Soils and Aggregate Lab Supervisor (Laboratory Supervisor II)

Position Summary

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).

This position functions as the Supervisor for the Soils and Aggregate Laboratory Units that performs necessary work to support the operation of the Research and Materials Laboratory Section. The Unit Supervisor, working under the supervision of the Chief of Labs, will be responsible for all laboratory testing and procedures. This position will be responsible for managing lab staff to optimize performance and productivity Additionally, ensuring staff understand why new procedures are being implemented is also a key aspect of this position. It is critical to this position that the Supervisor has construction materials testing and inspection background.

The Research and Materials Soils and Aggregate Unit’s Supervisor coordinates and performs testing of construction materials. Testing for quality and verification if the products meet the minimum specification requirements. Materials tested include, but not limited to: crushed stone and aggregate used in concrete or asphalt mixtures, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), fill material, borrow material, loam, etc.

Incumbents of positions in this series monitor and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in performing chemical, biological, bacteriological and physical tests in laboratories; provide technical assistance to laboratory personnel; implement new or revised laboratory procedures; ensure the availability of laboratory supplies and equipment; and perform related work as required. The basic purpose of this work is to ensure the efficient operation of a laboratory in conformance with agency standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises the daily operation of the Soils and Aggregate Laboratory and performs sample testing on construction materials in laboratory in accordance with established MassDOT, AASHTO, ACI and ASTM specifications and testing procedures.

• Assigns work to team members and reviews their test reports.

• Performs Laboratory function in accordance with the requirements of the Research and Materials Quality System Manual.

• Prioritizes sample testing and Laboratory’s management and duties. 

• Performs calculations and prepares test reports.

• Performs calibration, standardization and checks all equipment associated with laboratory tests, in accordance with AASHTO procedures and schedules as are described on the Research and Materials Quality System Manual.

• Maintains Calibrations and Standardization records.

• Performs employee trainings and maintains all training records.

• Performs equipment maintenance per manufacturer recommendation.

• Participates in the AASHTO accreditation programs.

• Participates in the AASHTO Ballot program.

• Evaluates new test procedures for implementation.

• Demonstrates the ability to use current and new test procedures for evaluation of materials used on MassDOT construction projects.

   

Working Conditions

Individuals may work in an office or outside in all types of weather and under exposure to such hazardous conditions as found o