School Science Technician

Main Purpose of the job:    To establish and maintain a first class and dynamic technical support service, compliant with all relevant legislation associated with the post. Responsible to:    Head Teacher   School Type:     A small independent school for girls aged 4 to 16.  Hours:     3 days per week (Monday / Wednesday / Thursday), term-time. 8.30am – 3.45pm + up to 5 additional days at any other time dependent on the requirements of the Science department.  General:  • The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. • This job description only contains the main accountabilities relating to this post and does not describe in detail all the tasks required to carry them out.  The Science Technician is expected to be flexible to ensure the most effective organization and delivery of support to the Science Teachers.  There is an expectation that all who work at Park School for Girls will:  • Have respect and care for students and all other adults.  • Set the highest possible standards through the ways in which we behave, talk to each other and strive for excellence in all that we do.   Job Purpose:   • Implementation and dissemination of all appropriate H & S legislation and guidance with respect to science education, including C.O.S.H.H.  • Keeping up to date with developments in practical science and health and safety requirements. • To ensure that statutory safety regulations and safe practice is complied with. • Carrying out risk assessments for technician activities. • Carrying out health and safety checks on laboratories, prep rooms and stores • Practical preparation, including materials, equipment, standard solutions and specimens.  • Setting up, testing and occasionally demonstrating practical equipment to ensure that Students gain the most from the scientific experience. • Innovating and creating new equipment. • Recovery of residues, and safe disposal of waste in accordance with legislation.  • Liaising with teaching staff to develop new practical ideas and advise on schemes of work.  • Developing new systems in the laboratories and prep rooms to improve the technical support service. • Carrying out or co-ordinating repairs, calibration and maintenance of Science Department equipment.  • Developing and maintaining a thorough stock control and order system  • Inventory Management  • Ensuring an up to date chemical database exists  • Developing and maintaining laboratory documentation systems including organisation of practical work sheets, hazard data and legal records.  • To use time responsibly and to be punctual and maintain a high level of attendance.  • Such other duties as shall from time to time be agreed with the Head Teacher.   Other Duties:   Be prepared to undertake any other duties commensurate with the general level of responsibility of the post which may be decided by the Head Teacher or Governors in accordance with the changing needs of the department and the school.  Attend and participate in staff and working group meetings and training as appropriate.  Person Specification:   The following are requirements for this post:  • A science background, preferably qualified to degree level. • Relevant previous experience and familiarity with the handling of chemicals and scientific equipment. • A very good understanding of laboratory safety • High standards of achievement and professionalism  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.  • Good organisational and planning skills including prioritising tasks.  • Ability to initiate within own role. • Thinking creatively to anticipate and solve problems  • Successful experience of working within teams.  • Staying calm and cheerful when working under pressure.  • Confident in offering support and guidance to staff and students.  • Sharing and contributing to the aims and ethos of the school. • Commitment to personal development of self.  • Being prepared to take advice, recognising own need for development and being keen to learn new skills.  • To have a good health and attendance record, and being committed to maintaining this to carry out the post effectively and efficiently.   • Successful experience of managing and organising own work.