Science Technician

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

About Us

Since opening in 2011, Harris Academy Beckenham has gone from strength to strength. We have been oversubscribed for the last three years, rapidly becoming the school of choice in the local area. Our GCSE and A Level results have improved each year, with our English and Maths combined score in 2016 reaching an outstanding 80% A*-C. Our ambition and aspiration will ensure that we continue to focus on the success of all of our students, irrespective of background. Since converting, results have dramatically improved and we secured a judgment of ‘Outstanding' from Ofsted in 2017.

Why work at Harris Academy Beckenham?

‘The school's culture of aspiration and ambition is clearly demonstrated in classes. Teachers are aspirational for their pupils and set high expectations for them. Pupils respond positively. They are determined to do their best and are confident about meeting ambitious targets set by their teachers.' (OFSTED 2017)

We invest in training and resources for our staff to help them make lessons fun, interesting and engaging. Class sizes are kept as small as possible and we place a firm emphasis on good behaviour so that students can learn in a calm and orderly environment.

It is our ethos of "Aspire, Discover, Achieve" that was recognised and praised in our recent inspection, and which contributed to Harris Academy Beckenham being judged as ‘outstanding' in every category. In addition, the outstanding progress made by our students, placing us as the most successful school in Bromley (Progress 8 2016), vastly impressed the inspectors.

We have a harmonious community with excellent relationships between students and staff, and our students have a focused and mature attitude towards their academic studies.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting and advising teaching staff on the preparation and layout in classrooms for practical exercises, running trials of experiments, demonstrations and helping students with learning activities
• Ensuring equipment and materials prepared for lessons are to the specification of the teacher requisitions
• Advising students on the safe and proper use of tools and equipment and on the correct and safe way to carry out learning activities, and advising advise staff 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
• Assisting in the safety, repair and general maintenance of all resources, equipment and tools
• Taking responsibility for the welfare and care of the plants and animals in the science area
• Ensuring understanding of science syllabus and schemes of work
• Assisting with stock keeping
• Undertaking safety checks and risk assessments
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations
• Assisting in ensuring that all equipment and materials are stored safely, securely and in good condition
• Safe disposal of used chemicals/hazardous waste and ensuring that hygiene and health and safety standards are maintained in the laboratory and preparation areas
• Undertaking basic maintenance and cleaning of equipment
• Assisting in keeping areas neat, clean, tidy and in a safe condition in readiness for lessons

Qualifications & Experience

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• Qualifications 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 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

For a full job description and person specification, please download the job pack.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

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.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

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 young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

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

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.