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

We carry out materials testing both inside and outside the Laboratory in order to deliver the requirements of the service. Testing is carried out using a range of specialist equipment and tools following published standards and in house methods.

As a technician you will undertake a wide variety of laboratory and site testing, meaning that days are often varied, work is both pre planned and reactive with the need to respond quickly to a priority requirement.

You will:

• Learn various test methods under the instruction of Senior staff and demonstrate competence via a process of internal auditing

• Carry out laboratory testing involving sample receipt, preparation, testing and data processing on a range of materials; soils, aggregates, bituminous materials and concrete
• Carry out field testing on natural ground, and man made highways construction materials which may involve sampling materials from stockpiles or operating trailer mounted coring rigs

A video walkthrough of the lab and some operations (filmed during Covid restrictions) can be seen at https://youtu.be/VAxwGQOjHW4

Should you have any queries about the role, or would like an informal discussion prior to applying, please contact Mark Chapman (Testing Manager) on 01785 276562 or by email – mark.chapman@staffordshire.gov.uk

While a working knowledge or experience in the testing of soils/construction materials or site investigations/insitu testing of soils and other materials is beneficial, we look primarily for the following;

• Demonstrable ability to work within a team to meet changing workload requirements, and the ability to work well on your own
• Willingness to learn new things, and undertake training and assessment
• Time management
• Happy to work both inside and outdoors; this may be on construction sites, on the highways, or undeveloped land
• Diligent and a high standard of attention to detail; the results determined from laboratory testing have major real world implications
• Practical ability and problem solving skills
• ICT skills competent with software packages such as Microsoft Office.

We are no ordinary county council:

Our Values:

The core of who we are as an organisation. Just like we all have personal values that shape our thoughts and behaviour, organisational values drive how we think and act collectively.

Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy:

We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. This feeling of belonging means we are all connected to what we do and take pride in the difference we make every day for Staffordshire people. We are ambitious and our sights are set firmly on a better future.

We look forward and race ahead - that goes for your career too. 

Our benefits:

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work-life balance. 

In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to a range of benefits.

Our recruitment process:

As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all background and communities

As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Silver Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers - we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.