Science Technician

At Wetherby Senior School we seek to employ highly professional teachers with the ability and commitment to enhance the life of the School and to work effectively and collaboratively with all members of the School community to further establish and develop the School. Our emphasis on educating the whole boy means that all members of staff are expected to contribute to the pastoral care of a group of students as a Form Tutor as well as contributing to the School’s co-curricular activities.

Job Specification

 Support for Teachers:   

·      Prepare experiments as directed by science teaching staff for lessons and clear away afterwards.

·      Trial experiments in advance, in consultation with heads of department.

·      Assist with experiments in the lesson as directed by the science teaching staff.

·      Audit science equipment and manage ordering of equipment as required by department.

·      Assist with general laboratory clear up.

·      Provide clerical/administrative support throughout the department, e.g. photocopying, typing, filing, etc.

·      In consultation with the Head of Science, type up risk assessments based on notes from teachers, and maintain the online risk assessment database.

·      Giving technical advice to teachers, technicians and students.

·      Implementation and dissemination of all appropriate H & S legislation and guidance with respect to science education, including C.O.S.H.H and CLEAPSS.

·      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.

·      Promote safe treatment & disposal of used materials including hazardous substances and responding to actual or potential hazards.

Support for Pupils

·      Supervise and support pupils ensuring their safety and access to learning in the science department.

·      Establish good relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and being aware of, and responding appropriately to, individual needs.

·      Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all pupils.

Support for the School:

·      Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

·      Be aware of and support difference and ensure all pupils have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop.

·      Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.

·      Appreciate and support the role of other professionals.

·      Attend relevant meetings as required

·      Attend Open Mornings and Evenings (as per the School Calendar), assisting with setting up and clearing away

·      Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required.

·      Accompany teaching staff and pupils on day trips and out of school activities as required.

·      Set high standards in terms of dress, language and behaviour.     

·      Abide by the objectives and targets of the school, and follow the procedures and practices utilised in all aspects of the work, including computerised and manual systems and the maintenance of relevant records.

·      Fulfil personal requirements where appropriate with regard to school policies and procedures, particularly safeguarding, health and safety, equal opportunities, customer care and promotion of the school’s core values.

·      Monitor the state of the laboratories and their furniture, including gas taps, sinks, water taps, plugs and electrical sockets and to report any issues to the site manager.

·      Where possible, to carry out minor repairs to equipment, or to arrange for repairs where necessary. Ensuring teaching areas are in good order with stocked equipment stations, viable sinks and a generally safe environment.

·      To care for animals and plants in the Science area.

·      Carry out local shopping for materials required for practical lessons.

·      Induction and training of new teaching staff by providing technical support on the practical aspects of the curriculum.

·      To undertake First Aid Training (First Aid at Work) and carry out that role, if required.

·      To undertake Fire Warden training and carry out that role, if required.

Qualifications:

·      Able to work constructively as part of a team, understanding classroom roles and responsibilities.

·      Ability to relate well to children and adults.

·      Appropriate knowledge of first aid.

·      A good working knowledge of school science from KS3 upwards.

·      Experience of working as a Science Technician in a senior school environment would be advantageous.

·      Be willing to accept specific responsibilities within the department as determined in discussion with the Head of Science.

·      Continue to learn and develop as a professional, attending relevant training to update knowledge and skills enhancing qualifications.

Essential skills and attributes:

·      Excellent communication and people skills

·      Good personal presentation and organisation            

·      Reliable, honest, flexible and trustworthy

·      Able to work in a busy environment with adults and children alike

·      Responsible and able to prioritise work-load

·      A willingness to be flexible and manage change

·      Experience of working as part of a team and able to manage workload independently

·      ‘Can-do’ attitude/willing to help out

·      A willingness to participate in school events

·      A commitment to and evidence of achieving high standards.

·      Excellent organisation and time management skills