Science Technician

We are looking for a Science Technician to provide technical support to the Science Department at Harris Academy Sutton, enabling the smooth running of practical classes and maintaining a safe working environment.

About Us

We currently have pupils in Years 7 to 10 and are looking forward to establishing GCSE and A Level Sciences as the school grows.

We are fortunate to enjoy state-of-the-art science facilities spread over two floors, including specialist Biology, Chemistry and Physics laboratories, and a ‘super-lab’ that can accommodate up to 60 students for lecture-demonstrations or large-scale practical activities.

Situated on the site of the London Cancer Hub, the Science Department is developing innovative links with our neighbours, The Institute for Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden Hospital.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Your role will include:

• To assist and advise teaching staff on the preparation and layout in classrooms for practical exercises, running trials of experiments, demonstrations and helping students with learning activities as appropriate.
• To ensure equipment and materials prepared for lessons are to the specification of the teacher requisitions, including making up special equipment or modifying from existing equipment as necessary from instructions supplied by the science teaching staff.
• In conjunction with the appropriate teachers to advise students on the safe and proper use of tools and equipment and on the correct and safe way to carry out learning activities. To also advise staff, as necessary, on Health and Safety issues and on the best way to carry out practical work, new ways of demonstrating experiments, new techniques or procedures available.
• To assist in the safety, repair and general maintenance of all resources, equipment and tools in conjunction with the appropriate line managers. To advise these on any maintenance or inspection needed by the equipment which is beyond postholder’s competence.
• To be responsible for the welfare and care of the plants and animals in the science area and the security of the equipment.
• Ensure understanding of science syllabus and schemes of work in order to prepare for practical lessons adequately.
• To assist with stock keeping, using the computerised stock take database to include chemicals, equipment, textbooks, stationery, etc. and ensuring that appropriate levels of stock are maintained. Carrying out regular stocktaking checks and ordering as necessary.
• To undertake safety checks as required and comply with the requirements of Health and Safety, COSHH and other relevant legislation and school documentation. This to include carrying out appropriate risk assessments for practical and technical activities.
• Ensure Implementation of health and safety regulations across the subject area.
• To assist in ensuring that all equipment and materials are stored safely and securely, ensuring that they are maintained in good condition, with clear records, and readily available for issue.
• To dispose of used chemicals/hazardous waste in a safe manner as well as ensuring that hygiene and health and safety standards are maintained in the laboratory and preparation areas.
• To undertake basic maintenance and cleaning of equipment and to organise its construction, cleaning, servicing and repair as required in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep up to date with health and safety regulations and with developments in practical science, attending relevant courses and reading publications;
• To work in close association with other technical staff to assist in keeping areas neat, clean, tidy and in a safe condition in readiness for lessons, as well as cleaning and making safe spills, breakages and related incidents that require careful handling and ensuring.

Additional Responsibilities

• Carry out and ensure that photocopying is carried out and filing on behalf of the relevant areas as well as other general admin duties required from time to time.
• To carry out specific tasks as directed by the Coordinator of Science/Senior Science Technician during academy holiday periods.
• To participate in academy day trips as requested.
• To support the overall work of the Science Department, as requested.

Qualifications, Knowledge & Training

• Educated to A Level or equivalent (A Level in either physics, chemistry or biology)
• COSHH training as appropriate
• Basic knowledge of Health and Safety regulations
• Good understanding of a range of chemicals and their properties

Experience

• Experience or solid understanding of working as a technician in a school or educational establishment, undertaking a range of practical tasks
• Experience of managing and being responsible for own workload.

Personal Skills, Abilities & Qualities

• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
• Excellent organisational and planning skills, including prioritising tasks
• Ability to think creatively to anticipate and solve problems
• Ability to encourage and inspire young people to achieve
• Ability to work as part of a team; working effectively with people across a wide range of levels and responsibilities.
• Computer literate – must have good ICT skills including a working knowledge of MS packages
• Ability to work using own initiative, exercising good judgement where unsupervised.
• Flexibility of approach to work
• Ability to carry out routine maintenance of equipment
• Ability to contribute to the maintenance of accurate work records and inventories

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.