At the Fire Protection Association, our staff are at the heart of our business. We work with a mutual respect, and all have the same vision – to make the built environment a safer place to live and work. We empower our staff to make a difference and achieve a sense of fulfilment in the work they do.
We are seeking a Fire Resistance Laboratory Technician to work at our UKAS Accredited Fire Test and Research Laboratory in Gloucestershire as part of our Furnace Testing team.
This is a practical role in a ‘high visibility jacket’ laboratory. The successful candidate should be happy to work outdoors and occasionally work at height or in a confined space, be competent with general construction techniques, and display mechanical aptitude.
This is an opportunity to join a motivated workforce carrying out practical work that is valued by a wide range of clients. The work is varied and will include recording of detailed test results, data and video processing and practical tasks like bricklaying, pipe fitting and monitoring test fires, equipment maintenance and fire test clear up.
The successful candidate will be working within FPA’s Standards Testing Department, conducting destructive testing on building materials. This role involves working at our laboratory based in Blockley so being within a commutable distance is crucial.
Key accountabilities
- Working with customer specifications to build test samples
- Verifying and checking samples prior to testing, measuring and documenting
- Working as part of a test team with the furnaces during tests
- Documenting tests, photographs, notes, and observations of samples
- Working to set procedures in line with specific standards
- Working with clients to provide accurate reporting of results and receiving technical enquiries
- Assisting with operation of safety systems for the execution of fire testing and research
- Promptly identifying problems and reporting them immediately to the Line Manager
Skills and experience required
- Hands-on practical ability
- Understanding or interest in mechanical engineering, construction, or similar disciplines such as plumbing, domestic electrical installation etc.
- Knowledge of safe working practices related to operating machinery
- A detail-oriented person who can follow instructions and procedures precisely
- Computer literate knowledge of Word, Excel and ability and willingness to learn new software packages for datalogging and video editing
- Previous experience of laboratory work
- Construction and installation experience
- Experience with British Standards and approvals process
- Experience within a product/material testing environment
Qualifications
- Possess GCSE (or equivalent) in a Technical Subject, Maths and English Language, City & Guilds NVQ Level 3, HNC or equivalent in an engineering discipline
Benefits
- Excellent rates of pay
- Company car or allowance (role dependent)
- Pension and private medical health care
- Enhanced sick pay
- Use of onsite gym/pool facilities
- Flexible working policy
- Cycle to work scheme
- Wellbeing support
- Social events
- Continual career development
- Free parking