Materials Testing/Public Works Inspector

About Our Team

At Jones & DeMille Engineering, we are dedicated to serving as the proven community improvement leaders in rural America. Guided by our core values, we are committed to shaping the quality of life for our team members, clients, and communities. Our mission is rooted in technical excellence, enduring relationships, and innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact. We encourage a culture of opportunity, collaboration, and success, empowering our team to thrive while balancing professional growth with personal well-being. Together, we are shaping brighter futures and better communities.

About the Position

As a Materials Technician / Public Works Inspector, you will perform a hybrid role that blends materials testing in the field and laboratory with on-site construction inspection of public infrastructure projects. You will work across both disciplines, supporting project teams by verifying that materials and construction methods meet contract requirements, engineering specifications, and applicable codes and standards.

Department:

Materials Testing / Construction Engineering

Position Type:

Full-time

Primary Responsibilities:

In your role as Materials Technician / Public Works Inspector, you will be part of our growing team by performing the functions and duties listed below:

Materials Testing

•     Perform materials testing work in the field and the lab as needed

•     Test unit weights, air voids, and stabilities to determine whether materials being placed (e.g., asphaltic concrete) meet requirements, contract specifications, and local, state, and federal standards

•     Perform liquid limit and plasticity limit tests to determine if soil is suitable for specific functions

•     Perform full range of testing on soils, slurry seal, mortar, grout, and chip seal including speedy moisture tests, sieve gradations, sand cone densities, etc.

•     Test concrete as needed for proper requirements including air content, slump, temperature, and the making of field strength specimens (i.e., cylinders)

•     Compute percentages, ratios, and proportions of materials being tested and record test results 

•     Read and understand engineering plans, specifications, and details for quality assurance and to determine location and materials criteria

Public Works Inspection

•     Assist in the systematic and consistent on-site management of construction projects, which may include construction and/or rehabilitation of public building facilities, roadways, municipal water, wastewater, storm drain and dry utilities, and other infrastructure

•     Apply working knowledge of contract requirements, engineering drawings, and standard construction details to inspection activities

•     Inspect various aspects of construction work and perform continuous observation of assigned construction activities to ensure compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and specifications

•     As directed, prepare concise and accurate reports based on information received from Team Members, contractors, agencies, vendors, and others on-site

•     Document non-conformance and participate in determining appropriate resolution

•     Participate in project related meetings including design coordination, pre-construction, site inspections, job site, punch lists, and final project closeout

•     Communicate regularly with and proactively advise Supervisor, Team Leader, and/or Project Managers of any significant challenge that occurs on projects

Experience & Certifications Required:

•     High School Degree or equivalent

•     Experience or training in materials testing and/or public works inspection preferred but can be trained

•     Heavy civil construction experience transferrable

•     Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a field-based, service-oriented environment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

•     Detail orientation

•     Self-motivated, engaged, and team-oriented with the ability to work independently under minimal supervision

•     Demonstrate personal investment in your career

•     Confident, energetic, and flexible in order to perform in fast-paced environment and resolve challenges

•     Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, and standard construction details

•     Demonstrate verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate field reports

•     Proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook

Supplemental Information:

Other Requirements

Valid driver’s license and acceptable MVR

Occasional air travel required

Additional Preferences

Ability to obtain Portable Nuclear Gauge User Training

Public works inspection experience or equivalent certifications (e.g., NICET, APWA, or agency-specific inspector qualifications)

Ability to obtain ACI Concrete Testing Certification

Physical Requirements

The team member must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally move up to 75 pounds. This may be required in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

Working Conditions

Frequent travel by car to client and project sites. The team member will be required to work in various weather conditions and extremes with excessive walking and standing, and/or utilization of various hand tools, as needed. The ability to navigate around, over, or through a variety of terrain obstacles and/or noisy work conditions including traffic and heavy equipment is required. The use of special safety precautions and/or equipment is also required. The team member will be required to occasionally work at night or during alternate working hours, as well as travel overnight for out of town projects and/or to other offices.