Science Technician

We are looking for a dynamic individual with a passion for Science to support our team of dedicated and experienced professionals in delivering engaging and exciting lessons and creating a love of Science among all our pupils.  The successful applicant will play an integral role in the Science department and will have the opportunity to work closely with all our Science teachers.  

The role is full-time for 37.5 hours a week, term time only, (normally 34.8 weeks), but applications from those wishing to work part-time will also be considered.

The Science Technician is responsible to the Head of Science.

Responsibilities include:

Teaching and Learning  

• Assisting teachers in the Science department with tasks relating to preparing for practical lessons     
• Preparing and setting out equipment and materials for lessons     
• On occasion assisting teachers during a practical lesson     
• Preparing equipment for practical examinations     
• Monitoring and maintaining stocks of bench chemicals, making up and refilling as required from stock     
• Organising minor repairs and regular maintenance of equipment as required     
• Constructing and modifying apparatus     
• Ordering new and replacement equipment, checking delivery of orders, and reconciling orders with invoices     
• Supporting the Head of Science with the annual stocktake and running inventories of the department’s resources     
• Supporting the Head of Science in the organisation of promotional activities and events

Health and Safety  

• Keeping abreast of updates on safety recommendations from CLEAPSS and other bodies to support the safe practices of the department     
• Clearing, washing and storing equipment safely after lessons     
• Working as required to support the teaching of Food Technology within the Science department – preparing for lessons, ordering food and equipment and assisting with practical lessons as needed
• Carrying out annual safety checks throughout the department
• Tidying and undertaking specialist cleaning of the laboratories and Food Technology  
• Maintaining an up-to-date first aid qualification (for which training is provided)

Marketing and external links, including public occasions

All staff are expected to contribute to the positive promotion and marketing of the school in the local and wider community, where possible, by     

• Actively supporting educational outreach and promoting the key stage, phase or department within the school community to encourage pupils’ interest in the subject area or school.     
• Promoting the whole school in a variety of different contexts, including attending marketing events where appropriate, and in interactions with parents and prospective parents and  pupils.

Whole School

All staff share responsibility for the good running of the school by:     

• Setting an excellent example to all pupils and maintaining high professional standards at all times.     
• Maintaining and promoting the reputation of the school.     
• Understanding and demonstrating an active commitment to the safeguarding of pupils and staff through adherence to and development of policy and practice. attending departmental and other staff meetings as required

Person specification  

• Minimum NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in science subjects     
• Experience of working within a school science laboratory or similar environment preferred     
• Knowledge of health and safety requirements     
• Some knowledge of Science curriculum from Key Stage 3 to A-level desirable     
• Strong IT skills     
• Able to work as part of a team to support the work of the Science department     
• Commitment to the education of children and the fostering of their wellbeing and personal development     
• Credibility with pupils, colleagues and others     
• Strong communication skills – speaking, writing and listening – and the ability to engage effectively with colleagues, pupils and others     
• Ability to work under pressure     
• Energy, resilience and resourcefulness     
• A love of learning, challenge and ambition     
• Patience, compassion and understanding     
• A sense of humour and a sense of proportion     
• Efficiency, reliability and flexibility     
• Self-motivated and proactive     
• Conscientious and hardworking     
• Appreciation of the importance of maintaining compliance with the requirements of the Department for Education (DfE), the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB). Mandatory safeguarding training is provided

Hours of work

The hours of work are Monday - Friday, 37.5 hours each week during term time only with a daily 30-minute unpaid lunch break.  Start and finish times will be agreed with the successful candidate.

Pay and benefits

The annual salary for the full-time post will be £24,240 including holiday pay (pro-rata for part-time hours).

Non-teaching staff are invited to join the school’s contributory Standard Life Group Personal Pension Scheme.

Support staff are offered membership of the Westfield Health cash plan. There is car parking on site, and the School is easily accessible by bus.

All salaried staff, full or part-time, may be entitled to a fee remission, 50% for full-time staff and pro rata for part-time staff.  Please see the school's policy for details of eligibility.

Subject to the ending of Covid-19 restrictions, at specified times, staff may use the school’s Fitness Suite, and  during Trinity Term staff may use the swimming pool at the advertised times.  Lunch  is provided in the school dining room during term time, and refreshments are provided at morning break and teatime.  Catering arrangements are subject to change to comply with Covid-19 regulations.

How to apply

Applications (application form, accompanying letter and full curriculum vitae with contact details for two referees) should be addressed to the Head, Miss Joanne Croft, and sent by email to the  Human Resources Manager, Ms Ellen Phelips (ephelips@ryestantony.co.uk; 01865 229227).

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 6 August 2021 and interviews will be held shortly thereafter.

Safeguarding

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment.