Lead Laboratory Technician (Heavy Civil Construction Project)

Protecnium is an international firm specializing in engineering and technical services

(www.protecnium.com/en). We are currently looking for a Lead Laboratory Technician to join our team for a Heavy Civil Construction Project in Cooma, NSW.

• Location: Cooma, NSW (100% On-site).
• Estimated Duration: 6 months- In general, when the project ends, we try to relocate the employee to other projects to ensure continuity.
• Summary: The Lead Laboratory Technician oversees the laboratory team and ensures high‑quality testing, inspection, and quality control of construction materials across the project. The role ensures full compliance with project specifications, Australian Standards, and all quality requirements. The technician supervises concrete and shotcrete mix testing, manages material testing programs, assesses environmental conditions affecting construction activities, and provides technical guidance to technicians across multiple sites. This position requires strong technical expertise, leadership, and the ability to coordinate laboratory operations supporting large underground and civil works.
• Lead, supervise and mentor a team of laboratory technicians operating across multiple project locations.
• Plan, coordinate and monitor daily laboratory and field testing activities.
• Ensure compliance with project specifications, Australian Standards (AS), and relevant testing procedures.
• Develop, review and optimise concrete and shotcrete mix designs to meet performance and durability requirements.
• Review and validate laboratory test results, ensuring accuracy, traceability and timely reporting.
• Monitor material quality throughout production and placement activities.
• Assess environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, weather exposure and other relevant factors) that may influence concrete and shotcrete performance at different construction sites.
• Provide technical recommendations regarding material selection, mix adjustments and construction methodologies based on environmental and operational conditions.
• Coordinate quality control activities between the laboratory, construction teams and subcontractors.
• Investigate non-conformities, analyse test failures and recommend corrective actions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring calibration, maintenance and compliance with applicable standards.
• Prepare technical reports, quality documentation and laboratory records.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory processes and quality management.
• Promote and maintain a strong Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) culture within the laboratory and field testing teams.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience as a Laboratory Technician Lead in tunnel, mining, dams/ hydroelectric projects or similar.
• Degree or Diploma in Civil Engineering, Materials Engineering, Construction Materials Technology, or similar.
• Experience in construction materials testing, including major infrastructure or tunnelling projects.
• Proven experience leading laboratory or quality‑control teams.
• Strong knowledge of concrete technology, shotcrete applications, and mix‑design development.
• Hands‑on experience testing aggregates, cementitious materials, concrete, and shotcrete.
• Solid understanding of quality‑management systems and laboratory best practices.
• Familiarity with Australian Standards (AS) and relevant testing methods (highly desirable).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Ability to work across multiple construction sites in a dynamic project environment.
• Concrete and shotcrete mix design.
• Fresh and hardened concrete testing.
• Shotcrete performance evaluation.
• Aggregate testing and characterisation.
• Material quality control and assurance.
• Environmental impact assessment on construction materials.
• Laboratory management and supervision.
• Calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Technical reporting and data analysis.
• Interpretation of laboratory and field test results.
• Competitive salary + 12% superannuation.
• Private health insurance is provided.
• 20 days paid annual leave + 10 sick days.
• Laptop and phone are provided.

The description and conditions indicated here are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by employees but do not constitute a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and general competencies required by the staff. Additionally, they do not establish an employment contract and are subject to modifications as required by the employer.

At Protecnium, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of equality, diversity, and inclusion throughout our recruitment processes. We welcome applications from talented professionals of all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

To ensure fairness and accessibility, we also provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process. Candidates requiring support are encouraged to let us know at the earliest opportunity.