriction be removed to enable drivers to operate a fifth wheel or greater than 10,001 pound trailer.
• If you are currently a TDOT employee in possession of Class A Commercial Drivers License when you reach the age of 21, you must possess and maintain, or obtain at your own expense and within 3 months of your 21^st birthday, a Class-A Commercial Driver's License with an N endorsement that is valid in the State of Tennessee.
• If age 21 or older and not currently employed with TDOT, you must possess and maintain, or obtain at your own expense within eleven months of hire, a Class-A Commercial Driver's License with an N endorsement that is valid in the State of Tennessee. Employees will have five months from hire or promotion into this classification to obtain the applicable permits leading to eligibility for the specific required license. Code L restriction is not allowable, testing must be completed in a manual transmission vehicle.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for commercial driver and safety impact positions. Commercial drivers and safety impact employees will be subject to additional drug and alcohol testing during employment

• Incorporating overtime, weekends, and night shifts into their schedules as work schedules dictate; specific positions may require on-call schedules
• Extended durations outdoors in extreme weather conditions
• Working in and around construction and vehicular traffic
• Walking on uneven terrain
• Climbing ladders and construction scaffolding
• Carrying equipment and samples in excess of 25 pounds
• Driving long distances are required as part of daily duties
• Performing work in which personal protective equipment will be required to be worn

Overview

SUMMARY

The Laboratory Operations Engineering Technician works in a team setting, providing support to the Materials and Tests Division. This position will perform laboratory testing, assist with data analysis, and report on materials used in the construction and maintenance of Tennessee's transportation infrastructure projects. They will also assist with the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment. This role requires technical knowledge of laboratory operations, equipment calibration, materials testing operations, and the Laboratory Quality Management System Manual (QMSM). The Laboratory Operations Engineering Technician will comply with federal, state, and TDOT specifications, contributing to the successful delivery of TDOT's Work Program.

The Engineering Technician role supports the construction, maintenance, and inspection of Tennessee's transportation infrastructure by conducting tests on materials and maintaining accurate records. They operate and maintain equipment, apply safety standards and technical specifications, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure efficient project delivery. They assist in implementing the Quality Management Program as part of the Materials and Tests' Division activities. As they advance, engineering technicians take on more complex tasks, contributing to quality assurance, training, and process improvements, enhancing TDOT's commitment to safety and sustainability.

Responsibilities

RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform laboratory testing and evaluations of construction materials, such as asphalt, concrete, aggregates, and soils, in accordance with TDOT, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the Quality Management Systems Manual (QMSM).
Accurately record test results and prepare basic reports for use in materials certification and compliance documentation. Assist with data entry and reporting using systems such as SiteManager and AASHTOWare Project (AWP). Ensure all data is organized and accessible for materials certification and reporting purposes.

Follow safety protocols and maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment. Perform routine maintenance and equipment checks and report any issues to supervisors.

Participate in TDOT's Materials and Tests Engineering Technician Proficiency Program (ProPath) to develop skills and improve knowledge and performance in laboratory operations.

Provide exceptional customer service to both internal and external customers by exercising effective listening skills, providing prompt responses, maintaining complete and accurate documentation, and communicating effectively.

Additional Job Responsibilities of Engineering Technician 2 and 3 include:

Conduct more advanced laboratory testing and analysis of materials to verify compliance with project specifications. Identify and resolve issues in testing processes, ensuring accurate and reliable results. Assist in preparing detailed reports summarizing test outcomes for use in project certifications.

Perform calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy, reliability, and readiness for testing tasks.

Additional Job Responsibilities of Engineering Technician 3 include:

Perform complex testing and analysis of materials for high-risk or specialized projects, to confirm compliance with project standards. Address challenging materials-related problems by applying technical knowledge and experience. Maintain detailed records of testing activities and equipment calibrations for quality assurance audits.

Review and validate laboratory results to ensure compliance with AASHTO Accreditation standards.

Assist in developing more efficient testing procedures, improving data entry and reporting practices and participating in research initiatives to evaluate innovative materials and adopt new techniques and technologies for laboratory operations.

Work closely with project stakeholders to resolve materials-related issues and ensure testing requirements are met. Assist in communicating testing outcomes and related information to stakeholders in a clear and accessible manner.

Competencies (KSA's)

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

The required KSACs for TDOT Engineering Technicians I, II and III include:

• Knowledgeable in basic report and form writing
• Knowledge of applicable industry standards
• Knowledgeable in street and highway traffic rules and regulations, and temporary signing and safety precautions to be observed while working on or near highways and construction sites
• Knowledgeable in laboratory and field testing and inspection safety procedures
• Knowledgeable in applicable hand and power tools, equipment, and mechanical devices of the trade
• Knowledgeable in reading and interpreting contract documents
• Skilled in basic math
• Ability to operate light and heavy highway equipment
• Ability to use computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems
• Ability to recognize and take precaution for potential hazards
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to maintain effective work relationships with individual and groups, both internal and external

Additional KSACs for TDOT Engineering Technician II and III include:

• Skilled in street and highway traffic rules and regulations, and temporary signing and safety precautions to be observed while working on or near highways and construction sites
• Skilled in laboratory and field testing and inspection safety procedures
• Ability to train individuals recognizing applicable teaching and learning methods and how to communicate curriculum respectively
• Ability to analyze a process and offer actionable feedback on how to improve the process effectiveness, quality, and efficiency
• Ability to read and interpret contract documents

Additional KSACs for TDOT Engineering Technician III include:

• Skilled in training individuals recognizing applicable teaching and learning methods and how to communicate curriculum respectively
• Skilled in analyzing a process and offering actionable feedback on how to improve the process effectiveness, quality, and efficiency
• Skilled in reading and interpreting contract documents