Civil & Structural Technician

Job Title: Civil & Structural Technician

Department: Infrastructure

Duty Station: UGHE, Butaro, Rwanda

Reports To: Civil and Structure Engineering Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

1. JOB PURPOSE

The Civil & Structural Technician will provide practical technical and maintenance support for the University's civil infrastructure, buildings, and external facilities.

The position will be responsible for routine inspection, preventive maintenance, minor civil repairs, building-fabric works, site measurements, workmanship checks, defect reporting, and support to approved facilities improvement projects.

The successful candidate should be a hands-on, multi-skilled technician capable of working independently on routine tasks while also supporting contractors, artisans, engineers and facilities staff. The position requires good practical knowledge of civil works, basic structural elements, building maintenance, drainage, paving, and general building fabric repairs.

The technician will be expected to identify defects and unsafe conditions, carry out authorized remedial works, maintain accurate work records, and promptly escalate major structural, safety or specialist issues to the responsible supervisor.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Civil Infrastructure Inspection and Maintenance

• Inspect assigned external civil infrastructure and building elements on a routine basis.
• Inspect and maintain paths, paving, steps, surface drains, gullies, and minor boundary works.
• Identify and report on settlement, cracking, blocked drainage, trip hazards, erosion and other defects.
• Identify potential concerns affecting retaining structures or other structural elements and escalate them appropriately.
• Carry out authorized minor repairs and maintenance works.
• Clear authorized drainage blockages and maintain serviceable access routes.
• Coordinate with gardening and other maintenance staff where vegetation affects drainage, access or civil infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate inspection and maintenance records.

B. Building Fabric and Minor Civil Works

• Execute approved minor civil and building fabric maintenance works.
• Undertake practical repairs involving finishes, doors, roofs, drainage and other related building elements where safe and within assigned competence.
• Prepare work areas, tools, equipment, and materials before commencing assigned tasks.
• Take measurements and quantities required for maintenance and repair work.
• Carry out minor masonry, plastering, concrete, paving, drainage and related repair activities.
• Inspect completed works for workmanship and identify defects requiring correction.
• Complete assigned snagging and remedial work.
• Maintain clean, safe, and organized work areas.

C. Facilities Improvement and Project Support

• Support approved civil components of facilities improvement projects.
• Assist with site measurements, setting out, access arrangements and preparation of materials.
• Provide practical site support to engineers, project managers, and contractors.
• Monitor assigned works and provide observations on workmanship, materials, and defects.
• Assist with snag identification and closure.
• Support civil interfaces associated with projects such as drainage, water infrastructure, tanks, STP works, grey-water systems, fire-protection infrastructure and other facilities improvements as assigned.
• Maintain records of site observations, measurements, completed works, and outstanding items.
• Work within approved drawings, specifications, scope, and instructions.

D. Contractor and Workmanship Support

• Support the Facilities/Infrastructure team in monitoring contractor activities within assigned areas.
• Verify dimensions, quantities and completed works where assigned.
• Observe workmanship and report defects or deviations from approved requirements.
• Assist in preparing areas for contractor activities and coordinating access.
• Participate in inspections and snagging exercises.
• Provide evidence of completed works and support project close-out documentation.
• Escalate major technical, structural or specialist works to the responsible engineer/manager.

E. Tools, Materials and Work Planning

• Prepare required tools, equipment, and materials for assigned work.
• Ensure appropriate tools are used safely and correctly.
• Report shortages, damaged equipment, or unsuitable materials.
• Assist with material measurements and usage records.
• Maintain tools and equipment in good working conditions.
• Keep work areas clean and properly protected during maintenance activities.

F. Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental Compliance

• Comply with all applicable workplace health and safety requirements.
• Conduct pre-work checks and identify hazards before commencing activities.
• Use appropriate PPE and safe working methods.
• Follow safe procedures for working at height, manual handling, dust-producing activities, access works and use of tools/equipment.
• Protect building users, staff, visitors and property while carrying out maintenance work.
• Maintain good housekeeping at all work locations.
• Promptly report hazards, incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions.
• Stop and escalate work where conditions exceed the technician's competence or authorization.
• Maintain required quality and maintenance documentation.

G. Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain complete work orders and maintenance records.
• Record inspections, defects, measurements, materials used and completed works.
• Provide photographic or other evidence of completed works where required.
• Record and follow up on outstanding defects and snags.
• Provide regular updates to the supervisor responsible.
• Ensure assigned work orders are properly closed out.
• Maintain accurate records of safety observations, incidents, and near misses.

3. KEY DELIVERABLES

The Civil & Structural Technician will be expected to deliver:

1. Safe and serviceable external civil infrastructure.

2. Timely completion of assigned minor civil and building maintenance works.

3. Accurate inspection and defect records.

4. Properly completed and documented work orders.

5. Effective identification and escalation of structural and major civil defects.

6. Quality workmanship on authorized in-house repairs.

7. Effective support to contractors and facilities improvement projects.

8. Timely closure of assigned snags and defects.

9. Proper material and tool utilization.

10. Compliance with health, safety, and quality requirements.

4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Qualifications

• Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Building Technology, Construction Technology or related technical field.
• A recognized technical/vocational qualification in civil construction or building works may also be considered supported by relevant practical experience.

Experience

• Minimum 2–3 years of relevant practical experience in civil works, building maintenance, construction or facilities maintenance.
• Practical experience in the maintenance of buildings and external infrastructure is highly desirable.
• Experience working with contractors and multidisciplinary maintenance teams is an advantage.
• Experience in an institutional, commercial, healthcare, educational, or similar environment is desirable.

5. TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

The candidate should demonstrate practical competence in:

• General civil construction and maintenance.
• Concrete and minor reinforced concrete works.
• Masonry and plastering.
• Paving and external work.
• Surface drainage and gullies.
• Minor building repairs and building fabric maintenance.
• Basic understanding of structural elements and common structural defects.
• Basic site measurement and quantity take-off.
• Reading and interpreting basic construction drawings.
• Basic setting out and levels.
• Identification and reporting of construction defects.
• Basic use and care for construction tools and equipment.
• Workmanship inspection and snagging.
• Basic maintenance documentation and reporting.
• Occupational health and safety procedures.

6. HANDS-ON / MULTI-SKILLED REQUIREMENT

The successful candidate should be willing and able to perform practical hands-on duties rather than functioning solely in an office or supervisory capacity.

The technician should be capable of assisting with or performing, within their competence and authorization:

• Minor masonry repairs.
• Concrete repairs.
• Plastering and patching.
• Paving repairs.
• Drainage cleaning and minor repairs.
• Kerb and walkway repairs.
• Minor boundary wall repairs.
• Door and building fabric repairs.
• Minor roof-related maintenance support.
• Painting and surface preparation.
• Basic carpentry-related building maintenance.
• General facilities repair and maintenance activities.
• Preparation of work areas and materials.
• Site housekeeping and protection.

Where a task requires specialist engineering design, structural assessment, major construction, electrical/mechanical expertise or other specialist competence, the technician must escalate the matter to the responsible professional or contractor.

7. BEHAVIOURAL AND PERSONAL COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong practical and hands-on attitude.
• Reliability and punctuality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good attention to detail.
• Strong safety awareness.
• Good problem-solving ability.
• Ability to identify and report defects accurately.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, drawings, and technical requirements.
• Good work discipline and housekeeping.
• Ability to prioritize maintenance tasks.
• Professional conduct when working around staff, students, patients, visitors, and contractors.
• Willingness to learn and undertake different facilities-related tasks within the technician's competence.

8. REPORTING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Civil & Structural Technician will report to the Civil and Structure Engineering Manager and will work closely with:

• Civil/Structural Engineers.
• Facilities and maintenance personnel.
• MEP technicians.
• Project managers.
• Contractors and artisans.
• Procurement and stores personnel.
• Security and other relevant institutional departments.

9. AUTHORITY AND LIMITS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The technician is authorized to undertake approved routine maintenance and minor civil works within their demonstrated competence.

The technician shall not independently approve, design or execute major structural works or specialist works outside their competence.

Structural defects, major cracks, significant settlement, major drainage failures, structural instability, major alterations and other high-risk or specialist works shall be promptly reported and escalated to the responsible engineer/manager.

Major works and specialist contractor activities remain subject to the University's approved project management, engineering and procurement processes.

10. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance will be assessed against:

• Completion of assigned maintenance work orders within agreed timelines.
• Quality and durability of completed repairs.
• Accuracy and completeness of inspection and maintenance records.
• Timely identification and escalation of defects and safety risks.
• Effective closure of assigned snags.
• Compliance with approved drawings, instructions, and work methods.
• Compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Proper use of tools, materials, and equipment.
• Effective support for projects and contractors.
• Good housekeeping and protection of institutional facilities.

How to Apply

Applicants should provide: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) degree, (3) a cover letter describing your interest in UGHE and relevant experience. Please upload these under the ‘Additional Files’ tab on the application page.

University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Organizational Profile

UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.

UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality healthcare to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima—PIH’s sister organization—and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.

Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Sexual Harassment

At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work—including community members—as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.

UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.