Science Technician (with some duties in Art/DT/Food faculty)

Smithdon High School are looking to appoint an Science Technician (with some duties in Art/DT/Food faculty) to join their team.

The role will involve primarily working in the Science department. Although there will be some times when you will work supporting the Art, Design Technology and Food department.

Start Date: Sept 2026

Hours: 25 hrs per week, 38 weeks per year (term time only)

Salary: Scale E, point 8, £13.90/hour

Email: recruitment@westnorfolkacademiestrust.co.uk

Smithdon High School: https://www.smithdonhigh.org.uk/

Purpose of the Job

To contribute to the achievement of Smithdon High School Science Department’s objectives by supporting the practical and technical aspects of the science curriculum. This will involve preparing, providing and maintaining resources required for safe and secure practical activities carried out by staff and students.

Responsibilities, but not limited to:

●       Coordinate the use of practical resources and facilities and provide assistance and advice in meeting the practical needs of the science curriculum, including liaising with teaching staff and support staff outside the department.

●       To ensure the maintenance of a healthy & safe working environment through:

●       Actively contributing to the assessment, monitoring and review of both health & safety procedures and information resources;

●       Keeping up to date with current procedures and practices through continuing professional development;

●       The provision of technical advice and support on health & safety issues to teaching and trainee technical staff;

●       The safe treatment & disposal of used materials including hazardous substances and responding to actual or potential hazards;

●       The healthy & safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials.

●       To contribute to the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long-term projects.

●       Ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment, compiling orders and liaising or negotiating with suppliers and finance departments. This will include sourcing, costing and suggesting economic alternatives to maintain stock levels.

●       Ensure that both routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment are carried out to the required standard.

Main tasks

●       To efficiently provide equipment for demonstration or practical lessons as requested by teaching staff as per departmental guidelines.

●       To be familiar with the storage of worksheets and practical instructions, both on paper and electronically, and be able to access and interpret them effectively.

●       To ensure that equipment, materials and apparatus are removed from the laboratory after lessons and cleaned and stored ready for future use, or disposed of if appropriate.

●       To undertake repairs when necessary and, where applicable, recommend or arrange outside repairs, replacement or maintenance.

●       To ensure that any scientific debris or hazardous materials/spills are removed from the sinks, benchtops and other areas to provide a safe environment for cleaning staff and others. To deal with spillages/emergencies during practical activities.

●       To ensure that gas and water taps are turned off, and that electrical connections, chemical solutions and other materials are left stored in a safe and secure condition, ready for re-use.

●       To be aware of, and to comply with, all departmental/school instructions and procedures relating to health and safety at work and to recognise the main responsibilities required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation.

●       To contribute to safe working practice in preparation/storage/teaching areas.

●       To undertake general tasks according to the needs of the department, such as maintenance of laboratories, preparation of store rooms, transporting supplies, reprographic duties and preparation of audio/visual materials as required by departmental teaching staff, etc.

●       To undertake any other duties within the scope of the post, as required by the Head of Department or other appropriate supervisors.

Personal and Professional Conduct

A member of staff is expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. They are to uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school.

For a full job description and personal specification please click the link below.

The duties and responsibilities listed in the job description provide a summary of the main aspects of the role. This is not an exhaustive list and the post holder may be required to carry out other tasks, as deemed appropriate to the grade and nature of the post.

Closing Date for Applications: 28 August 2026

Interview Dates: Sept 2026

Start Date: Sept 2026

How to apply

For this vacancy, please click the 'Apply for Job' button, to complete our online application form.

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable field is met.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from minority ethnic communities and those with disabilities. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

As part of our recruitment process it is necessary for us to perform an online social media check. The reason for the online search is to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet the safeguarding duties set out in KCSIE. There is no other purpose for a search.

This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualifications) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. 

West Norfolk Academies Trust is fully committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, eliminating discrimination. Applications are invited from all sections of society.

Please click here to view a copy of the Trusts Leave and time off policy