Bituminous Materials Inspector

Dept of Transportation

State Hwy Administrator - Div of Hwys

Engineering Technician III (S)

60027244

NC11

Please note that all positions close at 12:00 AM on the posted closing date. You must apply by 11:59 PM prior to the posted closing date.

The Inspector is responsible for evaluating and approving producer manufacturing processes, facilities, and personnel participating in the NCDOT PG Binder and Asphalt Emulsion Programs. This role ensures full compliance with NCDOT, AASHTO, and ASTM specifications through facility inspections, material sampling, certification activities, and enforcement of quality standards.


Key Responsibilities

Facility and Process Oversight

• Inspect and approve producer manufacturing facilities based on their Quality Control (QC) plans.
• Conduct on-site evaluations upon QC plan approval and document any deficiencies in writing.
• Approve new asphalt emulsion producer’s laboratories seeking entry into NCDOT programs.

Sampling and Verification

• Verify binder and emulsion quality using AASHTO R66 Sampling Bituminous Materials, including sampling PG Binder and asphalt emulsions from NCDOT roadway locations.
• Obtain samples following the Materials and Tests Sampling Guide, PG Binder Program, Asphalt Emulsion Program requirements, and applicable AASHTO/ASTM specifications.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of sampling activities and results.

Quality Assurance and Enforcement

• Enforce all requirements within the NCDOT QC/QA PG Binder and Asphalt Emulsion Programs.
• Identify and address inconsistencies in producer test data, ensuring proper follow-up and documentation.

Certification and Training

• Certify producer personnel responsible for sampling asphalt emulsions to ensure proper procedures and compliance.
• Provide guidance to producers on corrective actions and quality requirements.

The primary consequence of error is economic, i.e., acceptance of inferior material that subsequently requires rehabilitation or replacement before its design life is reached. In extreme measures, error may result in the loss of property or life. In the laboratory, failure to adhere to safety standards and regulations could result in personal injury. In the case of AASHTO re:Source proficiency samples, poor accuracy results give a poor reflection of the Unit as a whole and may result in loss of accreditation.

Instructions consist of initial training by the Laboratory Engineer and yearly competency evaluations in the areas of customer service, operation of equipment, safety guidelines, and testing procedures and specifications. These instructions are provided verbally in the case of customer service and by written material in the case of all other training. Additional instructions may also be provided by D.O.T. courses and other knowledgeable lab technicians.

The technician is supervised by the Laboratory Engineer. Daily supervision will not be required except for the case of technical assistance. A schedule of activities is maintained by the technician. Periodic feedback is required to ensure that the schedule is maintained. Test results are reviewed by the Laboratory Engineer for accuracy and compliance

The selected applicant for this positing should be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to wear safety glasses and other personal protective equipment.

Sharon Ashe