Job Description

Posting number: 1667SM-0826-080 (O)

Department: OC Public Works

Job classification: SENIOR MATERIALS TESTING TECHNICIAN

Posting type: Open

Categories: Engineering, Public Works, Laboratory

SENIOR MATERIALS TESTING TECHNICIAN

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Senior Materials Testing Technician positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST).

OC PUBLIC WORKS
OC Public Works (OCPW) provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, cities, and other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through the sustainable delivery of projects and services. OC Public Works’ guiding principles are safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and adaptability.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services; Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Fleet Services; OC Facilities Design & Construction; OC Facilities Maintenance; OC Infrastructure Programs; and OC Operations & Maintenance.

For additional information about OC Public Works, click here
For additional information about the County of Orange, click here

The OC Public Works Materials Lab has an excellent opportunity for a Sr. Materials Testing Technician to witness and assess laboratory and field testing, sampling, and inspection of construction materials by a consultant laboratory performing Quality Assurance (QA) testing on behalf of the County. Individuals in this position act as Independent Assurance to witness testing in accordance with Caltrans, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and/or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test methods. Additionally, this position develops scopes of work, requests proposals from consultants, and verifies the proposal meets contract document requirements for roles, rates, and testing. This position ensures that quality materials are incorporated into flood, road and other infrastructure projects throughout the County of Orange.

The ideal candidate will possess at least three (3) years of conducting and performing complex physical tests and inspections on construction materials. Prior leadership and/or supervisory experience is highly desirable but not required.

In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will possess the following core competencies:

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE

• Extensive knowledge of advanced materials inspection techniques
• Hands-on experience in a wide variety of construction materials testing, including concrete, asphalt, soil, aggregate and other construction materials
• Familiarity with laboratory database programs
• Knowledge of contract administration for consultant testing, including solicitating and evaluating proposals
• Engineering plans, maps, and specifications
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite programs
• Knowledge of mathematical calculations related to materials testing, including basic arithmetic, algebra and geometry

• Ability to assess lab and field testing and identify deviations from the specific test methods
• Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Use efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills
• Be thorough when performing work and conscientious about attention to detail
• Demonstrate excellent judgment skills

• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely to communicate information and assignments
• Comprehend written technical material and concepts
• Ability to communicate diplomatically when personnel or other issues arise
• Effectively discuss deviations witnessed in lab and field testing with consultant labs and recommend corrective actions
• Produce reports and maintain accurate records
• Maintain effective working relationships with peers, managers, contractors, and stakeholders

LEADERSHIP SKILLS

• Understand and apply the principles of supervision including techniques to lead, coach, train and develop subordinate staff
• Ability to foster a team atmosphere and reward collaboration
• Ability to effectively motivate others to promote productivity and efficiency
• Ability to evaluate subordinate staff and identify performance issues

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Please click herefor details on the Senior Materials Testing Technician classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.

NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (N.A.C.E.S.).

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)