Responsibilities
Duties will include:
1. To maintain a safe working environment for staff and students
2. To deputise for the Senior Science Technician (where applicable) in the event of temporary absence
3. To be responsible for ensuring that cover work, set by teaching staff, is placed in classrooms and that this is then collected, to be given to staff on their return, to ensure that subsequent requisitions are altered to take into account cover situations.
4. To prepare materials and equipment as required by the departmental staff
5. To prepare practical lessons & examinations; setting out apparatus, cleaning away
6. To refill, label and clean laboratory reagent bottles, acids, alkalis, indicators, etc
7. To make up stock solutions when required and regularly review labelling requirements of chemical stock
8. To assist the department staff with the delivery of practical lessons or demonstrate specialist techniques (ecology collecting methods, microbiology techniques, microscrope work); and under the instruction/guidance of the teacher to support students during practical work/demonstrations
9. To share good practice acquired from CPD with other technicians and teachers
10. To ensure rooms and equipment are kept clean and tidy and that safety regulations are met, including checking equipment for safety, cleaning and sterilising equipment and advising students on safety aspects of particular practicals, to maintain updateable stock recording system on computer
11. To assist with the creation of files and cataloguing of articles for student research and staff use
12. To assist with corridor and classroom display board upkeep
13. To record breakages and loans, in accordance with the academy policy, if appropriate
14. To provide assistance with clubs and project work within the department during contracted hours
15. To assist in devising and maintaining regular inventories of materials, books, and equipment and conducting regular stock takes
16. To assist in the management of Health & Safety within the department and ensure that Health & Safety requirements and other regulations are observed, this may involve undertaking regular risk assessments as appropriate to the work area.
17. To liaise with the site staff regarding the maintenance of machinery in particular where there may be Health & Safety implications
18. To carry out routine checking of equipment, repairing faults and arranging for repair where this cannot be performed in-house
19. To attend departmental meetings and team meetings
20. To assist in the administrative support for the department
General Requirements
• The post holder will be expected to carry out all duties in the context of and in compliance with all the academy policies
• To be aware of and take part in the academy’s performance management framework and participate in training & development activities as required
• To participate in personal and team reviews and meetings
Future Prospects
The possibility of a permanent position within the science department upon successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Skills Required
• Able to prepare chemicals, biological material and physics equipment to specific requirements
• Physically able to cope with moderate lifting and moving between three floors
• Prepared to provide class practical demonstrations
• Able to demonstrate enthusiasm and good subject knowledge
Qualities Required
• Able to work calmly and effectively with students
• Computer literate, able to use IT based administrative systems
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Flexible, adaptable, results orientated and able to prioritise, resilient under pressure
• Able to work under their own initiative
• Able to work with personnel from all levels
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to the achievement of the Academy’s overall vision
Qualifications Required
Maths and English GCSE (or equivalent) grade 4/C or above.
Training Provided
Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship Standard
Level 2 Functional Skills maths and English (if required)
