Senior Science Technician (Part-Time)

About this role

• 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.