POSITION DESCRIPTION
SCIENCE LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Position title: Science Laboratory Technician
Reports to: Science Co-ordinator
Location: Tourmont campus
Primary role of the position: The purpose of the role is to support the Co-ordinator and the
Science staff by ensuring that the science laboratories, the associated preparation areas and the
science equipment and resources are managed in such a way as to facilitate the smooth and
efficient teaching of the curriculum
1.Laboratory Management:
 Co-ordinate the provision of science
resources, including the ordering,
storage and maintenance of supplies
 Source suitable equipment and
chemicals and obtain quotes for same
as required
 Complete purchase orders for the
Science Faculty
 Perform all associated record keeping
for purchases
 Assist with the security of the science
laboratories and equipment
 Prepare and update inventories of
resources, equipment and chemicals
 Perform regular stock takes
 Liaise with the Maintenance Manager
regarding structural, plumbing or
electrical faults and repairs
 Ensure service and calibration of
microscopes and other equipment is
carried out on a regular basis
 Complete standard preparation and
storage of chemicals
 Acquire and store relevant catalogues
and price lists and liaise with science
suppliers
 Arrange regular cleaning of laboratory
coats
2. Safety
 Prepare and maintain a file of Material
Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all
Dangerous Goods and Hazardous
Substances, in accordance with current
legislation, for all substances in the
science area
 Prepare, maintain and regularly update
a Dangerous Goods and Hazardous
Substances Register, in accordance
with current legislation, for all
substances in the Science area
Ensure that all chemicals are identified,
clearly labelled and stored in
accordance with the current legislation
 Ensure that all laboratory equipment is
ready to use by ; storing all relevant
parts together and in working order;
providing instructions for safe use;
having all equipment electrically tested
and tagged in accordance with the
current legislation; ensuring that a risk
assessment has been conducted and
filed on the equipment
 Ensure that risk assessments have
been performed, provided and filed by
staff prior to all practical experiments,
in accordance with current legislation
 Know the precautions and regulations
with respect to the handling and
disposal of poisons, toxic materials,
pathogenic substances, radioactive
substances and other Dangerous
Goods and/or Hazardous Substances,
including using an approved contractor
when necessary
 Be familiar with the established safety
procedures in science laboratories,
particularly in schools
 Ensure safety and first-aid equipment
is regularly tested and maintained in
working order, and in accordance with
the current legislation (e.g. fire
extinguishers, fire blankets, safety/eye
wash showers, fume cupboards, etc)
 Know the appropriate emergency
procedures in the case of chemical
splashes/spills, fire or other accidents
 Know where the master switches are
located in the science area for
electricity, gas and water, and how they
operate
 Systematically investigate potential
hazards in the science area and
determine actions necessary to
reduce/control risks. Alert OH&S and
/or maintenance personnel if necessary
 Perform risk assessments for any
personal handling and use of
chemicals in the Science Faculty,
referring to MSDS and any other
relevant information and experience
 Use/wear personal protective
equipment as required
3. Practical classes
 Safely prepare, label and store
chemical solutions to required
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concentrations. Standardise if required
Safely prepare biological material
Ensure that laboratories are kept tidy,
safe and clean
Ensure laboratories have a ready
supply of clean glassware
Ensure all apparatus, equipment,
solutions are provided for
demonstrations and practical classes
and in class sets as required
Ensure teachers and students adhere
to safety guidelines
Ensure equipment, chemicals and
materials are removed from
classrooms after practical sessions and
cleaned and stored appropriately
Ensure the safe disposal of any
chemicals/materials/broken glass
Clean any extra glassware
(dishwasher) after preliminary students’
clean up
4. Teacher support
 Liaise with science teachers about their
needs for practical work and maintain
efficient systems for the use and
allocation of equipment, materials and
chemicals. Set a priority system where
necessary
 Advise and assist science teachers on
safety matters relating to the science
laboratory
 Provide technical support to teachers/
students with the design of special
projects in Science
 Order VCE practice examination
papers and file electronically
5. Other duties
 Assist the Science Co-ordinator with
the preparation and monitoring of the
Science Faculty budget
 Liaise with the Science Co-ordinator re
purchasing and accounts
 Keep an up-to-date spreadsheet re
purchases
 Attend Science Faculty and Staff
Meetings as required
 Participate in appropriate professional
development and training to maintain
and update knowledge
 Maintain a living collection
 Assist in educational displays
Competencies; Personal skills and abilities
 demonstrate an ability to work
independently in an efficient and
Key selection criteria; mandatory
 tertiary qualification with at least one
year of chemistry
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professional way, but as a supportive
team member and colleague when
required
effectively fulfil the various duties and
responsibilities pertaining to the
position
display careful attention to detail and a
capacity to prioritise, meet deadlines
and manage time effectively
demonstrate an ability to take the
initiative and make suggestions
regarding effective innovations or
changes within the laboratories
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proven ability to safely prepare and
store solutions for all classes
Level 2 First Aid (or a willingness to
undertake same)