Asphalt Materials Laboratory Supervisor

THIS IS AN ANTICIPATED VACANCY.

INTERNAL POSTING-Only temporary or permanent NCDOT employees or layoff candidates with the NC Department of Transportation eligible for RIF priority reemployment consideration as described by GS 126 may apply.

Join Our Team as the Asphalt Materials Laboratory Supervisor!

Join the dedicated team at the NCDOT's Materials and Tests Unit, where we ensure the highest quality of materials for roadway construction across North Carolina.

About Us:

Our Unit is dedicated to establishing acceptance criteria for materials and manufactured products, ensuring they meet the highest standards and function as intended. We play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the North Carolina Highway System, in accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Regulations.

Your Role:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to lead the Asphalt Workgroup within the Materials and Tests Unit's Central Laboratory. This position is responsible for overseeing asphalt mixture design, policy development, research, specification revisions, and approving final asphalt job mix formulas. The role also ensures laboratory accreditation and serves as a technical expert on asphalt materials. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in construction materials testing and a passion for maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory & Technical Oversight

• Supervise the Asphalt Materials Laboratory, including hot mix asphalt, liquid binder, and emulsion sections.
• Authorize, plan, and manage quality testing of asphalt materials while ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and safety.
• Oversee the QC/QA asphalt binder and asphalt emulsion programs.
• Ensure laboratory accreditation through AASHTO resource compliance.

Policy & Research

• Contribute to research and development, updating specifications and procedures.
• Serve on various technical committees, including AASHTO and ASTM, and vote on ballots.

Administrative & Leadership Duties

• Provide mentorship and career development for engineers, technicians, and consultants.
• Manage resources effectively to align with department goals.
• Oversee budgeting, procurement, and equipment purchasing for asphalt testing.
• Conduct performance reviews, recruitment, and team development.
• Prepare and conduct the laboratory portion of joint CAPA/NCDOT technical meetings.

Data Analysis & Compliance

• Ensure test procedures align with AASHTO, ASTM, and NCDOT standards.
• Utilize data management tools to identify trends, analyze risks, and implement improvements.
• Oversee database systems to maintain accreditation records and technician competencies.

Instrumentation & Maintenance

• Manage laboratory instrumentation maintenance, upgrades, and service contracts.
• Conduct complex troubleshooting with manufacturers to minimize downtime.

What We're Looking For:

• Collaborative Team Player: Someone who thrives in a team environment and contributes positively to the group dynamics, including collaboration with other groups.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills and the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Communication Skills: Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences.
• Eager Learner: A proactive individual who is always willing to expand their knowledge and skills.
• Innovative Thinker: A creative mind that can think outside the box and bring fresh ideas to the table.
• Highly Organized: An individual who excels at managing multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Play a vital role in maintaining the quality and safety of the North Carolina Highway System.
• Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated team of professionals committed to excellence.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
• Benefits: This position with NCDOT offers full State Benefits , competitive salaries and many career development opportunities.

Applicants must submit an application that clearly reflects work experience that demonstrates the following:

• Knowledge of engineering theories, techniques, practices, and procedures relating to multiple material type testing administered by the Materials and Tests Laboratories.
• Experience supervising employees including planning schedules, implementing goals, administering new policies, procedures and objectives.
• Experience coordinating and communicating effectively with other team members to achieve a common goal
• Experience with Microsoft Office products, databases, and data analysis, including laboratory information systems or similar laboratory result entry systems.
• Knowledge of instrumentation used in an analytical laboratory for quantitative and qualitative analysis of engineered materials.

Additional Expectations:

This position requires a highly motivated individual who is able to work independently as well as part of a team. The successful candidate will have strong work ethic standards with a technical background in engineering, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to effectively communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical personnel. Experience in managing personnel is desired. Must have the ability lift samples and equipment weighing up to 50lbs. Must be able to stand for long periods of time and be able to wear safety glasses and other personal protective equipment.

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an "equivalent combination of education and experience." If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See oshr.nc.gov/experience-guide for detail.

Bachelor's degree in an applicable field of engineering from an appropriately accredited institution and two (2) years of progressively responsible experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Special Qualification May require registration as a professional engineer by the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

Wendy Wall, ....

Applicants must meet both the minimum requirements and all posted Knowledge, Skills and Ability requirements to be considered Qualified for the position. It is important that your application includes all your relevant education and work experience and that you answer all questions associated with the application.

NCDOT will not accept "See Attached" or "See Resume" in lieu of education and work experience completed on the application. If multiple applications are submitted to an individual posting, only the most recent application received prior to the posting date will be accepted.