Science Technician
Main Purpose of Job:
To oversee the delivery of high-quality practical lessons within the Science department at all key stages in the school. In conjunction with the curriculum leader and class teachers, ensure a safe environment for students to undertake investigative practical work, having an awareness of relevant health and safety legislation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
* To prepare materials, equipment and teaching aids for classroom use, at the direction of the Curriculum lead /Science Staff/Lead Science Technician.
* To tidy up and clean materials and equipment, including breakages and spillages, so as to ensure a safe and hygienic working environment at all times.
* To support teachers and students doing practical work, to include setting up demonstrations and experiments, providing advice to students in the development of their tasks, including the safe operation and demonstration of equipment.
* To oversee the work of small groups of students engaged in practical tasks, as requested by the Curriculum Lead /Science Staff/Lead Science Technician and under the supervision of the classroom teacher.
* To assist with exhibitions, demonstrations and displays as requested.
* To contribute to the training and development of trainee technicians working within the department.
* To prepare specialised tools/equipment/materials within the department (as qualified).
* To be familiar with and advise members of staff and students on particular hazards and requirements in the use of equipment/materials/experiments in line with COSHH/Health & Safety/CLEAPPS guidance.
* To remain aware of current safety guidelines and legislation.
* To issue and receive back materials and equipment, including the reimbursement for materials, products and artefacts made by students, in accordance with the school’s charging policy.
* To check for missing and damaged equipment against inventories and inform the relevant teacher.
* To check and test equipment (including portable appliance testing) routinely to ensure its good, safe, working order and to undertake maintenance, repairs and servicing where needed and within the limits of the post holder’s skills and training.
* To recommend any necessary repairs or arrange further maintenance for equipment on the approval of the Head of Science/Lead Science Technician.
* To operate a system of stock control, ensuring sufficient replenishment of materials and resources within the approved limits and recommending any additional equipment/material requirements to the Head of Science/Lead Science Technician.
* To place orders for and check deliveries of resources and equipment, ensuring all resources and equipment are checked and stored safely and securely, as directed.
* To monitor and achieve the efficient organisation of the work and storage areas and teaching rooms and to ensure the cleanliness, safety and security of these areas at all times.
* To perform regular checks of these areas to ensure that this is the case.
* To undertake risk assessments for technician activities. To ensure documents for risk assessments are maintained and reviewed on a regular basis.
* General responsibilities:
* To be aware of and work in accordance with child protection policies and procedures, in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, and to raise any concerns relating to such procedures which may noted during the course of duty.
* To remain aware of and work within all relevant working practices, policies and procedures.
* To be aware of and adhere to applicable rules, regulations, legislation and procedures including the Equal Opportunities Policy, Single Equality Policy, Disciplinary and Grievance Policies, Code of Conduct and national legislation (including Health and Safety, Data Protection).
* To be responsible for your own continuing self-development, undertaking any further training/professional development as appropriate and adhere to applicable rules, regulations, legislations and procedures including all relevant academy and trust policies To undertake other duties appropriate to the grading of the post as reasonably required
* To attend staff meetings and training as required
* To work with professionalism at all times, in behaviour, maintaining confidentiality regarding all school records and other information of a sensitive or confidential nature, appropriate dress, punctuality and reliability.
* Being very flexible in approach and working effectively with other members of staff to meet the needs of the school and its students.