Introduction
As the UK's national fire safety organisation, we work to identify the dangers of fire and help our clients reduce any fire-related risks. With the support of our fantastic team of people, there is no better time for you to begin a promising career with the Fire Protection Association. Our team are continuously making a difference in the industry, achieving a sense of fulfilment in the work they do. We offer employees a sense of purpose and a real contribution effect from the work that we do together.
We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Technical Officer to join our Fire Testing Laboratory. This is a varied role responsible for the planning, coordination and reporting of fire resistance testing, ensuring activities are delivered to the required UKAS, client and internal quality standards.
We’re looking for someone who is organised, technically minded and able to work collaboratively across the laboratory team. The role also provides an opportunity to contribute to service development and continuous improvement, alongside supporting the wider laboratory team with testing activities when required.
If you’re looking to develop your technical expertise in a specialist and unique field, we’d be keen to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a key point of contact for clients, clarifying requirements and providing updates throughout the testing and reporting process.
- Manage multiple fire resistance testing projects, ensuring work is delivered accurately, safely and within agreed deadlines.
- Review work orders, contracts and technical requirements to confirm project scope and deliverables.
- Conduct pre-test technical reviews and work closely with the Laboratory Technical Team, Fire Resistance Supervisors and Health & Safety to ensure safe and effective test execution.
- Prepare detailed test packs, including survey requirements, sampling and measurement specifications, instrumentation plans and special test requirements.
- Deliver pre-test briefings and communicate clear technical requirements to operational teams.
- Draft and finalise comprehensive fire resistance test reports in accordance with UKAS and relevant industry standards.
- Review and interpret test data, identifying anomalies, inconsistencies and modes of failure and ensuring findings are accurately reflected in reports.
- Maintain accurate, traceable and audit-ready technical documentation and project records.
- Support UKAS activities, audits, SOP development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain and demonstrate ongoing technical competence, providing technical support, knowledge sharing and mentoring within the fire resistance department.
- Maintain accurate records across company systems.
- Support the development and expansion of technical services and contribute to process improvements and innovation.
- Comply with all health and safety, fire and emergency procedures, including the reporting of near-miss incidents.
- Provide operational cover and undertake other duties appropriate to your skills and experience as required.
Key Competencies/behaviours
- Strong technical aptitude with excellent literacy and numeracy skills
- Capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a team and managing multiple priorities.
- Highly self-motivated and proactive
- Excellent time management, able to meet deadlines
- Clear communicator
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Ability to collect & analyse relevant data and to write concise and technically accurate reports
- Confidentiality
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office software
Key Education and experience
Essential
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including English and Math’s
Desirable
- A-levels or a degree in Engineering, Science, or a related field
- Experience working with fire testing equipment or similar technical machinery
- Forklift, MEWP and plant machinery operation certification or willingness to obtain certification
- Familiarity with ISO: 17025
- Experience with Quality Management Systems
At the FPA we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and fair workplace. Our EDI efforts are underpinned by the principles of trust, respect, and equal opportunity for all.
Pay: £35,000.00-£37,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Referral programme
Work Location: In person
