"Construction Laboratory Technician"

Job Description:

• Work with a leading educational institution in a dynamic and research-focused, hands-on laboratory role
• This role is ideal for a practical, safety‑focused and adaptable individual who enjoys working with staff and students to deliver high‑quality laboratory outcomes.
• Permanent, full-time role based at AUT's City Campus

Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is bold and unapologetically different, centred on students and grounded in Knowledge that Works driven by talented, progressive people. We are New Zealand’s newest university, ranked 5-stars by QS Universities 2025 and a place of opportunity where more than 26,000 students with talent and potential succeed, supported by a community of more than 4,000 staff based primarily across three Auckland campuses. Built on collaboration, shared purpose and the values of Pono (fact, truth, reality, integrity), Tika (acting accordingly, doing what is needed, ethical expression), and Aroha (empathy, care, compassion). AUT offers an innovative, forward-thinking environment where committed people work together to improve outcomes for students, communities, and the world.

AUT recognises the importance of Te Tiriti, Māori and Pacific knowledge, leadership, and contribution across our university and is committed to creating environments where these communities can thrive. We embrace diversity in all its forms and are proud to welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.

The Construction Lab is part of the Built Environment programmes within the School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences (ECMS), which sits in the Faculty of Design and Creative Technologies (DCT). The lab directly serves the programme and is a critical component of its delivery, providing essential practical learning and applied teaching capability.

The Opportunity | Te Whiwhinga mahi

• Permanent, full-time role based at AUT's City
• Provide advanced technical support for construction/structural/materials testing, including test planning, set‑up, operation and troubleshooting.
• Set up and operate key equipment such as universal testing machines (UTMs), hydraulic actuators/load frames, and associated control and data acquisition systems.
• Install, configure and maintain instrumentation (e.g., load cells, LVDTs, strain gauges, accelerometers and draw‑wire sensors) and ensure data quality.
• Assist academic staff and research students with test methodology development, test plans, and documentation (e.g., risk assessments, test procedures).
• Design, modify and fabricate test fixtures and rigs (machining/drilling/bolting/ as required) and liaise with external fabricators and suppliers.
• Maintain calibration and preventive maintenance schedules, manage service/repair activities, and keep accurate records (asset registers, maintenance logs and consumables).
• Provide inductions, training and supervision for safe equipment use; support lifting operations and plant use (overhead crane/forklift) in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Champion Health & Safety, including hazard identification, incident reporting, housekeeping and continuous improvement initiatives.

About you | Ko wai koe

If you’re the kind of person who isn’t afraid to try new things, explore bold ideas and inject real energy and passion into the entire university experience - you’ll fit right in.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A relevant qualification (certificate/diploma/degree or trade background) and/or substantial experience in a mechanical, civil, materials or construction testing environment.
• Demonstrated experience with laboratory or workshop equipment, preferably including UTMs, hydraulic systems, and instrumentation/DAQ.
• Sound practical skills: interpreting engineering drawings, using hand/power tools, and undertaking basic fabrication or assembly work (welding/machining experience is an advantage).
• Strong problem‑solving ability and attention to detail, with an emphasis on safe work practices and quality
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Good self‑management and organisational skills, including planning, prioritising and working independently as required.
• A strong commitment to Health & Safety; relevant tickets/competencies (e.g., forklift and overhead crane) are desirable, or a willingness to obtain them.
• A commitment to equity, diversity and Supportive of AUT’s Te Aronui journey (https://www.aut.ac.nz/about/maori/auts-commitment-to-Te-Tiriti-o-Waitangi).

As a professional member of staff at AUT, you’ll help keep us moving forward. From improving our services and streamlining our systems to supporting the experiences of students and staff across our campuses. By working collaboratively, solving problems and driving practical improvements, you’ll play a vital role in helping us operate smoothly, raise our profile, and evolve what we do, every day.

You will bring an open, engaging, and collaborative approach, with the flexibility to respond to changing requirements, and actively contribute to a positive and collegial environment. You will demonstrate cultural humility, awareness, and respect when engaging with indigenous peoples and culturally diverse communities. Experience supporting indigenous, equity, or inclusion focused initiatives is highly desirable.

What we offer | Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou

At AUT, you’ll be part of a values-led university that supports you to thrive in your role and career. We offer:

• Flexible working and a strong, caring culture that supports
• Recognition frameworks that reflect your contribution and how you live our
• The tools and trust to make a meaningful difference every
• Māori and Pacific development programmes that strengthen our shared
• Cultural capability uplift development programmes for all staff
• Professional development and funded study pathways to keep you moving
• Free gym

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Along with your CV - please ensure to submit a cover letter which a) explains why this role (and AUT) is of interest, and b) addresses how you feel you meet some, or all, of the key criteria listed above.

Please feel free to add any further comments you feel may also support your application. All applications must be submitted through the online application process.

Further Information | Pārongo Anō

• Start Date: ASAP, immediate start
• Salary Ranges | Ngā Utu: $76,000 - $102,000 per annum (dependent on experience and qualifications)
• For further information: please send us an enquiry here or call 09 921 9499.

Closing Date | Te rā aukati: 23 March 2026 11:55pm

Job Reference | Tohutoro Mahi: 94889

*Full-time denotes 37.5 hours per week

*At AUT we strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We are committed to te Tiriti, excellence and inclusivity and aspire to be the University of choice for Māori and Pacific communities. We welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs.*

*Please note that all applications must be submitted through the online application process. For further information, please send us an enquiry here or call 921 9499. Please note we are happy to answer your questions but we do not accept applications by email. You will need to apply through the standard registration process.*

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi.

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.