Role Profile
Job Title
Science Technician Level 1
Directorate
Children’s Services
Division
Job No.
(Office Use)
S14
Band/Band Range(for career grades)
Department
Grade C
Schools
Unit
Reports to (Job Title)
Org Chart Attached?
If No – reason
Suitable for Job Share (Y/N)
Location
Shift Pattern
CRB check required
Yes - enhanced
Job
Purpose
In preparing a Role Profile, please refer to HAY and NJC scheme guidance
To provide general support to staff and pupils, including the preparation and routine maintenance of science/laboratory
resources and equipment.
Plymouth City Council is committed to providing access, aids, adaptations and alternatives wherever possible and reasonable adjustments to enable disabled people to fulfil
the criteria for, and undertake the duties of its jobs.
Page 1 of 4 Updated on 03/08/2009
Decision
Making
The job involves working from instructions, but making minor decisions involving the use of initiative. Problems are referred to
a supervisor / manager. Little close supervision is necessary beyond that provided by working arrangements and methods.
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Accountabilities
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Demands
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Provide advice and guidance to staff and students on basic technical issues, working under the direction of the Head of
Science and team
Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of routine science equipment/resources/materials as directed by science
teachers
Assist the science teacher with learning activities ensuring health and safety and appropriate behaviour of pupils
Monitor and arrange the orderly and secure storage of supplies
Undertake routine maintenance of science equipment, checking for quality and safety
Support staff and pupils in using basic laboratory and science equipment as directed
Prepare and maintain basic laboratory equipment/resources as directed by the teacher and assist pupils in their use
Maintain school science inventories for laboratory stock, equipment and consumables
Monitor science consumable stock levels and cataloguing of resources, alerting senior staff when replacements are
needed
Assist teachers and students in the direct delivery of practical work
Demonstrate operation of new scientific apparatus to staff within the school
Undertake minor repairs to science equipment and apparatus
Undertake other duties as directed and commensurate with the grading of the role
Post holder is required to carry or move science equipment and materials and work in restricted positions when fixing and
maintaining science related equipment e.g. crawling under desks to plug leads in. There will be a requirement for the
movement of equipment to and from laboratory areas, and when assisting with exhibitions, demonstrations and displays.
Some cleaning duties will require bending and stretching.
Post holder will be required to concentrate for periods of up to two hours when making up solutions and assembling relevant
equipment for experiments.
Plymouth City Council is committed to providing access, aids, adaptations and alternatives wherever possible and reasonable adjustments to enable disabled people to fulfil
the criteria for, and undertake the duties of its jobs.
Page 2 of 4
Working
Conditions
Experience,
Knowledge and
Qualifications
Skills and
Technical
Competencies
Behavioural
Competency
Mainly laboratory conditions there will be considerable exposure to smells, noise, dust and differing temperatures. Post holder
will, on occasions, come into contact with hazardous substances and chemicals in the laboratory e.g. micro-organisms and
radioactive materials. Protective clothing is required e.g. laboratory coat, various gloves, goggles and face shields, depending
on the task in hand.
Essential:
 NVQ 2 or equivalent qualification or experience in relevant discipline
 Literacy and Numeracy skills to enable the post holder to record scientific experiments and make up solutions
 Awareness of the specific health and safety issues relating to laboratory and science equipment and materials
 Understanding of a range of work procedures and practices requiring basic level of theoretical knowledge
 Basic knowledge of a range of scientific experimental procedures normally acquired through training on the job
 Awareness of and compliance with policies and procedures relating to Child Protection, Health, Safety and Security,
Confidentiality and Data Protection
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Post holder will be required to diagnose and resolve problems of a routine technical nature
Communication skills required to exchange information relating to scientific equipment and experiments with work
colleagues, other staff and pupils
High demand for precision will be required for the construction, assembly and modification of apparatus used for
experiments and demonstrations in preparation for lessons
Technical competencies will be developed in liaison with departments over 2009/10. Managers wishing to incorporate
technical competencies with immediate effect should liaise with Eve Skuse in the job evaluation team on 308927.
A corporate behavioural competency framework is currently under development and guidance on completing this section will
be provided at a later date. Anyone requiring further information should contact their HR Adviser or Eve Skuse in the job
evaluation team on 308927.
Plymouth City Council is committed to providing access, aids, adaptations and alternatives wherever possible and reasonable adjustments to enable disabled people to fulfil
the criteria for, and undertake the duties of its jobs.
Page 3 of 4
Corporate
Standards
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Act at all times in accordance with appropriate legislation and regulations, codes of practice, the provisions of the
council’s constitution and its policies and procedures.
Work within the requirements of the Council’s Health and Safety policy, performance standards, safe systems of work
and procedures.
Undertake all duties with due regard to the corporate equalities policy and relevant legislation.
Signed:
Manager
Date:
Signed:
Head of
Service
Once role profile complete – authorise and forward to the job evaluation team, complete with all other paperwork if due to be graded.
Date:
Plymouth City Council is committed to providing access, aids, adaptations and alternatives wherever possible and reasonable adjustments to enable disabled people to fulfil
the criteria for, and undertake the duties of its jobs.
Page 4 of 4