The person holding this position will have a demonstrated background in Science as a field of study or experience in a laboratory setting. His/her primary function is to support science teachers in Grades 6 - 12 with implementing the practical dimensions of science learning. With this in mind, he/she is responsible for ensuring resources are well maintained, laboratory work is efficiently set-up and resources are purchased in a timely manner. The Science Technician must be well-versed in health and safety requirements and maintain these standards at all times.
Responsibilities
Prepare science classrooms and the science prep room for use by staff and students, and ensure a safe and tidy working environment. This includes equipping the appropriate laboratory with all the apparatus and reagents needed for practical work, ensuring all equipment works and that safety standards are being rigorously followed.
Check all laboratories each week to ensure they have the necessary resources.
Inspect fire-fighting equipment weekly.
Liaise with the teacher concerned at the earliest opportunity in the event of any difficulty with an experiment.
Set up laboratory apparatus as requested by the teacher for demonstration purposes, and check that it functions properly and complies with safety standards.
Clean up after each practical and make sure all glassware is clean and ready for use. This also includes disposing of materials as appropriate and in compliance with safety standards.
Support with demonstrations as appropriate.
Provide and check apparatus for the duration of any project work conducted by Grade 11 and 12 students.
Assist/advise staff and students about the suitability and availability of apparatus for practical work.
Lock up laboratories and stores and secure equipment when not in use.
Maintain an appropriate stock of apparatus / reagents in the stores, as well as stationary stocks in the prep room, and order replacements as appropriate.
Maintain updated chemical list and arrange for disposal of unwanted, hazardous or expired chemicals.
Purchase supplies of perishable items for experiments as required.
Repair, maintain and service equipment (e.g. microscopes, weighing balances etc).
Inform Maintenance Department of any problem with electrical equipment or classroom resources.
Support the Head of Department with the preparation of the budget and with ordering equipment.
Keep up-to-date with safety regulations.
Attend relevant study days and courses as appropriate.
Follow department accident reporting procedures.
Requirements
Required:
Demonstrates a keen interest in the Sciences.
Demonstrates familiarity with standard scientific nomenclature and standard glassware and apparatus normally found in a science laboratory.
Be able to react knowledgeably in potentially hazardous situations.
Experienced in the management of basic spreadsheets and databases.
Good communication skills with students, teachers, suppliers & stockists.
Organised approach to prep room and “stock” management.
Flexibility to work with teachers in the development of practical parts of project curriculum.
Previous experience in schools advantageous.
Be able to follow instructions and work on own initiative.
Be able to work methodically and pay attention to detail.
Be good at organising and planning ahead.
Be flexible and adaptable.
Desirable:
Previous working experience within a school laboratory.
Some experience of supervising small scientific and/or project teams.
Terms and conditions
The initial contract is for two years and is renewable. The generous salary and range of benefits will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate, with the overall package reflecting the importance of the position.
Next steps
Interested candidates should email a full letter of application, a statement of personal educational philosophy, detailed resume/curriculum vitae, and three referees. The Head of School reserves the right to apply directly to the writers of open testimonials for confidential statements.
Applications should be addressed to:
Ms Mary-Lyn Campbell, Head of School
We are looking forward to receiving your online application.
