Job Description
Main Activities and Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
- Spend approximately 70% of time in laboratory, following instructions and guidance from senior lab members.
- Demonstrate high competence in working with and communicating effectively with lab personnel and project teams.
- Supervise junior laboratory staff effectively.
- Identify safety hazards and report OH&S incidents promptly.
- Be aware of WSPS approach to risk management, ethics, and safety.
- Adhere to all WSP HSE Lab policies and procedures.
- Perform all sample preparation techniques and advanced laboratory testing (triaxial, DSS, Consolidation, settling column) in accordance with standards and procedures.
- Conduct advanced laboratory testing (cyclic triaxial, bender element, resonant column) following standards and procedures.
- Prepare and review laboratory test certificates accurately.
- Use laboratory test software and record data using both hard-copy templates and digital applications (Excel, Access, Word).
- Contribute to laboratory factual reports and develop laboratory test procedures.
- Understand laboratory test requests and all sample registration protocols.
- Perform equipment checks, maintenance, and calibration.
- Follow best laboratory practices, maintain good housekeeping and tidiness.
- Deliver optimal client outcomes, saving costs and time.
- Apply legislation, standards, guidelines, and project specifications effectively.
- Mentor and coach others, monitor and manage multiple projects of varying complexity.
- Develop and maintain client relationships.
- Apply QA and OH&S systems, including auditing junior staff.
- Build technical capability within the organization through training and mentorship.
- Supervise graduates and manage professionals and senior staff.
- Balance innovation, quality, and technical excellence with delivery timelines and budgets.
- Model company and project vision and principles.
- Maintain professionalism, emotional intelligence, and a professional image.
- Receive and provide constructive feedback.
- Adopt a "Best for Project" approach in daily activities.
- Manage self and others under pressure.
- Align with company and project vision and principles.
- Perform manual handling safely, following procedures; pass medical and background checks.
Qualifications
- Minimum qualification: Advanced Diploma for Laboratory Techniques, with 10+ years relevant experience.
- Completed SANS training.
- Preferably a degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Engineering Geology.
- Ability to work independently and in teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Previous fieldwork experience is a plus.
- Driver’s license (unrestricted, preferably manual transmission).
- Relevant SHEQ training, including First Aid and safety induction.
- Reliable, committed, with high-quality work output.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks.
Additional Information
WSP promotes work-life balance and offers flexible working arrangements such as remote work, part-time options, and flexible hours.
Benefits include competitive pay, medical cover, generous annual leave, and professional subscriptions.
WSP fosters an inclusive culture, encouraging applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
We welcome all qualified candidates, including disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.