Laboratory Supervisor

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd; Gold Coast City; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd on the Gold Coast is seeking an experienced Laboratory Supervisor to take day-to-day ownership of the on-site laboratory. You will lead and mentor the team, ensure accurate testing of soils, rocks, aggregates and concrete to Australian Standards, and coordinate workflows with engineers and senior staff.

You will manage testing turnaround times, maintain safety and lab standards, and support earthworks supervision.

Qualifications

• Valid Australian driver’s licence.
• Strong understanding of Australian Standards for soil, rock, aggregate and concrete testing, NATA and ISO/IEC 17025.
• Experience in Level 1 earthworks supervision and Level 2 earthworks testing.
• Experience supervising a soils laboratory team and managing turnaround times.
• Current QLD radiation safety licence (use) for nuclear density gauges, or willingness to obtain one.
• White Card (Construction Induction Safety certificate).
• Strong communication skills and a problem‑solving mindset.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong record‑keeping.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Perform soil, rock, aggregate and concrete testing following Australian Standards.
• Conduct hands-on laboratory and field testing, data analysis and reporting.
• Manage day-to-day operations, workflow and turnaround times of the laboratory on site.
• Lead and supervise laboratory technicians in testing procedures, measurements and calculations.
• Support Level 1 earthworks supervision (AS3798) and Level 2 earthworks testing.
• Collaborate with branch engineers and senior technical staff to deliver high-quality results.
• Ensure safe work practices and maintain a clean, efficient lab environment.

Skills

Driver's licence

Australian Standards knowledge

Earthworks supervision

Soils laboratory supervision

Radiation safety licence (QLD)

White Card

Communication skills

Problem-solving mindset

Attention to detail

Independent and collaborative work

Job description

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd is an employee-owned and Australian industry-leading geotechnical, environmental and groundwater consultancy employing over 600 people throughout 19 offices, with 14 NATA-accredited laboratories across Australia.

Our core values—People, Integrity, Improvement, Excellence—guide everything we do. We prioritise safety, foster an inclusive culture, act with integrity, continuously strive for improvement and are committed to sustainability and excellence in all our work.

To learn more about our company values, visit www.douglaspartners.com.au

About the Company

Douglas Partners Pty Ltd is an employee-owned and Australian industry-leading geotechnical, environmental and groundwater consultancy employing over 600 people throughout 19 offices, with 14 NATA-accredited laboratories across Australia.

Our core values—People, Integrity, Improvement, Excellence—guide everything we do. We prioritise safety, foster an inclusive culture, act with integrity, continuously strive for improvement and are committed to sustainability and excellence in all our work.

To learn more about our company values, visit www.douglaspartners.com.au

What the role is

Take the next step in your career and join our Gold Coast team. This is a hands‑on management role with genuine day‑to‑day ownership of the lab, supported by our Branch Manager on site and our Regional and National Laboratory Management teams.

We're looking for an experienced Laboratory Supervisor who can manage the lab and lead and mentor the team in a dynamic lab environment.

The role will involve:

• Perform soil, rock, aggregate and concrete testing following Australian Standards;

• Conduct hands‑on laboratory and field testing, data analysis and reporting;

• Manage the day‑to‑day operations, workflow and turnaround times of the laboratory on site;

• Lead and supervise laboratory technicians in testing procedures, measurements and calculations;

• Support Level 1 earthworks supervision (AS3798) and Level 2 earthworks testing;

• Collaborate with branch engineers and senior technical staff to deliver high‑quality results;

• Ensure safe work practices and maintain a clean, efficient lab environment.

About you

You will be an experienced laboratory supervisor who enjoys leading and developing others and will be comfortable prioritising competing work and making sound technical calls.

To be considered for this opportunity, you will possess:

Must-haves:

• Valid Australian driver’s licence;

• Strong understanding of Australian Standards for soil, rock, aggregate and concrete testing, NATA requirements and ISO/IEC 17025;

• Experience in Level 1 earthworks supervision and Level 2 earthworks testing;

• Demonstrated experience supervising a soils laboratory team, including allocating work and managing turnaround times;

• Current QLD radiation safety licence (use) for nuclear density gauges, or willingness to obtain one with our support;

• White Card (Construction Induction Safety certificate);

• Strong communication skills and a problem‑solving mindset;

• Excellent attention to detail and strong record‑keeping skills;

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Nice-to-haves:

• NATA signatory status or experience;

• Relevant industry training, tickets or certificates;

• Experience overseeing laboratory equipment calibration and maintenance.

Why Join Us?

We invest in our people’s growth. You’ll benefit from:

• Employee Assistance Program for Health & Wellbeing;

• Discount offers on your shopping through our Douglas Good Deals;

• Company-funded external certificates courses, licences and training;

• Coaching and mentoring from some of the industry’s top leaders;

• A work culture that is empowering, fun and inclusive, where people matter!

To be considered for this position, you must be eligible to work in Australia with no restrictions.

Note, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.