Technician in Civil Engineering

Technical Services at the University of Derby underpins the key activities of teaching, research, knowledge transfer and innovation. As an applied University we value the importance of practical work and experimental learning. Our highly skilled Technicians from across all areas of the organisation play a vital part in delivering the very best student experience, developing research activity and contributing to innovation. Central to the success of our Technical Service is collaboration, teamwork and knowledge sharing.

Technical colleagues within the College of Science and Engineering support a wide range of specialist resources and activities. Working independently and in collaboration with academics, our technicians play an important role in advancing the work in many of our academic disciplines. We support specialist areas such as laboratories, workshops and controlled environments. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIOT) and the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA).

As a signatory of the national Technician Commitment programme, the University has pledged to support the visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability of Technical colleagues.

Many of our highly skilled technical staff members hold PhDs and Degrees in disciplines associated with the specialisms they deliver. An increasing number of our technicians have been recognised for their contribution to teaching and student support as Fellows and Associate Fellows of Advance HE. A number also hold professional accreditation status through organisations such as the Science Council, which establishes knowledge, understanding and competence.

As Technician in Civil Engineering, you will contribute to laboratory and field-based learning across core civil engineering disciplines, including surveying, structural engineering, geotechnics, and fluid mechanics. Responsibilities will include maintenance, demonstrating technical procedures, preparing equipment and experimental setups, and supporting the delivery of practical classes and fieldwork.

An important core aspect of the role will involve the support of surveying activities and field trips. This will include the operation, maintenance, and demonstration of surveying technologies. The post holder will also support the processing, management, and presentation of survey data, producing outputs aligned with current industry standards.

A Full UK Driving Licence (manual) is essential for this role as you will be required to drive the University of Derby vehicles and hired vehicles (up to 3.5 tonne) to transport equipment between sites. Please note that we are unable to offer adapted vehicles. There is a requirement to load and unload equipment, typically with a maximum weight up to 50kg, with shared lifting processes.

You will hold qualification(s) equivalent to a degree in Civil Engineering, Surveying, or a related discipline, or possess comparable knowledge and transferable skills gained through relevant professional experience.

The ideal candidate will have technical experience supporting civil engineering activities, preferably gained within an industrial, construction, research, or educational environment. You will have experience in the operation, maintenance and safe use of a range of civil engineering equipment and technical resources used in laboratory, fieldwork and practical teaching environments. This may include surveying equipment, testing apparatus, monitoring equipment, and associated software or data collection systems.

You will be confident in preparing equipment and facilities for practical activities, assisting with field and laboratory exercises, and supporting students and staff in the effective use of specialist resources. Experience of fault finding, routine maintenance, and ensuring equipment remains fit for purpose would be advantageous.

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home of STEM: the skills that are essential to the UK's Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too. The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, data science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and psychology - we are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

The School of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Derby is a dynamic and future-focused academic community that blends technical excellence with creative innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, architecture, construction, and design, preparing students to tackle global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment. The School is home to research-active academics with backgrounds in engineering, architecture, interior design, and construction. Our staff bring real-world experience and academic rigour to the classroom, supporting students in developing both creative portfolios and technical competencies.

The discipline area is located in the University's STEM annex in Markeaton Street, where staff offices and lab facilities are co-located. Key investments in the last few years include dedicated intelligent instrumentation and smart sensor technologies, robotics, renewable energy, power engineering and advanced materials and manufacturing. The discipline area is actively engaged in knowledge exchange projects and has an active applied research agenda.