Senior Science Technician (Part-Time)

• Good practical scientific knowledge and an understanding of safe laboratory working practices.
• Knowledge of the safe handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and scientific materials.
• Understanding of the importance of risk assessment and appropriate control measures.
• Understanding of the importance of maintaining accurate stock and inventory records.
• Awareness of health and safety responsibilities within a laboratory or practical working environment.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities when working in a school.
• Knowledge of CLEAPSS guidance and its application within school science.
• Knowledge of COSHH requirements and relevant health and safety legislation.
• Understanding of the practical requirements of the secondary science curriculum and examinations.
• Knowledge of appropriate procedures for preparing solutions, cultures, slides, specimens and other practical science materials.

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of practical science, laboratory or technical work, or demonstrable experience that provides equivalent relevant skills.
• Experience of safely handling equipment, materials and/or chemicals.
• Experience of organising resources, maintaining accurate records and managing stock.
• Experience of working effectively as part of a team.
• Previous experience as a Science Technician or Senior Science Technician in a secondary school.
• Experience of supporting practical work across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
• Experience of supervising, coordinating or supporting the work of other staff.
• Experience of ordering equipment and consumables and contributing to budget management.
• Experience of maintaining and carrying out minor repairs to scientific equipment.
• Experience of preparing practical materials for public examinations.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage workload effectively.
• Ability to prepare scientific apparatus, equipment, chemicals and materials accurately and safely.
• Ability to follow technical instructions, procedures and risk assessments.
• Ability to identify hazards and take appropriate action to minimise risk.
• Ability to maintain equipment and undertake appropriate minor repairs.
• Ability to maintain accurate inventories, stock-control systems and other records.
• Good ICT skills and the ability to use technology for record keeping, communication and administrative tasks.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently using initiative while recognising when advice or authorisation is required.
• Ability to work collaboratively and develop positive working relationships with teaching and support staff.
• Ability to supervise, organise and support the work and development of technician staff.
• Ability to remain organised and respond appropriately when priorities change.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A good standard of general education, including literacy and numeracy.
• Relevant scientific knowledge sufficient to support practical work across a secondary school Science Department.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training and continuing professional development.
• Willingness to undertake required safeguarding, health and safety and school training.
• A relevant science, laboratory or technical qualification.
• Relevant health and safety, laboratory or technician training.
• CLEAPSS-related training or equivalent school science safety training.
• First-aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.

APTITUDES

• A careful, methodical and safety-conscious approach to work.
• Reliable, punctual and well organised.
• Proactive and able to use initiative.
• Approachable, supportive and able to work positively with others.
• A commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate professional judgement.
• Willingness to contribute flexibly to the wider work of the Science Department and school.
• Commitment to equality of opportunity and treating others with dignity and respect.
• Commitment to the school’s ethos, aims and values.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Willingness to participate in appraisal, training and continuing professional development.

LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION

• Ability to plan and coordinate the deployment of technician support according to departmental priorities.
• Ability to provide clear direction, support and guidance to technician staff.
• Ability to identify and support training and development needs.
• Ability to work constructively with the Head of Science and teaching staff to ensure an effective technical service.
• Ability to model high standards of professionalism, safety and working practice.

ADDITIONAL

• Willingness and ability to carry out the practical requirements of the role safely.
• Willingness to work in accordance with all school policies and procedures, particularly those relating to safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, equality, confidentiality and data protection.
• Suitability to work with children and young people, subject to the school’s required safeguarding and pre-employment checks.