+ 1 WEEK DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY PERIOD

Epsom College is a co-educational day and boarding school with approximately 1100 pupils aged 11-18. Founded in 1855 as the Royal Medical Benevolent Foundation, a strong science tradition is maintained, with a significant and growing proportion of leavers going on to study medicine or related disciplines.
There is a strong and ambitious commitment to the 3 separate sciences and the highly successful Physics department has a number of pupils who opt to study the subject at GCSE and A Level.
Each of the three science disciplines, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, runs independently of each other in separate buildings with their own technical staff. There is however a reasonable level of inter-departmental collaboration between teaching and technical staff. The Physics Department has 7 laboratories, together with stores, prep. room and staff areas, and there are 7 teachers supported a Senior Technician and a Technician.
The technical support staff are responsible for: the preparation of class practicals, practicals for examinations, maintenance of equipment, consumables, administration of systems including the electronic requisitioning system, the general servicing of laboratories, and supporting teaching and learning in the department by discussing new practical work with relevant teaching staff.
We are seeking to recruit a Senior Physics Technician to provide technical and teaching resources support to the Physics department.
The applicant would ideally have a technical background and physics and electrical knowledge would be desirable. He/she must be organised and methodical in their approach, cheerful, well presented and work co-operatively within the department. The Senior Technician will be required to manage the workload and the other technician. IT skills are a distinct advantage. Previous experience of working within a classroom/laboratory would be advantageous.
Practical knowledge in setting up and maintaining equipment along with experience working within a hands-on technical environment is essential. The setting up of the equipment will at times be of a physical nature and may involve lifting and manual handling some large apparatus. The role would suit an individual who enjoys constructing apparatus associated with physics whilst working within a professional laboratory/classroom environment.
The Technician is immediately responsible to the Head of Department and ultimately to the Chief Operating Officer/Bursar, and they will be expected to work in co-operation with all members of the Physics Department.
Specific duties will include:
¨ Preparation of equipment for class practical lessons
¨ Day to day supervision of the Technician
¨ Preparation of equipment for examinations (making apparatus as instructed by the examinations board).
¨ Maintenance of the department’s equipment, making repairs as and when needed.
¨ Communicating with the teaching staff withing the department.
¨ Constructing pieces of apparatus as required by the teaching staff.
¨ In liaison with the Head of Department, ordering materials, checking deliveries against orders, maintaining records.
¨ Keeping check on radioactive sources.
¨ Adhering to Health and Safety regulations.
¨ Label, mark up and distribute files and stationery for the start of the year.
¨ Assist the HOD in completing the technician’s appraisal.
¨ In liaison with the Head of Department, complete an annual audit of equipment noting any breakages or equipment requiring maintenance.
¨ Take a lead on Health and Safety in the Department, keeping up to date with Cleapss notification and raise any potential issues with the HOD
¨ Before each term ensure the Department is ready and prepared for the first teaching day
¨ Carrying out all duties and responsibilities in line with safeguarding procedures and protocols.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

¨ Have a science degree or higher qualification and/or technical experience.
¨ Possess practical skills in constructing apparatus for class practicals.
¨ Able to supervise and manage the other technician in a motivational and professional manner, providing advice and guidance as required.
¨ An appreciation and understanding of safeguarding protocols within a school environment.
¨ Able to life and move objects in line with Manual Handling guidelines.
¨ Up to date with health and safety procedures laboratory/technical workshop.
¨ Have up to date IT and competent administrative skills
¨ Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task in fulfilling requests from several staff, often to tight deadlines.
¨ Able to stay calm under pressure, be professional and discreet.
¨ Reliable and flexible, with a can-do approach to all duties and responsibilities in a professional and helpful manner.
¨ Effective communication skills in order to communicate across the department.
¨ Be a team player.
¨ Enjoys working in a school environment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE/ATTRIBUTES

¨ Experience of working with young people between 11-18
¨ Physics Degree or equivalent qualification.
¨ Experience working within a laboratory or school prep room environment.
¨ Electrical knowledge/experience.
¨ Familiarity with CLEAPSS and other safety organisations.
The selection panel reserves the right to enhance any or all of the desirable criteria to attain a manageable field.

¨ Issuing textbooks and keeping records on computer/preparing charge sheets at the end of the year.
¨ Keeping check on stock and ordering consumables as and when needed.
¨ Reporting to Works Department of any damage or mechanical/electrical breakdowns.
¨ Ordering stationery for the beginning of each term.
¨ Making sure all I.T equipment is working correctly.
¨ Photocopying for members of the teaching staff.
The above list is not exhaustive: the actual tasks will reflect the departmental and pupils’ needs and subject to change.
All employees must be aware of the responsibility placed on them under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and that the agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe working environment.
Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment including regular training attendance.