The Research & Materials Section (RMS) serves as MassDOT’s central materials laboratory. Our engineers, chemists, technicians, inspectors, and administrative professionals support MassDOT by ensuring that MassDOT complies with all applicable federal guidelines and regulations relating to construction material quality. Staff are responsible for the sampling and testing of construction materials, developing a wide range of material standards and guidelines, evaluating laboratories throughout the Commonwealth, and facilitating research projects. RMS participates in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Accreditation Program and meets strict organizational, personnel, equipment, and testing proficiency requirements. The lab performs testing in the following areas: concrete, soils and aggregates, asphalt binder, hot mix asphalt, chemical, and physical (standard manufactured materials).

Incumbents of positions in this series prepare or review plans, designs, specifications and cost estimates for engineering projects; prepare and/or review reports, studies and analytical data; perform calculations relating to engineering problems; perform engineering surveys; inspect construction and / or maintenance work; and perform related work as required.

The basic purpose of this work is to perform professional engineering duties in such areas as highways, bridges, buildings and facilities all in accordance with sound engineering principles, applicable laws, regulations and standards.

The Field Control Inspector position will report to the Field Control Section of the MassDOT Research and Materials Section (RMS).

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in the management and oversight of the Cement Concrete, Hot Mix Asphalt, and Soils Independent Assurance (IA) Programs and Brick and Block, Guardrail, and Steel Reinforcement Verification (VER) Programs.

• Generates, maintains, and updates IA and VER Program Laboratory Information Materials Management System (LIMMS) test plans, databases, and Field Control inspector assignments.

• Collects, records, and tracks all incoming IA and VER Program inspection reports, test reports, non-conformance reports, corrective action reports, and other related documents.

• Notifies producers, suppliers, manufacturers, and / or fabricators of non-conforming VER results. Notifies acceptance and / or quality control inspectors of non-conforming IA results.

• Assists in the management and oversight of the Precast / Prestressed Inspection Program.

• Collects, records, and tracks all incoming Precast / Prestressed Inspection Program inspection reports, test reports, non-conformance reports, corrective action reports, and other related documents.

• Assists in the review of all incoming precast / prestressed shop drawings and the distribution of the reviewed drawings to the consultant inspector.

• Assists in the notification of all relevant parties in instances where the submitted shop drawings are non-conforming and require re-submission for review.

• Assists in the responses to all precast / prestressed relevant inquiries, requests, comments, and questions from inspection consultants, fabricators, MassDOT, etc.

• Assist in the development and implementation of new special provisions, standard specifications, and the Laboratory Information Materials Management System (LIMMS).

• Reviews Special Provisions for new contracts at 75%, 100%, and PS&E.

• Maintains and updates all cement concrete related MassDOT Qualified Construction Materials Lists (QCML).

• Performs Field Control sampling and testing in accordance with current MassDOT, AASHTO, and ASTM specifications and protocols, for Independent Assurance (Concrete, HMA, and Soils), cement concrete verification trial batches and constituent sources, and other materials and programs when assigned. When required, all sampling and testing shall be conducted through the Laboratory Information Materials Management System (LIMMS).

• Participates in Research and Materials Section (RMS) research projects and reviews current AASHTO standards, research papers, and any other research documentation that is applicable to materials.

• Maintains all ACI and NETTCP certifications required to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Maintains and updates list of assigned work and actions.

• Completes assigned work according to the priority given by the supervisor, within the timelines given.

• Reports to supervisor with continuous status updates and completed tasks.

• Works independently and within a team.

• Assigns additional work and actions to oneself where needed and is proactive.

Working Conditions

Civil Engineers may work in an office or outside in all types of weather and under exposure to such hazardous conditions as those found on construction sites, and may travel for job related purposes. Materials samples may need to be transported, carted and/or lifted during the process. The sample process may involve weights of 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Knowledge of the terminology and standard abbreviations used in civil engineering.
• Knowledge of the principles of hydraulics as applied to surface drainage pipes and culverts.
• Knowledge of engineering properties of soils.
• Knowledge of the properties and characteristics of concrete and asphalt; mechanical properties of fluids; theory and practice of plane surveying.
• Knowledge of the types & skill in the uses of equipment used in plane surveying.
• Knowledge of the methods of soil testing.
• Knowledge of the types and use of equipment and materials used in buildings, bridges, highway, road, street, or tunnel construction.
• Knowledge of mathematical formulae used to compute volumes and areas.
• Knowledge of elementary algebra, trigonometry, plane and solid geometry, integral and differential calculus; knowledge of the standard procedures for taking field notes in connection with plane surveying.
• Knowledge of mathematical computations used in solving civil engineering problems.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of civil engineering data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to understand, apply and explain the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, specifications, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities and in connection with the construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, buildings, etc.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions. Ability to write clearly and concisely as well as ability to maintain records.

This position is eligible for a five-thousand dollar ($5,000) signing bonus (“Signing Bonus”) if you are newly hired at MassDOT. Current MassDOT employees are not eligible for the Signing Bonus. The Signing Bonus will be paid in two parts: 1) $3,000 (less applicable taxes) included in the employee's first paycheck. 2) $2,000 (less applicable taxes) after the successful completion of the employee’s probationary period.

About MassDOT

The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth’s residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT’s inclusive culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.

MassDOT’s divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.

This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.

All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered.

Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

• For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.
• For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857‐368‐4722.
• For a disability‐related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857‐274‐1935.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?  Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self‐select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.