Technical Instructor - Civil Engineering

This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location. The post holder 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.
• Support of surveying activities and field trips, including the operation, maintenance, and demonstration of surveying technologies such as robotic total stations, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, terrestrial laser scanners, and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).
• Processing, management, and presentation of survey data, producing outputs aligned with current industry standards.
• Deliver formal technical skills instruction sessions on the equipment and relevant health and safety procedures.
• Creating and updating instruction materials, guides, and videos to assist with module delivery.
• Maintaining effective liaison with technical and academic colleagues ensuring effective use of technical resources and staff.
• Manage the health and safety of agreed areas, maintaining risk management, maintenance logs, and equipment specific safety systems ensuring compliance with Health and Safety Regulations and policies.
• Support off-site field trips and surveys including residentials.
• Driving equipment and persons to sites to support teaching and projects.
• Assisting with the planning and preparations for discipline development and enhancements supporting the forward planning at the university.
• Assist and support research and knowledge transfer work by supporting research and associated schemes.
• Manage the finances associated within the area and work with budget managers to ensure financial efficiency and accountability.
• Working with the student employment agency to recruit students on short term contracts to support laboratory facilities and events.
• Supporting open days and events as agreed with line management.
• Attending relevant committee meetings as agreed with line management.
• Participating in the university staff development review process and engaging in continued professional development to ensure a current awareness of relevant technology.
• Undertaking any other duties as required in agreement with line management.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent experiential learning in a related subject.
• Professional registration (e.g., Memberships of CICES/ICE/CIHT/IStructE/ Associate fellow of HE).
• Approved specific category UAC qualification (GVC or RPC L1).
• Recognised First Aid qualification.
• Risk and COSHH assessment training.
• Working in water qualifications.

Experience:

• Industry experience within civil engineering, including surveying or site-based measurement activities.
• Fieldwork experience related to Civil Engineering projects.
• Experience of delivering detailed technical instruction.
• Experience of creating technical material and documentation.
• Experience with using UAVs to collect primary data.
• Experience of structural engineering, material and geotechnic activities.
• Experience of managing Health and Safety and equipment maintenance within laboratory and workshop environments.

Skills, knowledge & abilities:

• Good working knowledge of survey equipment including total stations, GPR, GPS, and laser scanners.
• Good working knowledge of Computer Aided Design packages (AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• Good working knowledge of surveying software packages (Civil 3D, Recap, Cloud Compare, Pix4D).
• Able to plan and organise Civil Engineering fieldwork activities.
• Ability to train and supervise students and researchers in the correct and safe use of equipment.
• Excellent and proven verbal communication skills and able to communicate effectively to students and staff.
• Knowledge of using and maintaining equipment used in Civil Engineering.
• Working knowledge of Health and Safety including Manual Handling, COSHH, and risk assessment.
• Ability to develop standard operating procedures for specialist activities and field classes.
• Change-oriented approach with a commitment to the University values and behaviours.
• Manage own time/prioritise work of others in the team effectively.

Business requirements:

• Willingness and flexibility to travel and work between university and external sites in a cost-effective and timely manner.
• Willingness to work outside of normal working hours (including some evenings and weekends), to support residential field trips, open days, and events.

Equity, diversity and inclusion:

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex, and sexual orientation. We are Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating our commitment to disability inclusion, and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.