Technical Officer Opportunity

Technical Officer Job Description

Rose of Jericho are a specialist manufacturer of traditional mortars and paints. We have been at the forefront of the building conservation movement for nearly four decades and specialise in the analysis of historic mortars. We offer expert building consultancy on a variety of building issues and are seeking to appoint someone in a technical role primarily to undertake materials analysis.

The role is to maintain and develop the company’s excellent reputation in the field and continue the excellent analysis offering we currently have.

The role will include but is not limited to:

1. Mortar analysis – collect, process and prepare mortar samples for analysis. Interpret results and write analytical reports in line with client needs. Liaise with clients to fully understand the structure, project and desired outcomes of analysis. Develop our capabilities.  Undertake microscopic examination and prepare and assess thin sections.
2. Matching mortars for repair. Both as the result of full chemical analysis and also from visual inspection. Produce sample biscuits and mixes.
3. Oversee all standard mortar and plaster mixes and ensure consistency.
4. Undertake research on subjects related to building conservation and historic materials.
5. Compile reports and articles for clients and publication on the company website, trade publications and if appropriate academic journals.
6. Liaise and advise contractors, architects, specifiers and heritage bodies on the correct specification and use of traditional materials.
7. Undertake new product development.
8. Undertake site visits and surveys where appropriate.
9. Identify sources of traditional ingredients, including limes, pigments, aggregates etc.
10. Be fully involved in the development of the company.
11. Providing technical advice and support to customers and clients on mortars and paints.
12. Coordinate the project to catalogue, digitise and record our mortar library.
13. Coordinate the project to catalogue, digitise and record our aggregate library.

Required knowledge/skills

• Knowledge of building conservation, architecture, materials science, chemistry, architecture and history would be advantageous. Most importantly precious knowledge and expertise of historic building materials such as lime, aggregates, paints and auxiliary products.
• Practical building experience would be beneficial.
• previous experience in historic building materials analysis or the use of historic building materials.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy are important and an understand of data would be helpful.
• The ability to use and experience in using compound and stereo microscopes would be advantageous. The ability to make and interpret thin sections would be an advantage but not crucial.
• A willingness to learn and an inquisitive, enquiring mind are crucial and training in mortar analysis will be given alongside Peter Ellis FSA.
• Lab experience would be helpful but not essential.

The job is knowledge based and would suit someone with a good base knowledge drawn from a variety of backgrounds in interrelated disciplines including stone conservation, conservation building, geology, petrology, research, architecture, surveying, materials science, decorating, stone masonry, project management or similar.

The post holder would have significant scope to shape the role as they develop.

Location

The role would be full time and based at Horchester Farm, Dorset to enable the role holder to be fully integrated within the business which has a large manufacturing aspect. The post holder will be expected to have an input on the continued developed of the wider business. Other arrangements could be considered for the right candidate and a degree of flexible working or job share may be possible.

The post will be wide and varied giving the post holder the opportunity to work on an array of projects, structures and buildings. Recent projects include Great Chalfield Manor, the Tower of London, Cherhill Monument, Blenheim Palace and many private homes ranging from large stately houses to humble cottages.

Qualifications

Relevant professional experience and knowledge is more important than any specific qualification but a good academic background would be beneficial. Qualifications in chemistry, building conservation, construction, geology, history, architecture or related disciplines would be advantageous.

Salary & Hours

Salary consummate with experience but highly competitive for the right candidate.

Contributory Company pension and healthcare package

Full time = 42 hours per week.

Potential for flexible arrangements by negotiation

25 days holiday plus bank holidays.

Start date: Early 2025

Application Process

Please send CVs and covering letter to info@roseofjericho.co.uk or call 01935 83676 for an informal discussion in the first instance.