Geotechnical Lab Technician

Required Education and Experience:

• Level I: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Level II: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and one year of materials lab technician related work experience or qualification based upon Helena Materials Lab Advancement Policies.
• Level III: The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of materials lab technician related work experience or qualification based upon Helena Materials Lab Advancement Policies.
• Alternative qualifications include: Combinations of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications may be considered.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• This work requires thorough knowledge of MDT testing sample preparation and inspection procedures; mathematical algebraic and a geometric formulas; laboratory and equipment safety procedures.
• The position requires a thorough knowledge and understanding of the standards set for soil/rock testing by governing bodies (ASTM COE AASHTO Materials Bureau). The incumbent must have a thorough knowledge and familiarity of rock/soil materials and an ability to recognize when a discrepancy between the material and its representing data occurred.
• The incumbent will be responsible for coordination with other labs in the Materials Bureau for calibration and production testing programs involving multistage sampling preparation and evaluation of materials through different areas of the Materials Testing Section.
• The incumbent must be cognizant of and is responsible for strict adherence to Department sampling and testing standards and procedures and recognize the severe impact errors or omissions may have on the engineering design and long-term performance of features reliant on the testing data produced.

Other Information:

This position is being posted in accordance with the 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 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.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Geotechnical Lab Technician. This position is responsible for laboratory testing of a variety of soil aggregate and rock samples used in the geotechnical design of highway construction projects. Testing is performed to ensure compliance with professional engineering design standards project specifications and State and Federal regulations. The test results also provide information to construction staff contractors and project managers on the engineering parameters of these materials for construction and contract administration.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

For a full job description please contact Brandi Hamilton 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 a first day of employment

For information on the Montana Department of Transportations mission vision and values please visit our website: Application Materials:

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history
• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing why you are interested in this position.

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 below.