Soil Testing Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

This traveling construction materials technician role focuses on performing field testing and observations on large commercial and industrial construction projects across multiple regions. You will support major data center and other large-scale developments by ensuring construction materials meet project specifications and industry standards. The position offers extensive field exposure, overtime opportunities, per diem while traveling, and long-term project stability with the chance to work on multiple phases of large projects.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction materials testing and inspection on large commercial and industrial construction sites, with a focus on concrete, soils, and related materials.
• Conduct field observations of construction activities to verify compliance with project specifications, codes, and standards.
• Perform concrete inspection and testing, including field sampling and testing in accordance with ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician I standards.
• Conduct materials testing activities such as soil testing and use of nuclear gauge equipment to evaluate compaction and other soil properties.
• Prepare clear, accurate daily reports documenting field observations, test results, and any nonconforming conditions observed on the job site.
• Review collected data and testing results to identify trends, issues, or deviations from project requirements.
• Communicate findings, test results, and observations effectively with project managers on site and within the project team.
• Collaborate and coordinate with engineers, project managers, and field personnel from ownership teams, general contractors, and subcontractors.
• Follow all safety procedures and best practices while working on active construction sites and using testing equipment, including nuclear gauges.
• Travel to and work on construction projects across different regions for extended periods, adapting to new sites, teams, and project requirements.
• Participate in training on existing data center projects and apply that training when transitioning to new project assignments.
• Support large data center projects by contributing to quality control and quality assurance efforts throughout the construction lifecycle.

• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician I certification.
• ACI certifications (beyond Field Testing Technician I are considered a bonus).
• At least 2 years of construction inspection experience.
• At least 2 years of materials testing experience.
• Hands-on experience with concrete inspection and testing.
• Experience with soil testing procedures and methods.
• Experience operating a nuclear gauge for materials or soil testing.
• Ability to prepare clear, detailed daily field reports and documentation.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with project managers, engineers, and field personnel.
• Comfort working full-time in the field on active construction sites.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively and remain out of town for extended periods.
• Ability to work overtime as project demands require.
• Comfort working outdoors in a wide range of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and sun.

• ACI Concrete Strength I certification (preferred but not required).
• ICC Pre-Stressed Concrete Special Inspector certification (preferred but not required).
• Nuclear gauge and radiation safety training or certification (preferred but not required).
• Experience working on large commercial or industrial projects, especially data centers.
• Ability to build strong working relationships with owners, general contractors, and subcontractors.
• Adaptability to different project locations, teams, and phases over the life of long-term projects.

This role is entirely field-based and involves working full time on large construction sites across the country, including major data center projects. You will regularly interact with engineers, project managers, owners’ representatives, general contractors, and subcontractors, so clear and professional communication is essential. Travel is project-based and often long term; you will typically remain on site for the duration of a project, with efforts made to coordinate trips home over long weekends when possible. The position includes significant travel, overtime opportunities, and per diem while working away from home. You will work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and direct sun, and must be comfortable navigating active construction environments with heavy equipment, materials, and ongoing site activities. The work offers long-term stability, with at least a year of project work anticipated and potential continuation into subsequent project phases, as well as structured training on existing data center projects in locations such as North Dakota and Texas before transitioning to new assignments.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.