The posting
- Good practical scientific knowledge and an understanding of safe laboratory working practices.
- Knowledge of the safe handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and scientific materials.
- Understanding of the importance of risk assessment and appropriate control measures.
- Understanding of the importance of maintaining accurate stock and inventory records.
- Awareness of health and safety responsibilities within a laboratory or practical working environment.
- Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
- Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities when working in a school.
- Knowledge of CLEAPSS guidance and its application within school science.
- Knowledge of COSHH requirements and relevant health and safety legislation.
- Understanding of the practical requirements of the secondary science curriculum and examinations.
- Knowledge of appropriate procedures for preparing solutions, cultures, slides, specimens and other practical science materials.
EXPERIENCE
- Experience of practical science, laboratory or technical work, or demonstrable experience that provides equivalent relevant skills.
- Experience of safely handling equipment, materials and/or chemicals.
- Experience of organising resources, maintaining accurate records and managing stock.
- Experience of working effectively as part of a team.
- Previous experience as a Science Technician or Senior Science Technician in a secondary school.
- Experience of supporting practical work across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- Experience of supervising, coordinating or supporting the work of other staff.
- Experience of ordering equipment and consumables and contributing to budget management.
- Experience of maintaining and carrying out minor repairs to scientific equipment.
- Experience of preparing practical materials for public examinations.
SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage workload effectively.
- Ability to prepare scientific apparatus, equipment, chemicals and materials accurately and safely.
- Ability to follow technical instructions, procedures and risk assessments.
- Ability to identify hazards and take appropriate action to minimise risk.
- Ability to maintain equipment and undertake appropriate minor repairs.
- Ability to maintain accurate inventories, stock-control systems and other records.
- Good ICT skills and the ability to use technology for record keeping, communication and administrative tasks.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently using initiative while recognising when advice or authorisation is required.
- Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive working relationships with teaching and support staff.
- Ability to supervise, organise and support the work and development of technician staff.
- Ability to remain organised and respond appropriately when priorities change.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A good standard of general education, including literacy and numeracy.
- Relevant scientific knowledge sufficient to support practical work across a secondary school Science Department.
- Willingness to undertake relevant training and continuing professional development.
- Willingness to undertake required safeguarding, health and safety and school training.
- A relevant science, laboratory or technical qualification.
- Relevant health and safety, laboratory or technician training.
- CLEAPSS-related training or equivalent school science safety training.
- First-aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.
APTITUDES
- A careful, methodical and safety-conscious approach to work.
- Reliable, punctual and well organised.
- Proactive and able to use initiative.
- Approachable, supportive and able to work positively with others.
- A commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
- Good attention to detail.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate professional judgement.
- Willingness to contribute flexibly to the wider work of the Science Department and school.
- Commitment to equality of opportunity and treating others with dignity and respect.
- Commitment to the school’s ethos, aims and values.
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
- Willingness to participate in appraisal, training and continuing professional development.
LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION
- Ability to plan and coordinate the deployment of technician support according to departmental priorities.
- Ability to provide clear direction, support and guidance to technician staff.
- Ability to identify and support training and development needs.
- Ability to work constructively with the Head of Science and teaching staff to ensure an effective technical service.
- Ability to model high standards of professionalism, safety and working practice.
ADDITIONAL
- Willingness and ability to carry out the practical requirements of the role safely.
- Willingness to work in accordance with all school policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, equality, confidentiality and data protection.
- Suitability to work with children and young people, subject to the school’s required safeguarding and pre-employment checks.
