Technical Instructor, 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 have a vital part they play 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 through our TechNet.  

Technical colleagues support a wide range of specialist resources across the Colleges of Arts, Humanities and Education, College of Science and Engineering and the College of Health, Psychology and Social Care. 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, resource HUB’s, workshops, controlled environments, clinical suites, media studios and Derby Theatre. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE).

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.  

The primary purpose of this role is to provide specialist support to the built environment discipline, encompassing research, teaching, outreach, and industry activities. While this role supports the entire discipline, including concrete, geotechnics, and fluids, your main responsibility will be in the advanced geospatial and computer modelling area. You will manage a UAV network, utilise laser scanners, GPS equipment, total stations, manipulating and presenting data using specialist software such as Civil 3D and ArcGIS.

You will be responsible for the health and safety of the geospatial sector, including associated site work. This involves collaborating with academic and technical team members to ensure risk assessments and method statements are up to standard and clearly presented.

This role supports flexible working arrangements. While a strong on-site presence is expected, there is scope to compress the work week and for remote working, especially outside of term time.

Our programs conduct over seven residential field trips annually. Some trips involve just a few students gathering data for independent scholarships, while others are tied to module delivery with 40+. As the geospatial expert, you will be expected to attend most of these trips, providing core technical support, ensuring equipment is used correctly and safely, whilst acting as a driver, and as a mentor to the students. You will also have the opportunity to establish your own trips to support research, interests, and development, offering additional experiences to keen students and broadening the department’s offerings.

Technicians in the built environment sector are heavily involved in teaching due to the practical nature of the course. You will benefit from high standards of staff development, including training for working in water, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and UAV’s. Additionally, you will benefit from the university’s commitment to the Technician Commitment, which pledges to support the career development of technicians. This includes support for attending technician development courses (such as via HEATED) or becoming a Fellow or Associate Fellow of Advanced Higher Education.

The ideal candidate will have relevant experience in the geospatial field, with a strong understanding of equipment functionality and the limitations of various data collection methods. You should be capable of developing guidance materials for practical classes and possess excellent verbal communication skills, enabling effective interaction with both students and staff.

You must be able to plan and monitor your own workload, working independently as well as part of a team. You should demonstrate a high level of organisational and practical skills. Additionally, you should have a good working knowledge of relevant Health and Safety protocols, including risk assessments and COSHH.

1. Assist with the management and organization of resources and facilities to ensure an effective delivery of services.
2. Deliver formal technical skills instruction sessions on the equipment and relevant health and safety procedures.
3. Creating and updating instruction materials like guides and video’s to assist with module delivery.
4. Maintaining effective liaison with technical and academic colleagues ensuring effective use of technical resources and staff.
5. Manage the health and safety of agreed areas, maintaining risk management, maintenance logs and equipment specific safety systems ensuring the university remains compliant with Health and Safety Regulations and policies.
6. Developing systems to improve the student experience and establish practical skills to meet our industrial alignment.
7. Support off site field trips and surveys including residentials.
8. Driving equipment and persons to sites to support teaching and projects.
9. Supporting independent scholarships and project across the whole subject area.
10. Assisting with the planning and preparations for discipline development and enhancements supporting the forward planning at the university.
11. Assist and support research and knowledge transfer work by supporting research and associated schemes.
12. Manage the finances associated within the associated area and work with budget managers to ensure financial efficiency and accountability.
13. Working with the student employment agency to recruit students on short term contracts to support laboratory facilities and events.
14. Supporting open days and events as agreed with line management.
15. Attending relevant committee meetings as agreed with line management.
16. Participating in the university staff development review process and engaging in continued professional development to ensure a current awareness of relevant technology.
17. Undertaking any other duties as required in agreement with line management.