Laboratory Technician jobs in Wortley

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Senior Geotechnical Laboratory Technician to join our team and play a key role in the day-to-day operation of our geotechnical laboratory.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with solid practical laboratory experience who is ready to take on greater responsibility, support and mentor junior technicians, and develop towards a future Laboratory Supervisor position.

THE ROLE

You will be responsible for carrying out and overseeing a range of geotechnical laboratory tests on soil and rock samples, ensuring accurate, reliable and traceable results in accordance with relevant British Standards and UKAS requirements.

Working closely with our Director of Laboratory and Quality, Quality and Compliance Manager, and Technical Specialists, you will help coordinate laboratory activities, maintain technical standards and ensure testing is carried out in accordance with our Quality Management System.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carry out geotechnical laboratory testing in accordance with BS 1377 and BS EN 13286, particularly soil stabilisation testing.
• Prepare, identify, handle and process soil and rock samples, maintaining full sample traceability.
• Coordinate day-to-day laboratory activities and help manage testing workloads and priorities.
• Supervise, train and mentor junior laboratory technicians, promoting good laboratory practices and technical consistency.
• Ensure equipment calibration, daily checks and quality control procedures are maintained.
• Identify testing deviations, inconsistencies and potential non-conformities, supporting investigations where required.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and ensure compliance with UKAS accreditation and BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
• Support the Director of Laboratory and Quality and Quality and Compliance Manager with the effective running of the laboratory.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety, housekeeping and laboratory organisation.
• Assist with the development and implementation of new testing techniques and procedures where required.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Essential requirements:

• Previous experience working in a UKAS-accredited geotechnical laboratory is essential.
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant laboratory testing experience.
• Strong practical knowledge of BS 1377 and BS EN 13286 testing methods.
• Experience in soil and/or rock testing, ideally with a background in soil stabilisation.
• Good understanding of UKAS requirements and BS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017.
• Experience identifying testing deviations, non-conformities and quality issues.
• Ability to organise laboratory workloads and support the development of junior team members.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and a methodical approach to laboratory testing.
• A full, clean UK driving licence is essential.
• A valid forklift truck operating licence and previous experience operating a forklift would be desirable.

A relevant higher-level qualification in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Materials or a related scientific discipline would be advantageous.

Education requirements:

· Minimum grade C GCSE in Maths, English and science subject, a higher-level qualification

· Minimum 3 years’ experience working in laboratory with good knowledge of geotechnical laboratory test procedures.

WHY JOIN US?

This is more than just a laboratory testing position. It is an opportunity to take on a senior technical role, influence laboratory operations and develop your leadership capabilities.

For the right candidate, there is a genuine opportunity to progress into a Laboratory Supervisor role, taking on increased technical and management responsibilities.

Benefits include:

• Company pension.
• On-site parking.
• Career progression opportunities.
• Opportunity to develop technical and supervisory skills.

INTERESTED?

If you have the technical experience, practical knowledge and ambition to take the next step in your career, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch to find out more about this opportunity.

Pay: £25,420.00-£41,720.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Ashover S45 0DX: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)

Work Location: In person