Technical Officer – Geotechnical
THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
The Papua New Guinea University of Technology (PNGUoT) is in the industrial city of Lae, the second largest city in Papua New Guinea. The city of Lae has an airport with flights to any location in PNG. The University is the only technological university in the Pacific. It has a main campus and three amalgamated colleges. The main campus has 14 academic schools under 6 faculties including a Department of Open and Distance Learning (DODL). It offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering, natural and applied sciences, built environment, language, and business. The university has an Information Technology Services department and a Library.
SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
Technical Officer – Geotechnical
The Papua New Guinea University of Technology invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Technical Officer (Geotechnical) to join the School of Civil Engineering at the PNG University of Technology
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining, managing, and modernizing the geotechnical laboratories within the School of Civil Engineering. The role involves overseeing laboratory resources, conducting preventive maintenance, repairing and calibrating geotechnical equipment, and supporting academic staff with research and student projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in soil and rock testing, experience in equipment troubleshooting, and a commitment to maintaining safety and efficiency in laboratory operations.
Primary Responsibilities
The Candidate will be required to:
- Maintain, manage, and modernize geotechnical engineering laboratories and associated field equipment.
- Conduct preventive maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of geotechnical instruments and testing systems.
- Perform repairs and ensure optimal functioning of laboratory tools such as triaxial testing machines, direct shear apparatus, and consolidation units.
- Enforce safety protocols in compliance with occupational health and engineering safety regulations.
- Assist academic staff with laboratory-based research, student projects, and preparation of technical reports.
- Provide technical support for laboratory classes and field investigations when required.
- Participate in cross-functional teams and manage laboratory resources effectively.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and professional laboratory and field-testing environment.
- Perform additional duties as delegated by the Laboratory Manager.
Qualification & Experience
- Degree or Diploma in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or equivalent.
- Proficient in handling geotechnical laboratory and field-testing equipment.
- Competent in using geotechnical software such as AutoCAD, Plaxis, or similar.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a similar role within a geotechnical or civil engineering environment.
- Strong ability to manage people and resources effectively.
- Ability to set goals, prioritize tasks, and provide constructive feedback.
Conditions of Service
Technical Office I
- Base Salary Ranger: K26, 708 – K32, 644 per annum.
- DMA Range: K1, 200 per annum. (DMA = Domestic Market Allowance)
Technical Officer II
- Base Salary Ranger: K31, 288 – K38, 241 per annum.
- DMA Range: K1, 200 per annum. (DMA = Domestic Market Allowance)
(Level of appointment depends upon qualification and experience)
Application Procedure
Detailed application with curriculum vitae including certified copies of qualifications, names and addresses including email addresses, phone numbers of three (3) current referees including one from past/present employer, if any, should be sent to the address below:
The Executive Director – Human Resources
PNG University of Technology
Private Mail Bag
Lae, 411
Papua New Guinea
Applications must be compiled and sent as one PDF file to recruitment@pnguot.ac.pg with an indication of their earliest availability to take up the appointment.
PLEASE NOTE
- Deadline for all applications is 4th of September, 2026
- Only shortlisted applications will be acknowledged.