Entry Level Lab Technician Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Overview
At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.
Position Overview
The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I will support the planning, coordination, and execution of construction materials testing projects that help deliver safe, sustainable infrastructure solutions. In this entry-level project management role, the CMT Project Manager I will assist with day-to-day project oversight, ensuring work is completed on schedule, within scope, and in compliance with client requirements and industry standards.Working under the guidance of senior project managers and technical staff, the CMT Project Manager I will helpcoordinate field personnel and laboratory testing, communicate with clients and contractors on routine matters, tracks project progress, and supports budget management. This role is ideal for early-career professionals ready to grow from field and lab experience into a client-facing project management role.
Responsibilities

• Support project management activities from proposal through completion, helping to ensure scope, schedule, budget, and quality objectives are met under the guidance of senior staff.
• Assist with developing project estimates, proposals, and scopes of work in collaboration with technical teams and senior project managers.
• Coordinate daily project needs, including scheduling field technicians and support staff to meet project requirements efficiently.
• Maintain clear communication with clients and contractors, responding to routine questions and elevating complex issues to senior PMs as needed.
• Monitor project costs and budgets in coordination with senior staff; assist with tracking revenue and project performance.
• Support technical oversight by reviewing field and lab results for accuracy and ensuring work follows applicable standards (ASTM, ACI, ICC) under senior PM supervision.
• Perform occasional field inspections or testing and assist with special inspections when required.
• Review time sheets and field reports for accuracy and ensure timely submission of basic project documentation.
• Participate in team meetings and training and provide informal mentorship to field technicians when appropriate.
• Promote and follow all company safety protocols and help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements on job sites.
• Assist with identifying additional project opportunities by observing client needs and communicating them to senior PMs.
• Help prepare routine reports and technical documents for internal and external stakeholders with review by senior staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, laboratory, and operations, to support successful project delivery.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience: For non-degreed candidates, 1-3 years of construction materials testing (CMT) and inspection experience is preferred.

Certifications: Certifications in relevant testing or inspection areas (e.g., ACI, ICC, ATTI, Nuclear Safety) preferred, or willingness to obtain.

Technical Knowledge: Basic understanding of construction materials testing standards (ASTM, AASHTO) and the ability to interpret construction plans and technical specifications.

Skills: Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant project management or reporting systems.

Other Requirements: Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record; willingness to travel to job sites and work in diverse environmental conditions as needed.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional Engineer (P.E.)
Travel Requirements
• This position requires moderate travel, approximately up to 40% of the time, in support of business
objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on
project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.
Physical Demands & Work Environment

• This position operates in a hybrid work environment, requiring flexibility to work effectively from both a professional office and work site setting.
• On-Site Office Requirements:
  • Work is performed at a desk for extended periods using a computer, phone, and standard office equipment in a climate-controlled office environment.
  • Regular in-person communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders is required.
  • Physical demands may include sitting for long durations, occasional standing, walking, bending, and lifting of materials up to 15 pounds.
• Field Environment:
  • Work at outdoor sites including wetlands, forests, grasslands, construction zones, and undeveloped land.
  • Travel on foot across uneven, rugged, or obstructed terrain, sometimes in areas inaccessible by vehicle.
  • Exposure to varying weather conditions including heat, cold, humidity, rain, or sun.
  • Possible presence of insects, animals, or natural and man-made hazards in field environments.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift and carry between 35-75 lbs. of equipment or samples over distances up to 75 feet.
  • Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate lab and field equipment for extended periods.
  • Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, kneel, climb, and balance as needed during both lab and fieldwork.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats in varied environments, often while wearing PPE.
  • Ability to use sensory capabilities to see (including close and distant vision, color perception, depth perception, and focus) and smell for observation and safety purposes

EEO Statement
UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here