Our firm is looking for a seasoned professional to take on the role of Senior Construction Materials Testing Technician. This is a leadership-oriented position designed for an experienced technician who can handle complex testing, manage project documentation, and mentor junior staff. If you have a deep understanding of industry standards and a commitment to quality, we want to hear from you. This position has potential for management responsibilities including report review and distribution, proposals, and marketing.
About the Role
Operating primarily out of our Milwaukee office, sometimes helping our Madison office as needed, you will oversee and execute routine to complex field and laboratory testing. You will serve as a technical lead, ensuring that construction materials and processes meet strict project specifications and safety standards.
Schedule: Typically Monday–Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Occasional evening and Saturday work is required based on project needs.
Key Responsibilities
Advanced Testing: Perform and oversee testing on concrete (slump, air, unit weight), asphalt, soil, aggregates, grout, and masonry.
Compaction & Density: Utilize nuclear density gauges to measure in-place soil and aggregate moisture and density.
Site Supervision: Monitor material placement (backfilling, reinforcing steel, concrete pours) and verify conformance to ASTM, ACI, WisDOT, and IBC standards.
Leadership & Mentoring: Assign work to junior technicians, provide guidance on testing procedures, and supervise their daily performance.
Reporting: Prepare detailed, often automated, daily reports and data sheets; communicate findings effectively to clients, contractors, and Project Managers.
Equipment Oversight: Calibrate and maintain testing equipment and ensure strict adherence to radiation safety protocols for nuclear gauges.
Requirements
Experience: 3–5+ years in construction materials testing or related paraprofessional engineering work.
Education: High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Communication: Clear and concise English communication skills (written and verbal) for technical reporting and site coordination.
Physical Demands: Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lift 20–50+ lbs. repetitively.
Compliance: Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and pass a pre-employment, non-DOT drug screening.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in mathematical computations, report writing, and basic computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel).
Certifications & Preferences
Required/Preferred Certifications:
ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I (or higher).
Nuclear Gauge/Density Gauge certification and radiation safety training.
NICET certifications (Asphalt, Concrete, or Soils).
WisDOT HTCP Certifications (strongly preferred).
OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety.
Specialized Expertise: Experience as a Special Inspector (Reinforced Concrete, Masonry, Soils) is highly valued.
Why Join Us?
Paid Training: We invest in your professional growth by providing the training and certifications (ACI, ICC, etc.) you need to succeed.
Exciting Projects: Work on a variety of high-profile construction sites throughout the region.
Career Path: Gain foundational experience in civil engineering and construction management.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay ($18-$25) based on experience and job performance
Retirement Plans with 4% Match
Health/Dental/Vision Insurance
Life and Disability insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Referral program
About the Company
GESTRA Engineering, Inc. is a full service geotechnical engineering consulting firm headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. GESTRA specializes in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, geotechnical and environmental drilling. GESTRA was founded in 2000 to provide Government Agencies, Municipalities, Engineers, Architects and Contractors with high quality and cost efficient engineering services. Our projects range in size and complexity from large development projects to small challenging assignments. To enhance the capabilities of technical personnel, GESTRA maintains in house and external training programs. GESTRA provides a wide range of services, starting during the initial planning and feasibility studies to project completion.