PROVIDING A FULL AND ROUNDED EDUCATION IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING A CHILD’S POTENTIAL. FROM THEIR FIRST DAY IN OUR NURSERY TO THEIR LAST DAY IN SIXTH FORM, WOODHOUSE GROVE STUDENTS ARE OFFERED A WEALTH OF OPPORTUNITIES, BOTH ACADEMIC AND CO-CURRICULAR.

JOB TITLE: Science Lab Technician
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Department: Science
SALARY: Minimum £12.60 per hour.
HOURS OF WORK 37.5 hours per week
Monday to Friday
8.15am to 4.15pm (including 30 min unpaid lunch break)
Term Time Only
HOLIDAY Statutory Minimum Entitlement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:

• 5 GCSEs including Science, Maths and English
• A Level/BTec/Level 3 qualification in Science

Desirable:

• Education to degree level (Science based)

EXPERIENCE

Essential:
· Experience working/studying in a professional Science setting

Desirable:

• Experience of working as a school Science Technician
• Experience of supporting pupils in a classroom environment

KNOWLEDGE

Essential:

• Responsible and conscientious codes of practice approach to Health and Safety

Desirable:

• Knowledge of CLEAPSS and safe working practice when dealing with hazardous substances.

SKILLS

Essential:

• Good oral, written communication and numeracy skills
• Knowledge of chemicals and the ability to prepare solutions
• Ability to work independently and use your initiative to pre-empt further issues
• Confident and competent use of ICT
• Ability to prioritise effectively
• Meticulous approach to record keeping
• Ability to follow instructions but make good judgements and lead when required
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions
• Willingness to learn new systems and establish new procedures

Desirable:

• Training in First Aid

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

At Woodhouse Grove, we believe that practical activities and skill development is at the centre of the science curriculum. Our science subjects are a popular A-level choice and our students and parents have high expectations of the range of experiences they are offered in class. As a Science Technician, you will work closely with the Heads of Department to support teaching and learning across all science subjects and age ranges. You will be expected to respond to requests to deliver technical service to facilitate the practical aspects of science education. You will be able to work closely with students, teachers and other technicians and be able to be flexible enough to meet their individual needs. The organisation, delivery, maintenance and replacement of resources and equipment will be managed so that barriers to practical teaching and learning and therefore pupil progress are removed.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare solutions and assemble apparatus in order to ensure that the correct resources are available for practical lessons (up to A Level Biology standard).
• Deliver equipment to classes and collect, check and return equipment to the stores to ensure that it is safely, securely and appropriately stored.
• Clear away after practicals and wash all the used glassware.
• General housekeeping of the laboratories.
• Assist in the preparation and clearing away from Open Mornings twice per year.
• Support the provision of our STEM club.
• Carry out maintenance checks and arrange for repairs as necessary to ensure that all equipment is safe and ready to use in lessons.
• Coordinate and organise the inventory of equipment and stock control in order to maintain a supply of equipment for teaching use.
• Undertake stock checks and ensures that all chemicals are stored safely and secure to ensure the health and safety of students and staff in the school.
• Perform health and safety checks and ensure equipment and laboratories are clean and tidy in order to maintain a safe and stimulating learning environment for students.
• Provide information for students and teachers on the correct way to handle equipment and chemicals in order to avoid accidents and/or damage to equipment.
• Assist with demonstrations on how to use equipment and provide technical support to students and teachers (experienced and trainees) including health and safety advice to ensure that correct procedures are adhered to at all times.
• Order equipment and arrange for repairs as directed and maintain accurate financial records to ensure that school financial procedures are adhered to and expenditure is kept within budget.
• Receive and check deliveries of supplies to ensure accuracy from suppliers.
• Liaise with equipment providers to ensure good quality provision and value for money.
• Liaising with academic staff to discuss timetables, equipment requirements and work plans.
• Running trials of experiments prior to classes and then demonstrating techniques for experiments.
• Record keeping, e.g. for students’ practical sessions, tracking methods, results, etc.
• Assist classroom teachers as directed to produce creative classroom displays that can be used to enhance classroom practice.
• Keep abreast with Health and Safety regulations pertinent to the classroom and preparation room, amending and improving procedures where required.
  The post holder may be required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to posts may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed.