Laboratory Technician Level 2

The post holder will be a committed member of a small laboratory team working to the rigorous standards laid down by EN ISO/IEC 17025 which are regularly reassessed for compliance.
1. Contribute to the management of the Laboratory including organisation of staff resources and testing equipment to give maximum service efficiency to Clients.
2. Assist site supervisory staff concerning testing of materials and workmanship in contract works, other County Council Departments and outside Clients requiring the service of the Laboratory.
3. Comply with EN ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation standards in accordance with procedures laid down in the Laboratory Control Manual.
4. With minimum supervision carry out and supervise technical work in the laboratory and on site in connection with:

• Sample materials on site (e.g. concrete, bituminous material, aggregates) and carry out basic testing on site


• Assist, under supervision, in testing materials in the laboratory, with geotechnical and other site work


• Log and prepare samples for testing and carry out basic laboratory tests


• Carry out basic maintenance of equipment and apparatus and administrative procedures in the laboratory


• Assess results and discuss applications


• Present clear and concise reports of findings and recommendations


• Mentor junior staff in all aspects of laboratory work


• Calibrate testing equipment


5. Understand and apply all rules governing the EN ISO/IEC 17025 system of work.
6. Comply with procedures and safe systems of working for health and safety, legislation including CDM2007 regulations.
7. Prepare material testing results.
8. Provide health and safety support to the Laboratory Manager and senior staff.
9. Actively adopt effective and constructive relationships with colleagues and external contacts, in order to promote effective partnership arrangements, for the delivery of high quality services.
10. Have an awareness of the County Council and laboratory financial systems to enable costing, tendering for work and the negotiating of fees to be carried out with the support of senior staff.
Other duties appropriate to the nature, level and grade of the post.


• HNC or equivalent.


• Have a knowledge of the properties and usage of construction materials to provide advice to and enable effective working within Highways.


• Extensive knowledge of testing procedures, sampling and production of reports, using computers and the Microsoft Office software suite.


• Extensive knowledge of relevant British and EN Standards.


• Experience of laboratory and site testing procedures, particularly with respect to highway and structural projects.


• Knowledge & experience of complying with relevant British & EN Standards.


• Experience in an EN ISO/IEC 17025 accredited Laboratory


• Skilled in the set-up and calibration of a range of scientific technical apparatus.


• Working knowledge of the organisation of the County Council.


• A knowledge of the technical, professional, legal and commercial issues.


• A knowledge of construction and commercial practices in the private sector.


• Ability to mentor staff to undertake a range of material testing, inspection duties, including identification of material properties and appropriateness for use in construction.
  
  Northumberland is world-renowned as a visitor destination and an ideal location to strike a perfect work/life balance. There is no better way of enjoying the picturesque scenery and stunning coastline than on an everyday basis!

Northumberland County Council's (NCC) vision is To make Northumberland a county which you regard as a great place to live, in which you can access the activities you enjoy, whilst having the opportunity to learn and thrive.
For further information about working for NCC, please visit our website here.
Why choose us?
We have some outstanding benefits to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)


• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme


• Flexi scheme (if applicable) - up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part-time employees)


• Local government discount schemes available to all employees with offers at local businesses along with various national brands


• Commitment to work/life balance offering flexibility through various schemes including job sharing, flexible working, term-time only, and compressed hours


• A range of salary sacrifice schemes are available


• Staff networks - run by staff, for staff, providing opportunities for peer networking, mutual support, staff development e.g. Apprenticeship, Armed Forces, ASD, Enable (disability), LGBT+, Menopause, Mental Wellbeing, Racial Equality