ASP- Asphalt Field Technician

An Asphalt Field Technician in the geotechnical and construction materials testing field tests and inspects hot mix asphalt during paving operations to make sure it meets project specifications.

Key Responsibilities include

• Field Testing: Monitor and test asphalt compaction, density, and temperature on active paving sites.
• Sampling: Collect loose asphalt mixture and core samples from roadways, parking lots, or runways for laboratory testing.
• Observation: Inspect subgrade preparation and observe asphalt placement to ensure compliance with engineering plans.
• Documentation: Record test data accurately and write daily field reports for project managers and clients.
• Communication: Talk with site contractors and engineers about test results or quality issues.

Engineering Documentation & Daily Reporting

• Standard Operating Procedures: Execute field testing meticulously under precise state standards (e.g., TxDOT Tex-207-F for density, Tex-244-F for thermal profiles).
• Field Logs: Record station locations, offsets, test results, mix temperatures, roller patterns, and weather conditions.
• Discrepancy Reporting: Immediately issue a verbal alert to the paving superintendent and the geotechnical project manager if test results indicate under-compaction, excessive segregation, or material failing to meet temperature specifications.

Operational Work Environment & Demands

• Dynamic Schedules: Paving schedules are highly reliant on weather and traffic control. Technicians must be flexible enough to work long shifts, frequent night shifts, and weekends.
• Physical Environment: Constant exposure to extreme outdoor environments (heat, wind, cold) and high-temperature asphalt materials (typically 250°F to 325°F).
• Active Construction Safety: Work requires navigating active work zones directly alongside heavy equipment (pavers, material transfer vehicles, vibratory rollers) and high-speed highway traffic, requiring continuous situational awareness and compliance with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) mandates.

Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or GED; technical coursework or a degree in civil engineering or geology is a plus.
• Certifications: Industry certifications (such as ACI, Troxler nuclear gauge safety, or state-specific asphalt/aggregate certifications) or the ability to earn them within a few months.
• Physical Demands: Ability to work outdoors in varying weather, stand for long periods, and lift heavy equipment up to 50–75 lbs.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver's license with a safe driving record to travel to job sites.
• NICET Soils / State DOT Soils Certification: Validates your ability to test the compacted soil or aggregate subgrade before the asphalt layers are paved over it. **PREFERRED, NOT REQUIRED**
• TxAPA/TxDOT Level 1B (Roadway Specialist) **REQUIRED**