Field and Laboratory Testing Technician

Job Description

Field and Laboratory Testing Technician | Terracon

The Tone:
This is a unique internship opportunity at Terracon for highly motivated and detail-oriented students eager to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting. Terracon, a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm, delivers critical environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services through its extensive network nationwide. This Field and Laboratory Testing Technician role is essential for supporting the firm’s core materials testing operations, providing invaluable hands-on experience with fundamental construction materials such as concrete, soil, asphalt, and aggregates. The work directly contributes to ensuring quality, safety, and compliance in diverse engineering projects.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Mission: To conduct precise field and laboratory testing of essential construction materials including concrete, soil, asphalt, and aggregates, supporting project quality and safety.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Testing and Sampling Execution: Perform directed and meticulous sampling and testing procedures for various construction materials, ensuring data accuracy and adherence to standards.
• Field and Laboratory Assistance: Provide essential assistance to experienced field and laboratory personnel, supporting their daily operations and project requirements.
• Logistics and Equipment Support: Efficiently transport necessary equipment, material specimens, or critical documents to field teams, the laboratory, clients, or other offices, and offer physical assistance in equipment setup.
• Maintenance and Upkeep: Thoroughly clean and maintain equipment, company vehicles, and designated work areas to ensure a safe and organized operational environment.
• General Technical Support: Assist other technicians and professional staff with routine assignments, contributing to the smooth execution of testing schedules and project timelines.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Candidates must possess a high school diploma and be currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline, such as environmental science, safety engineering, civil engineering, chemistry, biology, or geology.
• Experience: This position is specifically designed for students approaching the completion of their undergraduate studies; while prior specific work experience in materials testing is not a prerequisite, a foundational understanding of scientific principles is expected.
• Skills: Key skills for this hands-on role include the aptitude to learn and proficiently execute materials testing methodologies for concrete, soil, asphalt, and aggregates, along with precise sample collection techniques and basic laboratory analysis capabilities. A strong commitment to detailed work and following established safety protocols is also required.
• Bonus: The ideal candidate demonstrates a keen interest in gaining practical, real-world experience in a geotechnical and materials consulting environment, coupled with the ability to integrate academic learning with practical field and laboratory applications, specifically in their final year of their BS degree program.