Dunottar School - Science Technician (full time during term time)

Overview

Dunottar has a well-established Science department. All science subjects are taught separately in Years 7-11. From Year 9, pupils commence their Science GCSEs taking AQA science in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Combined Science. At A level, the AQA and OCR specification is followed.

The Science department has good facilities with six spacious, well-equipped laboratories and two preparation rooms. The Science Technician is responsible for completing tasks under the guidance of the Lead Science Technician, to support the teaching and learning of pupils at the school. This will cover all 3 sciences: Biology, Chemistry and Physics. There are many enrichment opportunities available for pupils in science (and in the wider school) and involvement in these is encouraged and welcomed.

Generic Responsibilities

The role of a technician in the science department involves:

▪   The support of science staff in their teaching

▪   Receive and discuss details of the weekly requirements from science staff, reviewing availability, alerting teachers to possible clashes of lessons and equipment.

▪   Preparation of materials, making up accurate chemical solutions and assembling apparatus as required by teaching staff for demonstrations and class experiments.

▪   Preparing and delivering practical experiments on time.

▪   Removing all apparatus and chemicals at the end of lessons and cleaning all apparatus. Disposing of all waste, including the treatment and disposal of hazardous waste.

▪   Ensuring good order in the laboratories at all times, to include replacing apparatus and essential laboratory sundries.

▪   Maintain safe and secure storage of materials and apparatus including hazardous items. Regular checking of the condition of chemicals. Ensuing chemicals are correctly labelled using current nomenclature and appropriate hazard labels.

▪   Updating departmental stock lists following stock taking.

▪   Maintaining standards of health and safety in the science department, advising teachers and students on health and safety aspects of their classroom experiments. Recognising potential dangers and taking appropriate action. Safely handling hazardous substances.

▪   Maintenance of stock levels. Researching equipment prior to purchase. Obtaining materials by local purchase.

▪   Maintenance of equipment and apparatus to include simple repairs such as soldering and glass working, fault finding and rectifying.

▪   Constructing and testing prototypes and modifying apparatus as required facilitating safe and efficient operation.

▪   Trialling experiments and apparatus to improve results, checking chemical reactions to determine the required concentrations of solutions. Suggesting innovative ideas for demonstrating a particular scientific concept and adapting common items for new experiments.

▪   Taking care of the plants kept in the laboratories for use in experiments. Looking after any animals brought into science or collected by technicians for specific experiments.

▪   Accompanying groups of students on field trips and educational trips.

▪   Sharing specialist knowledge within the technician team to ensure best practice. Attending training courses to improve and update skills.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and the post holder may perform other duties reasonably required by the Headmaster. The school reserves the right to make an appointment at any stage during the recruitment process therefore early applications are encouraged.

Person Specification

Professional Qualifications & Skills

▪   Relevant science knowledge or experience in the role as a School Technician is desirable

▪   Excellent oral and written English

▪   An interest in developing Science learning further through practical investigations

Personal qualities

▪   High levels of personal and professional integrity

▪   Commitment to outstanding education

▪   High degrees of self-confidence

▪   Personal warmth, good rapport with pupils, colleagues and parents

▪   Excellent organisational skills

▪   Appropriate levels of personal presentation

▪   Confident use with ICT

Philosophy and Ethos

▪   A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

▪   Commitment to best practice in classroom support and student welfare

Dunottar School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all staff understand and share this commitment. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Benefits

As part of United Learning, we offer competitive salaries, pension scheme, fee reduction for staff children, lunch during term time, access to sports facilities and an extensive range of benefits via a United Learning Rewards Scheme.