Manager, Construction Materials Testing

Position Overview: The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Manager is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing procurement, contract administration, and quality management processes for CMT services across Harris County infrastructure projects. This role ensures that all CMT work complies with project specifications, ASTM, AASHTO, TxDOT, ISO standards, and Harris County requirements. The CMT Manager provides technical expertise, leadership, and staff training, facilitates procurement and contract amendments, and safeguards County resources through rigorous auditing, negotiation, and quality assurance practices.

Job Duties: Procurement & Contract Management

• Develops, plans, and manages procurement processes for CMT professional services contracts.
• Assigns projects to direct reports and provides guidance on CMT cost estimates.
• Reviews construction documents, specifications, bid tabulations, and independent cost estimates to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Identifies procurement inefficiencies and implements improvements in coordination with Executive Leadership.
• Manages all contract amendments, including auditing requests for additional funding, validating project scope, and negotiating with firms.
• Prepares and submits the Commissioner's Court agenda documentation, including supporting backup, cost estimates, and negotiation authorizations.

Project Oversight & Critical Path Management

• Attends handover, preconstruction, and biweekly project meetings to establish critical paths and mitigate delays.
• Identifies inconsistencies in advertising documents, specifications, and bid tabs; coordinates with design staff to issue amendments.
• Reviews laboratory reports and field data to validate the accuracy of results; investigates discrepancies and determines corrective action.
• Meets with firms to address inconsistencies in testing, invoicing, and billing practices, ensuring County funds are appropriately utilized.
• Audits invoicing, accounts payable, and project funding to verify the legitimacy of charges and determine the necessity of amendments.

Quality Management & Training

• Establishes and maintains a comprehensive CMT Quality Management System (QMS), including record retention, documentation standards, and naming conventions.
• Uses mathematical and engineering expertise to validate laboratory and field-testing results.
• Provides technical training and guidance to Construction Management and Inspection staff on Harris County Standard Specifications, construction practices, and proper interpretation of specifications.
• Prepares training documentation, guides, and reference materials to ensure a clear understanding and consistent application of specifications.

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensures testing complies with project specifications and governing standards (ASTM, AASHTO, TxDOT, ISO 9001/17025).
• Reviews and approves field and laboratory reports prepared by technicians.
• Prepares and maintains reports on all County projects, including accounts payable, encumbered funds, and MWDBE/HUB utilization.
• Monitors MWDBE/HUB participation and ensures County goals (minimum 30%) are achieved in CMT firm selections.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email [email protected]

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate. Education:

• A bachelor's in civil or construction engineering

Experience:

• 7 – 10 years of materials testing and supervisory experience

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Strong leadership, organization, and communication skills.
• Strong foundation in design and construction of vertical and horizontal public infrastructure.
• Proficiency in reviewing and applying standard specifications (AASHTO, ASTM, TxDOT).
• Extensive knowledge of geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, and field inspection practices.
• Experience with construction cost estimating, bid tabulations, and contract procurement.
• Skilled in auditing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, and resolving discrepancies.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, laboratory reports, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, and report preparation.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills with the ability to engage stakeholders, firms, and executive leadership.
• Proficiency in algebraic equations and data analysis for validating field/lab results.

Licensure:

• Valid Texas Driver's License upon hire, and a good driving record

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations Requirement: In accordance with Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) Policy, this position is subject to emergency response and deployment protocols. The employee may be designated as supporting a Mission Essential Function (MEF) and must:• Participate in the classification process of departmental staff based on MEF responsibilities. Be available for temporary deployment to an alternative work location, role, or telework assignment during emergency events.

• Confirm work assignments with their supervisor prior to reporting to any worksite during such events.
• Remain flexible in assuming alternative duties as directed to support County operations continuity.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications. Education: Experience:

• Prior experience managing public infrastructure projects at the county or municipal level.
• Experience working with MWDBE/HUB utilization and reporting requirements.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs): Licensure:

• Professional Engineer (PE)
• ACI + TxDOT certifications

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work: Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week. Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload. Salary: Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods. Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure: Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event). This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting up to 25 lbs., as well as frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs. The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. FEATURED BENEFITS:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

• Wellness.

• Professional development opportunity.

• Flexible spending account.

• 457 deferred compensation plans.

• Retirement pension (TCDRS).

• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

• Disability and life insurance.

• Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.