Laboratory Technician - Co-op

Job Description

Description

SME's summer Co-op assignment begins in mid-May and requires a commitment to work full-time though early-December 2025.  There is no minimum number of years of college education to apply for our Co-op program, but our Summer Internships are only available to those who have previously completed a Co-op with SME.Your Co-op experience begins with an orientation/training period lasting several weeks followed by on-the-job training with full-time SME Team Members. You will be exposed to a wide variety of construction techniques and project types, helping you explore a variety of future specializations. You will also have the opportunity to work and interact directly with construction managers, contractors, and design professionals. As a Co-op your responsibilities are real and you are an important part of the SME Team.We are hiring Co-ops in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.Technical Skills Required:

• Basic Computer Literacy: Our Co-ops must be comfortable using computers and software that is essential for in-field work, company communications, and report generation.
• To be considered, you must have a good driving record and must be able to comfortably lift and carry equipment and samples weighing up to approximately 50 - 60 pounds.
• Ability to work outside, at construction project sites, in various weather conditions.
• Must be able to sit, stand, stoop and/or kneel for long periods of time.
• Must be able to walk and work on uneven ground/terrain.
• A valid driver's license, experience driving in the U.S. and a good driving record.

Preferred Behavioral Traits:

• Attention to detail: A keen eye for detail is important when reviewing construction plans or other project documents. Ability to pay attention to the accuracy of details in reporting is a requirement.
• While specific in-field experience may not be required, we are looking for good problem-solvers. Showcasing your ability to think critically and approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset is valuable.
• Time management: You must be able to showcase your ability to manage your time well and meet deadlines. We are looking for motivated self-starters, and punctual hard workers.
• Communication Skills: Co-ops are expected to have good written, organizational, and oral communication skills. Co-ops should demonstrate good interpersonal and customer service skills and the ability to work well in a team environment.
• Learning Attitude: Successful Co-ops demonstrate an enthusiasm to learn and adapt.
• Safety Minded: All SME Team Members demonstrate a focus on safety in the work we do. Our Co-ops are expected to adhere to industry and SME safety standards and encourage safe work behaviors while on the job.

Responsibilities:

• Your primary duties will include but not limited to:
• Performing routine soil classification tests on samples obtained from our geotechnical and pavement site investigations, including but not limited to: moisture content, hand penetrometer, Atterberg limits, and hydrometer analysis testing; Occasionally assisting with Proctor sample testing and preparations;
• Assisting with logging, stripping and testing of concrete cylinders in the concrete lab;
• Assisting with maintaining orderly and clean lab areas, and running errands;
• Occasionally assisting with sieve analysis testing; and
• Other related duties as assigned

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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