Senior Science Technician

Job Title: Senior Science Technician (Science Department), 

Responsible to: Head of Science

Working Hours: 35 hours per week, 41 weeks per year, plus 4 weeks paid holiday. The Senior Science Technician works during school terms, with a further 10 days to cover the days adjacent to the beginning and end of term and school in-service days.

    

General Description of Duties

• To provide high-level technical advice and guidance to the Head of Science, the other teaching staff, technicians and pupils in the design and delivery of the science curriculum and to support the development of other projects as necessary.

• To lead and co-ordinate the technical support function in the Science subject area, including ensuring that the technician team is developed and organised to achieve its performance standards.

• Budget Accounting and Ordering - to maintain a record of budget spending, including ordering and stock control

Key Tasks

1. Under the overall guidance of the Subject Co-Ordinators and the Head of Science, the post holder will co-ordinate the use and development of practical resources and facilities in supporting the staff and the practical needs of the science curriculum. This will include proactive networking (e.g. with cross-departmental working groups and membership of appropriate professional bodies)

2. The post holder will have overall responsibility, within the specialist work area, for the promotion and observance of a safe working environment via:

• Pro-actively contributing to the assessment, monitoring and review of both safety procedures and the local 'safety information resource'

• Keeping abreast of 'best practice' through networking and continuing professional development

• Provision of advice to teachers

• Monitoring the safe disposal of used materials, including any dangerous substances, and dealing pro-actively with real or potential hazards in line with COSHH regulations.

• Ensuring the safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials

3. In consultation with the Head of Science, the Subject Co-Ordinators, and in accordance with the school’s financial procedures, the post holder will be responsible for setting, operating and monitoring the systems used in the management and control of practical resources including:

• Stock control, compiling orders, liaising and negotiating with suppliers of goods or services, and maintaining the relevant supplier database 

• Recording and monitoring expenditure

• Ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment and pro-actively looking at any suitable alternatives that are in line with 'best value' principles

• Liaising with the Estate Team and IT support to maintain the labs and equipment in a suitable state.

4. The post holder will undertake the lead role within Science on any routine and non-routine checking, maintenance, calibration, cleaning and fault investigation and resolution of equipment carried out within the department to the required standard. This will also include the development of low maintenance equipment and apparatus that is 'fit for purpose' as/when required

5. The post holder will have a specific responsibility for the support of any of the 3 departments. They must ensure that:

• Materials and equipment are provided as required by the teaching staff, and are returned clean and in working order to the appropriate stores after use.

• The laboratories and prep-rooms are maintained in a clean, safe and orderly fashion.

• The equipment is regularly checked and maintained, and appropriate stocks of resources, including stationery are maintained.

• Apparatus required for practical activities are set up and tested.

• To provide appropriate support for practical activities in lessons etc clubs as required.

• The post holder liaises with the Subject Co-Ordinators on a daily basis to ensure the smooth operation of the department.

The above list is not exhaustive and The Maynard School reserves the right to vary the detail of this job description if necessary.

The Maynard is committed to the safeguarding of children and child protection screening is applied to all posts.