JOB DESCRIPTION: Science Technician
Grade:
ME4/ME5
Responsible to:
Lead Technician - Science Department
Hours of work:
This post is 35 hours per week / 42 weeks per year (Term time plus 5 INSET days,
plus 15 days holiday working. Holiday working to be agreed with Head of Science
The hours are 8.00 am to 4.00 pm
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Job Purpose:





To support the RPHS Science Department in delivering high quality Science learning experience through
preparation and planning for learning
To support the RPHS Science Department in delivering high quality Science learning experience through in
class support of staff and students
To support the extra-curricular provision at lunchtimes and after in the Science department
Help ensure the safeguarding of students in Science department.
To positively support the wider ethos of the school by actively focusing on the key RPHS values of learning
achievement, integrity and respect
Key Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities
Under the (overall) control of the
team-leader / senior technician, to
coordinate the use of
practical resources and facilities
and provide assistance and advice
in meeting the practical
needs of the science curriculum,
including liaising with teaching staff
and support staff outside the
department.
To 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;
Activities that are likely to be
carried out
 Preparation of resources,
assembling apparatus.
 Obtaining materials by local
purchase.
 Giving technical advice to
teachers, technicians and pupils /
students.
 Carrying out risk assessments for
technician activities.
 Assisting in practical classes &
carrying out demonstrations.
Suggested
Frequency
Daily

As required

Keeping up-to-date with health &
safety requirements and with
developments in practical
Science. (Attending courses &
reading publications.)
Giving health & safety advice to
technical staff, teachers and
students.
Weekly
Daily
Daily
Weekly
Daily
• Keeping up to date with current
procedures and practices through
continuing professional
development;
• the provision of technical advice
and support on health & safety
issues to teaching and trainee
technical staff;
• the safe treatment & disposal of
used materials including hazardous
substances and responding to
actual or potential
hazards;
• the healthy & safe storage and
accessibility of equipment and
materials.
• To act as First Aider
To assist the team-leader / senior
technician with the day-to-day
organisation and
development of trainee staff to
ensure that essential performance
standards are achieved.
To contribute to the design,
development and maintenance of
specialist resources and/or
long-term projects.




Disposal of waste materials.
Checking fume cupboards,
pressure vessels and first-aid
kits; carrying out electrical and
other safety checks, etc.
Organising, storing and checking
the condition of chemicals and
equipment.
Attending department meetings.
As required
As required
As required
Monthly

Organising and supervising
trainee technicians as required.
Daily

As required
To support the team-leader / senior
technician in ensuring the
availability of suitable materials
and equipment, helping to compile
orders and liaising or negotiating
with suppliers and
finance departments. This will
include sourcing, costing and
suggesting economic alternatives to
maintain stock levels. Keeping upto-date stock records.

Constructing & modifying
apparatus.
Setting up and caring for plant
and animal collections.
Preparing standard solutions,
purifying chemicals, treating
waste.
Checking stock, ordering.

Keeping stock records.
Annually

Maintaining resources.
As required
Under the (overall) guidance of the
team-leader technician, to ensure
that both routine and
non-routine checking, cleaning,
maintenance, calibration, testing
and repairing of equipment are
carried out to the required standard.

Collecting, checking and
returning equipment to stores.
General laboratory cleaning of
bench surfaces and fixed
equipment.
Cleaning and repair of
equipment.
Daily




Daily
As required
As required
Weekly
Monthly
Safeguarding:
 Be keenly aware of the responsibility for safeguarding children and to help in the application of the
Safeguarding and Safe Practices policy within the school
 Comply with the school’s Safeguarding Policy in order to ensure the welfare of children and young persons
Personal Responsibilities:
1. To follow school procedures regarding signing in and out , as well as any other procedures relating to
attendance.
2. Playing a full part in the life of the school community, supporting its distinctive ethos and encouraging staff
and students to follow this example.
3. Supporting the school in meeting its legal requirements for worship.
4. Actively promoting school policies and procedures.
5. Responsibility for own continued professional development.
6. Compliance with the school’s Health & Safety policy undertaking risk assessments as appropriate.
7. To be courteous to colleagues, visitors and telephone callers and provide a welcoming environment.
8. Attending meetings scheduled in the school calendar punctually.
9. Adhering to the School’s Safeguarding Policy.
Notes:





The above responsibilities are subject to the general duties and responsibilities contained in the statement of
Conditions of Employment
This job description allocates duties and responsibilities but does not direct the particular amount of time to
be spent on carrying them out and no part of it may be so construed
This job description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. It will be reviewed at least
once a year and it may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the
holder of the post
The duties may be varied to meet the changing demands of the school at the reasonable discretion of the
Deputy Headteacher
This job description forms part of the contract of employment. It describes the way the post holder is
expected and required to perform and complete the particular duties as set out in the foregoing
Person Specification: Science Technician
Qualifications





Experience


Knowledge
Skills and attributes



















Safeguarding

GCSE C grade or higher (or
equivalent) in Maths and
English
A Level Science
Degree in Science subject they
are supporting
Evidence of continuous
professional development
Relevant vocational
qualifications relating to
technician support at NVQ
Level 2 upwards
At least two years experience
in a laboratory
At least two years experience
supporting students in a
secondary school environment
A good working knowledge of
the school science curriculum
for chemistry up to and
including A-level
Confident and warm manner
Able to work well as part of a
small, friendly team
Good organisational skills
An enjoyment of working with
young people
Ability to work with minimal
Supervision
Ability to work as a team
member
Ability to take initiative
Accuracy, care and attention
Ability to form and maintain
appropriate relationships and
personal boundaries with
children and young people
Committed to high standards
of customer service
Enthusiasm, drive and a love
for the job
Shows a personal commitment
to safeguarding and promoting
the welfare and rights of young


people.
Appreciates the significance of
safeguarding and interprets
this for all individual children
and young people whatever
their circumstances
Can demonstrate an ability to
contribute towards a safe
environment
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this
commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, qualifications and experience checks and
satisfactory references.