Geotechnical Laboratory Coordinator

Onstream is hiring a Geotechnical Laboratory Coordinator to be based in Cabo Delgado.

Duties

• Plan and supervise laboratory and site testing operations, based on client and project contracts, schedule and logistics, and in order to meet budgets within costs
• Prepare client correspondence and quotations
• Receive enquiries for laboratory testing from prospective clients, manage contracts and maintain positive relationships with clients
• Ensure that incoming samples from clients are accompanied by correct documentation and the laboratory team members follow sample handling procedures in accordance with the Quality System
• Ensure orders and documentation for testing are maintained in the relevant project files, and distributed to the concerned technical personnel
• Ensure all test requirements, method statements, etc. are adequately defined, documented and understood, including the Quality System for monitoring compliance to international and local government quality standards
• Oversee calibration of equipment and measuring instruments, and ensure records are maintained properly
• Ensure testing services meet customer requirements in terms of technical standards, accurate data interpretation and timeliness
• Ensure conformity to the Quality System by checking that its procedures are being followed and take appropriate corrective action in case of deviations from the norms. In addition, keep self informed and refreshed about the requirements of the Quality System
• Check Test Reports and where required, edit them or write them oneself; for more complex issues seek guidance from superiors
• Ensure the protection of the client’s confidential information and proprietary rights, by following due process of communication, filing of records and limiting the sharing of such information on a need-to-know basis
• Ensure the laboratory has the technical and people resources needed to meet the needs of clients and to ensure the quality of tests, and allocate responsibilities for testing, supervision and reporting
• Maintain the proficiency of the laboratory team through assessing the competence of laboratory staff, and coaching / training them when needed
• Provide adequate supervision of testing personnel and trainees by persons familiar with the methods and procedures, purpose of each test, and with the assessment of the test result
• Prepare invoices and related financial documentation for billing clients
• Maintain positive professional relationships with contractors and vendors, and supervise quality of services provided and bill payment
• Maintain the laboratory’s inventory of consumable items in conjunction with Senior Technicians and the Laboratory Manager

Requisites

• Degree in Chemistry or preferably in Civil/Chemical/Geotechnical Engineering or related subjects which provide a technical base for understanding testing procedures and the results
• Excellent Communication Skills with fluency in English (written and verbal) and Portuguese mandatory. Knowledge of a Hindi or Urdu will be an advantage
• At least 7-8 years of working in a similar laboratory, including at least 3 years of supervisory experience
• Should have independently tested a variety of soils, rocks, aggregates, concrete and other building materials and be familiar with the usual tests, viz
• SOIL: Sieve analysis, Fineness Modulus, Proctor test(MDD & OMC), Liquid limit, Plastic limit, Plasticity Index, CBR, Field Density Test (Sand replacement method), Core cutting method
• SAND: Sieve analysis, Proctor test, Compaction test by sand replacement method, Clay, silt & Dust content
• AGGREGATE: Sieve analysis, Elongation index, Flakiness index, Sp. Gravity, Abrasion Value, Water absorption
• Impact value, Crushing strength
• CONCRETE: Slump test, Concrete sampling, Compressive strength, Extracting cores from concrete Structure, Rapid chloride permeability Test, Initial surface absorption Test, Water Permeability Test, Water absorption Test
• PCC SOLID BLOCK: Density, Compressive strength, Water absorption
• CEMENT: Consistency, Setting time(Initial & Final), Compressive strength, Soundness, Fineness