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General Information

Job Type
Permanent
Category
Construction/Technical
Business
Higgins
Location
Hawke's Bay
Job Reference
43520
Posted Date
27-May-2026
Closing Date
26-Jun-2026

Description

Senior Laboratory Technician - Higgins Hawke’s Bay

Higgins Hawke’s Bay is looking for an experienced Senior Laboratory Technician to lead and coordinate our construction materials testing laboratory. If you’re someone who thrives in a fast paced environment, enjoys technical problem solving, and takes pride in delivering high quality, accurate results, this is your opportunity to step into a key leadership role.

About the Role
As our Senior Laboratory Technician, you will report to the Laboratory Manager. You will take ownership of day to day laboratory operations, ensuring testing is completed safely, accurately and on time. You’ll provide technical leadership to the lab team, oversee workflow, and support the implementation of our ISO 17025 Quality Management System.

This role is hands on, varied, and central to the success of our projects across the region. 
As the Senior Laboratory Technician, you will have experience in testing aggregate (NZS 4407), asphalt (ASTM, Austroads) and bitumen (ASTM) materials. You will have in-depth knowledge of production QA and compliance testing. Experience in asphalt mix design will be an advantage. 

What You’ll Be Doing 
  • Leading and coordinating laboratory workflow and testing activities
  • Providing technical expertise across a range of construction materials testing
  • Reviewing and approving test results and reports within delegated authority 
  • Supporting and guiding Laboratory Technicians and Assistants
  • Ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and Higgins quality standards
  • Participating in internal and external audits (IANZ)
  • Maintaining equipment calibration and laboratory integrity
  • Promoting a strong safety culture and safe work practices
  • Driving continuous improvement in processes, performance and efficiency

What You’ll Bring
  • Relevant laboratory or civil engineering qualification, or equivalent demonstrated experience.
  • Extensive experience in a construction materials testing laboratory 
  • Experience in asphalt mix design (advantageous) 
  • Strong understanding of ISO 17025 and accredited environments
  • Proven ability to lead, coach and support a team
  • Advanced technical capability in materials testing and analysis
  • Strong decision making, problem solving and communication skills
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • A proactive, improvement focused mindset
  • Demonstrated technical competence suitable for appointment as a KTP authorised signatory.

Come join the Green Team
  • Competitive salary 
  • Permanent, full-time role 
  • Career development opportunities within Higgins’ laboratory and technical network.
  • KiwiSaver employer contribution matched up to 4% 
  • Discounts with partners including Southern Cross, ANZ, Z Energy, PlaceMakers, Mico and Samsung


About Higgins
Higgins is a leading roading and civil infrastructure company in New Zealand. We are on a dynamic growth path with people at the heart of what we do. We offer a great working environment, competitive pay, subsidised medical insurance, and subsidised education and training for you and your dependants.

Higgins is committed to a drug free workplace. The successful applicant will be required to pass pre employment drug and alcohol testing and a health check.

We’re with you on the road ahead – Ko tātou kei a koe i te huarahi kei mua.

We are actively recruiting for this role and encourage early applications. Applications are reviewed regularly and the advertisement may be removed before the closing date

Research shows that females and minority groups don’t always apply for roles unless they match 100% of the requirements. So, if this role is of interest but you feel you don’t quite fit, we encourage you to apply anyway. We are enriched by many nationalities, languages, religions, customs, and lifestyles. We are proud of our diversity and see it as one of the things that make us better together.