Asphalt Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 877797
Agency: Department of Transportation
Working Title: ASPHALT MIXTURE LABORATORY SPECIALIST II - 55010129
Pay Plan: Career Service
Position Number: 55010129
Salary: $51,989.65 - $67,280.73
Posting Closing Date: 09/24/2026
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STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
JOB POSTING DESCRIPTION
820 / STATE MATERIALS OFFICE
OPEN COMPETITIVE
CAREER SERVICE
FULL-TIME
CONTACT PERSON: Melissa Barrs
CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 352-955-2917
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: Melissa.Barrs@dot.state.fl.us
HIRING SALARY RANGE: $1,999.60 - $2,587.72 / biweekly range
$51,989.65 - $67,280.73 / annual range
Join FDOT and be part of the team that works as one to improve safety, enhance mobility and inspire innovation in the Florida transportation system.
To ensure honesty and transparency, all applicants must provide their own work. Unless explicitly requested, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with qualifying questions, work samples, or interviews is strictly prohibited, and any breach of this requirement will lead to the applicant being removed from consideration.
Candidates must be United States (U.S.) citizens or lawfully authorized alien workers. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Our Mission
The mission of the Florida Department of Transportation is to provide a safe statewide transportation system that promotes the efficient movement of people and goods, supports the state's economic competitiveness, prioritizes Florida's environment and natural resources, and preserves the quality of life and connectedness of the state's communities.
Our Vision
As a OneFDOT team, we serve the people of Florida by providing a transportation network that is well planned, supports economic growth, and has the goal of being congestion and fatality free.
The Work You Will Do:
Asphalt Mixture Laboratory Specialist II within the Office of Materials, Asphalt Materials / Asphalt Laboratories.
This position will help assure the quality and durability of asphalt mixtures used on FDOT projects through laboratory testing and data processing of asphalt mixture designs.
The Difference You Will Make:
Through cooperation, coordination and collaboration among the OneFDOT team, you will be contributing to a strong and empowering culture of TRREC: Trust, Relationships, Respect, Empowerment, and Communication.
How You Will Grow:
FDOT encourages our team members to grow through engagement, empowerment, training, and professional development. Through our agency's learning management system, you have access to hundreds of computer-based training and instructor-led courses.
Where You Will Work:
State Materials Office, 5007 NE 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL 32609
Annual Salary Range:
$51,989.65 - $67,280.73
Your Specific Responsibilities:
Performs laboratory tests on asphalt mixtures and aggregates in accordance with the applicable Florida Sampling and Testing Methods (FSTM), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test methods. Performs asphalt mixture testing for mixture design verification as well as research purposes. Conducts asphalt mixture tests to determine performance properties. Reports results in an accurate and timely manner in the appropriate database.
Processes incoming asphalt mix designs to ensure the design is in compliance with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) specifications. Corresponds with asphalt contractors and mix designers to resolve any deficiencies. Processes asphalt mix design revisions and verifies all requested changes meet specification requirements. Accurately maintains various asphalt-related databases that are used to track asphalt mix design and material usage including MAC and Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
Analyzes materials data for specification and procedural compliance. Takes timely action to correct any errors in the data. Actively facilitates the notification of stakeholders of errors, failures or negative trends. Reviews and provides comments on test procedures and other documents.
Obtains samples from asphalt production facilities, aggregate mines and terminals, and the roadway. Performs field tests on asphalt pavements in accordance with applicable test methods and procedures.
Keeps all testing equipment calibrated and in good working order.
The Successful Candidate will have the following required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Concepts, terminology, principles, and analytical techniques of asphalt mixtures.
• Florida Department of Transportation specifications governing asphalt mix designs.
• Engineering design, construction, production and/or operations.

Skills in:

• Operate a personal computer for word processing, spreadsheets, and database applications.

Ability to:

• Perform asphalt-related laboratory and field tests.
• Analyze and interpret engineering data.
• Plan, organize and coordinate work assignments.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Work and be effective in a team environment.
• Follow instructions and procedures.
• Lift 50 pounds.

Other Job-Related Requirements:

• This position will be required to respond before, during and following emergency situations.
• NOTE: The incumbent of this position is required to handle hazardous materials possessing the characteristics of ignitability, corrosivity, and toxicity as defined in the Code of Federal Regulations 40, Part 261. The incumbent must be trained in the handling of the aforementioned hazardous materials prior to commencing work or he/she must work only under the direct control of a supervisor who is trained in the handling of such materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience using engineering or manufacturing tools, equipment and/or instruments; prior experience operating a personal computer for word processing, spreadsheet, and/or database applications; and prior experience with evaluating construction materials.

The State's total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Health insurance (over 90% employer paid)
• $25,000 life insurance policy (100% employer paid)
• Dental, vision and supplemental insurances
• State of Florida retirement package
• 10 paid holidays a year

• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Career advancement opportunities
• Tuition waiver for public college courses
• A variety of training opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

For additional benefit information available to State of Florida employees, visit: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS), unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS.
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VALUES THE SERVICE VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS HAVE GIVEN TO OUR COUNTRY AND SUPPORTS THE HIRING OF RETURNING SERVICE MEMBERS AND MILITARY SPOUSES. If you are a preference-eligible applicant who receives notice of a hiring decision and believe that you were not afforded employment preference in accordance with applicable Florida law and regulation, you may file a written complaint within 60 calendar days from the date you receive the notice, requesting an investigation to the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs, Division of Benefits and Assistance, 9500 Bay Pines Boulevard, Room 214, St. Petersburg, Florida 33708.
THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VALUES AND SUPPORTS EMPLOYMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES. QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. In accordance with Section 110.112, Florida Statutes, and the Florida Department of Transportation's Individuals with Disabilities Affirmative Action Plan, the agency is committed to ensuring affirmative action and equal employment opportunity for qualified individuals with disabilities. Upon request and as appropriate, reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities may be provided. Please contact the Florida Department of Transportation's Human Resources Office at (850) 414-5300 for assistance
Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.
The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.
VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans' Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans' Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.
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