Assistant Laboratory Manager / Senior Laboratory Technician

Soil Surveys Engineering; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Soil Surveys Engineering on the Gold Coast is seeking an experienced Assistant Laboratory Manager / Senior Laboratory Technician to lead the day-to-day operations of our NATA-accredited laboratory at Helensvale.

You will supervise technicians, coordinate testing schedules and ensure testing is performed to Australian Standards with accurate reporting while remaining hands-on in geotechnical materials testing.

Qualifications

• Minimum Certificate III or Certificate IV in Laboratory Skills or a relevant equivalent qualification.
• Significant experience in a geotechnical or construction materials testing laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of relevant Australian Standards, particularly AS 1289.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake and oversee laboratory testing independently.
• Experience supervising, training or coordinating laboratory technicians.
• Good understanding of NATA accreditation requirements and laboratory quality assurance.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet testing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily laboratory operations, testing schedules, workloads and priorities.
• Undertake and oversee geotechnical and construction materials testing, primarily soils and aggregates.
• Supervise, train and provide technical guidance to laboratory technicians.
• Review testing records, calculations and results for accuracy and compliance.
• Review and authorise laboratory test reports where appropriately approved.
• Maintain compliance with relevant Australian Standards, NATA requirements and ISO/IEC 17025.
• Coordinate laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration and quality assurance activities.
• Monitor laboratory productivity, turnaround times and testing quality.
• Support staff competency assessments, training and development.
• Identify and manage non-conformances, technical issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain a safe, organised and productive laboratory environment.

Skills

Lab leadership

Geotechnical testing

Test reporting

ISO 17025

NATA knowledge

Safety awareness

Education

Certificate III/IV in Laboratory Skills or equivalent

Geotechnical lab experience (preferred)

Tools

Geotechnical testing equipment

Laboratory calibration tools

Job description

Assistant Laboratory Manager / Senior Laboratory Technician

Soil Surveys Engineering is an established geotechnical engineering consultancy providing geotechnical investigations, drilling and construction materials testing services throughout South East Queensland.

We operate a NATA-accredited Geotechnical testing laboratory and are seeking an experienced laboratory professional to take a leading role in our Gold Coast laboratory.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Assistant Laboratory Manager / Senior Laboratory Technician to oversee the day-to-day operations of our laboratory.

This is a hands-on position combining technical testing, laboratory coordination, staff supervision and quality assurance responsibilities, offering variety and the opportunity to contribute to the ongoing performance and development of the laboratory.

Reporting to the Laboratory Operations Manager, you will be responsible for coordinating testing activities, supporting laboratory technicians and ensuring work is completed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with relevant Australian Standards and NATA requirements.

The position would suit an experienced Senior Laboratory Technician ready to take the next step into laboratory management, or an existing laboratory supervisor looking for a new opportunity to build on their experience.

For someone looking to progress their career while remaining hands-on in their technical field, this is an opportunity to take on greater responsibility within an established consultancy, with work primarily based at our Helensvale laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily laboratory operations, testing schedules, workloads and priorities.
• Undertake and oversee geotechnical and construction materials testing, primarily soils and aggregates.
• Supervise, train and provide technical guidance to laboratory technicians.
• Review testing records, calculations and results for accuracy and compliance.
• Review and authorise laboratory test reports where appropriately approved.
• Maintain compliance with relevant Australian Standards, NATA requirements and ISO/IEC 17025.
• Coordinate laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration and quality assurance activities.
• Monitor laboratory productivity, turnaround times and testing quality.
• Support staff competency assessments, training and development.
• Identify and manage non-conformances, technical issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintain a safe, organised and productive laboratory environment.

About You

• We are looking for someone with strong practical laboratory experience, sound technical knowledge and the ability to lead and support a small team.
• Minimum Certificate III or Certificate IV in Laboratory Skills, Laboratory Techniques or a relevant equivalent qualification.
• Significant experience in a geotechnical or construction materials testing laboratory.
• Sound knowledge of relevant Australian Standards, particularly AS 1289.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake and oversee laboratory testing independently.
• Experience supervising, training or coordinating laboratory technicians.
• Good understanding of NATA accreditation requirements and laboratory quality assurance.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet testing deadlines.

Highly Desirable

• Current or previous NATA-approved signatory status in construction materials testing.
• Experience supervising or managing a NATA-accredited laboratory.
• Certificate IV, Diploma or higher qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025 quality management systems, internal audits and corrective actions.
• Experience managing laboratory equipment calibration, quality assurance activities and staff competency assessments.

What We Offer

• Local work: A Gold Coast-based role, primarily at our Helensvale laboratory, without the demands of regularly travelling between regional sites.
• Career progression: An opportunity for an experienced Senior Laboratory Technician to take the next step into laboratory leadership.
• A key role in the day-to-day operation of an established NATA-accredited laboratory
• Variety: A combination of hands-on technical testing, team leadership, quality assurance and operational coordination.
• Stability: Permanent, full-time employment with an established geotechnical consultancy.
• Work-life balance: A locally based position that allows you to build your career while maintaining a life outside work.
• Support from experienced laboratory and engineering management.
• Competitive remuneration based on experience, qualifications and technical competency.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programe for you and your immediate family.