Laboratory Technician

Staffordshire County Council; Stafford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffordshire County Council seeks a laboratory technician to handle varied laboratory and site testing on construction materials. This role requires practical problem-solving skills, teamwork, and attention to detail. The successful candidate will learn test methods under experienced staff supervision and manage both planned and reactive workloads.

Benefits

Access to various rewards and benefits

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn new skills through training and assessments.
• Experience or knowledge in testing soils and construction materials beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Undertake various laboratory and site testing.
• Perform laboratory testing on materials like soils, aggregates, and concrete.
• Conduct field testing on natural ground and highway construction materials.

Skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Time management

ICT proficiency

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our Highway Laboratory provides specialist testing and advice on the suitability and use of construction materials, as well as approval testing on new constructions and investigations of older roads to inform the best remedial options.

We conduct materials testing both inside and outside the laboratory to meet service requirements. Testing is performed using a range of specialist equipment and tools, following published standards and in-house methods.

Main Responsibilities

In this role, you will undertake a variety of laboratory and site testing. Days are often varied, with work being both pre-planned and reactive, requiring quick responses to priority needs.

You will:

• Learn various test methods under the supervision of senior staff and demonstrate competence through internal audits.
• Perform laboratory testing involving sample receipt, preparation, testing, and data processing on materials such as soils, aggregates, bituminous materials, and concrete.
• Conduct field testing on natural ground and highway construction materials, which may include sampling from stockpiles or operating trailer-mounted coring rigs.

The Ideal Candidate

While experience or knowledge in testing soils and construction materials, site investigations, and in-situ testing is beneficial, you will also need to:

• Work effectively within a team to meet changing workload requirements and independently when necessary.
• Be willing to learn new skills through training and assessments.
• Manage your time effectively.
• Be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors, including on construction sites, highways, or undeveloped land.
• Pay close attention to detail, as laboratory results have significant real-world implications.
• Possess practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Be proficient with ICT and software such as Microsoft Office.

If you have questions about the role or wish to discuss informally before applying, please contact Ian Freestone (Testing Manager) at 07970 768717 or via email at [e-mail], or Gillian Starling (Testing Manager) at 07843 496013 or [e-mail].

Interviews are scheduled to take place during the week commencing 23 June 2025.

Our Recruitment Process: We anonymize applications during shortlisting to focus on relevant information. Please ensure your application is complete, especially your supporting statement, to highlight your suitability for the role.

About Staffordshire County Council

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

Our values are at the core of our identity, shaped by staff feedback and best practices. They foster a sense of community and pride in the positive impact we make for Staffordshire residents. We are ambitious and forward-looking, committed to a better future and your career development.

Our Benefits:

We value our employees and strive to provide a supportive environment where they can reach their full potential and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Alongside your salary, you will have access to various rewards and benefits through Careers at Staffordshire.

Our Recruitment Commitment:

As an organization committed to safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults, we expect all staff and volunteers to share this responsibility. Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities and Disability Confident employer, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds and communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for applicants meeting the minimum criteria, supporting our commitments to equal opportunity, armed forces personnel, and care leavers.