Position: Geolab Supervisor
Division Geotechnical Laboratory
Location Pretoria
REPORTS TO
Technical Manager
PRIMARY POSITION PURPOSE
To provide design and drafting services, prepare project documentation, and deliver appropriate technical support as required.
The laboratory specializes in soil testing, including:
- Triaxial Testing
- Direct Shear Box Testing
- Consolidation Testing
- Specific Gravity Testing
- Supervise daily laboratory operations and testing activities.
- Ensure all testing is conducted in accordance with applicable standards, procedures, and quality requirements.
- Review, verify, and approve laboratory test results and reports.
- Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory technicians.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate calibration and maintenance activities.
- Implement and monitor laboratory quality management systems.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental requirements.
- Monitor laboratory productivity, turnaround times, and resource utilization.
- Assist with method development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Liaise with engineers, project managers, and clients regarding testing requirements and results.
- Manage laboratory stock levels and procurement of consumables.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in a geotechnical laboratory environment.
- At least 2 years' experience in a supervisory or senior laboratory role.
- Sound knowledge of geotechnical laboratory testing methods and procedures.
- Experience with quality management systems and laboratory accreditation requirements.
- Ability to interpret and review geotechnical test results.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
We are proud of the brilliant minds we have at SMEC and are committed to ensuring that our people have the best opportunities and resources to learn, grow and succeed. Our hiring decisions are guided by skills, qualifications and experience, ensuring fair and equitable access to opportunities for all. We are intentional about diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, not as a requirement, but as a fundamental part of who we are. We strive to create a workplace where diverse backgrounds and perspectives are embraced, fresh ideas are encouraged, and everyone has the support they need to thrive. At SMEC, every individual has a voice, and through our commitment to engineering positive change, every contribution makes a difference.
At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!
Skills Required
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in a geotechnical laboratory environment
- At least 2 years' experience in a supervisory or senior laboratory role
- Sound knowledge of geotechnical laboratory testing methods and procedures
- Experience with quality management systems and laboratory accreditation requirements
- Ability to interpret and review geotechnical test results
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications
What We Do
SMEC is a global engineering, management and development consultancy with a 70-year history of delivering advanced solutions on a global scale across urban development, infrastructure and management services industries. We are specialists in providing design leadership, consulting and advisory expertise across the roads and highways, rail and metro, aviation, hydropower and renewable energy sectors. SMEC has a long and proud history which dates back to Australia’s iconic Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Scheme in 1949, one of the largest and most complex hydroelectric schemes in the world. Joining the Surbana Jurong Group in 2016, SMEC is part of a family of specialists. We are committed to delivering sustainable solutions that help to connect, move and power people and communities. For the latest news, visit our newsroom www.smec.com/newsroom or read about the innovations and solutions shaping our communities on our Infocus blog www.smec.com/infocus. At SMEC, our global workforce is made up of experts who bring unique talent, experience and passion to their fields. We offer a rewarding career path for enthusiastic and collaborative achievers who are motivated to make a difference. For more information or to view current vacancies visit www.smec.com/careers.








