Field Project Technician

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for Field Project Technician (Entry-level Civil Engineering Tech) in Kalispell. This position is responsible for coordinating and conducting various inspection sampling and testing procedures to verify that construction project features and materials conform with standard specifications Department requirements and contract agreements. The position is also responsible for coordinating and conducting staking and surveying procedures and performing a variety of other duties as assigned. The position reports to the Engineering Project Manager. This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

For a full job description please contact Lauren Grayson at

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance

• Health Dental and Vision Insurance

• Access to Montana Health Centers low-cost clinics for state employees and their families

• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)

• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek

• Paid vacation sick leave and holidays

• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

• Benefits apply on first day of employment

• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportations mission vision and values please visit our website: State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agencys HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race color national origin religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or expression pregnancy childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth age physical or mental disability genetic information marital status creed political beliefs or affiliation veteran status military service retaliation or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Required Application Materials:

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as Relevant.

If you need an accommodation with the application process please contact the HR representative listed above.

Required Education and Experience:

(All levels require a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma including coursework in algebra geometry or trigonometry)

Field Project Technician I & II $23.46 (Technician I) / $24.25 (Technician II)

• The (L1) position requires no engineering technician related experience.

• The (L2) position requires one year of engineering technician related experience.

Field Project Technician III $27.09

• The position requires two years of experience in highway construction or related field (e.g. laboratory testing transportation design engineering etc.).

Junior Engineering Coordinator - $31.49

• The position requires three years of experience in highway construction or related field (e.g. laboratory testing transportation design engineering etc.).

Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications. Includes Civil Engineer or Civil Engineering Technician: 4-year degree (C.E.T.)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• The position requires knowledge of project inspection and testing procedures including site features and materials; general construction engineering principles; sampling and laboratory testing procedures; State AASHTO FHWA and ASTM standards and specifications; and maintenance and calibration of specialized tools and equipment.

• The position also requires knowledge of surveying and highway construction methods and operations; project implementation and documentation techniques; project design and construction criteria and standards; properties and characteristics of materials components and the impacts of site specific circumstances (e.g. soils temperature weather conditions gradations segregation stability flows additives absorption rates etc.); highway construction terminology; business English; and basic algebra geometry and trigonometry.

• The position requires skill in reviewing interpreting and applying design plans and specifications to site circumstances; acquiring and documenting field data; constructing sets of field notes; interpreting site conditions (e.g. elevations features etc.); and communicating effectively with contractors landowners and other Department personnel. The position also requires skill in operating specialized sampling and testing equipment (e.g. Gilson shaker nuclear gauge sieves survey equipment etc.) and office equipment used to calculate and record data (e.g. PCs calculator laptop computers VAX system etc.).

Other Information

• Drivers record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicants permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201 State Vehicle Use and MDT Policy #6.03.001 State Vehicle Use Policy are conditions of employment.

• This position is being posted in accordance with the MFPE bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

• The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women racial and ethnic minorities people with disabilities and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division at 406.444.6054.

• The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

• Effective 5/26/2026 MDT is participating in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9 your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify please visit the E-Verify website found here . Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.