Technical Instructor - Civil Engineering

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home of STEM: the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too. The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, data science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and psychology - we are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.

School of Engineering and Built Environment 

The School of Engineering and Built Environment at the University of Derby is a dynamic and future-focused academic community that blends technical excellence with creative innovation. It offers a wide range of programmes across engineering, architecture, construction, and design, preparing students to tackle global challenges in sustainability, infrastructure, and the built environment. The School is home to research-active academics with backgrounds in engineering, architecture, interior design, and construction. Our staff bring real-world experience and academic rigour to the classroom, supporting students in developing both creative portfolios and technical competencies.

The discipline area is located in the University’s STEM annex in Markeaton Street, where staff offices and lab facilities are co-located. Key investments in the last few years include dedicated intelligent instrumentation and smart sensor technologies, robotics, renewable energy, power engineering and advanced materials and manufacturing. The discipline area is actively engaged in knowledge exchange projects and has an active applied research agenda. 

Technical colleagues within the College of Science and Engineering support a wide range of specialist resources and activities. 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, workshops and controlled environments. We also provide specialist support for Research Centres such as the Institute for Innovation in Sustainable Engineering (IISE), East Midlands Institute of Technology (EMIOT) and the Nuclear Skills Academy (NSA).

You 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. An important core aspect of the role will involve the support of surveying activities and field trips. This will include 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). Youwill also support the processing, management, and presentation of survey data, producing outputs aligned with current industry standards.

You will hold qualification(s) equivalent to a degree in Civil Engineering, Surveying, or a related discipline, or possess comparable knowledge and transferable skills gained through relevant professional experience. The ideal candidate will have significant specialist technical experience within civil engineering, including surveying or site-based measurement activities, preferably gained within an industrial, research, or educational environment. You will be proficient in the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of a wide range of surveying equipment, including total stations, GNSS/GPS equipment, digital levels, laser scanners, and associated data-logging devices.

You will have a solid understanding of structural engineering principles, geotechnics and fluid mechanics relating to civil engineering applications. This includes experience supporting laboratory or field-based activities, assisting with the preparation and assembly of test setups and data analysis.

A Full UK Driving License (manual) is essential for this role as you will be required to drive the University of Derby vehicles; and hired vehicles (up to 3.5 tonne) to transport equipment between sites. Please note that we are unable to offer adapted vehicles. There is a requirement to load and unload equipment, typically with a maximum weight up to 50kg, with shared lifting processes.

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, 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.