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.