Senior Science Technician ( Biology Specialist)

To provide a wide range of skilled, technical support to teaching staff and pupils with the support and co-ordination of the Lead Science Technician and Head of Science.

Responsibilities

• To undertake aspects of lesson preparation related to practical work alongside or on behalf of teaching staff, across the science curriculum, under the general guidance of more senior staff where appropriate, including the assembly, checking, testing, construction, modification, setting-up/laying out, operation, retrieval, repairing, and clearing away of equipment, apparatus and materials appropriate to the lesson being taught.
• Provide materials (including making up of solutions to the required concentration, as well as standard solutions) and equipment required for practical lessons as specified by teaching staff, either as demonstration or class experiment.
• Setting up and/or carrying out demonstrations where required for Biology at KS3, KS4 and KS5.
• Empty, clean and restock equipment trays.
• Assisting the Chemistry and Physics technicians when required.
• To be responsible for ensuring risk assessments are carried out for technician activities.
• To support teaching staff in the planning, preparation and testing of new resources and facilities, including the best use of available accommodation and storage facilities.
• Trial new or modified experiments (e.g., required practical experiments at GCSE and A Level).
• To assist pupils, as necessary, through the provision of sound technical advice during science lessons, including advice on the health and safety aspects of the work being undertaken, together with demonstrating the use of appropriate equipment or apparatus where this does not interfere with other primary duties.
• To support teaching staff by preparing and setting up computer software, data logging equipment and similar resources where appropriately trained to do so.
• To ensure and promote the maintenance of a safe working environment through actively contributing to the assessment, monitoring and review of both health and safety procedures and information resources.
• Keeping up to date with current best procedures and practices through continuing professional development.
• The provision of technical advice and support on health and safety issues to teaching and technical staff; the safe treatment and disposal of used materials including hazardous substances and identifying actual or potential hazards, the safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials including checking fume cupboards, pressure vessels and first-aid kits.
• Checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment to the required standard.
• To support the Lead Technician in ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment, and helping to compile orders.
• Checking of items delivered by suppliers and the identification of discrepancies in such deliveries against orders placed.
• To maintain appropriate stock levels in all science areas, including preparation rooms and laboratories/classrooms.
• Organisation of all biology equipment within the biology prep room. This will include organisation of the stock, cupboards and shelves.
• To assist with the organisation and storage of equipment, materials and apparatus, as required.
• To advise the Head of Science where appropriate as to the required replacement or professional repair of electrical/electronic equipment.
• Keep a check on safety regulations and risk assessments, and to advise others where there may be a problem.
• To keep up to date with CLEAPSS regulations.
• To participate in the performance and development review process, taking personal responsibility for identification of learning, development and training opportunities in discussion with line manager.
• To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with the role, for health and safety in the workplace.
• Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with the School's Equal Opportunities Policy and e Safety policy.
• Supporting the ethos, aims and core values of the school.
• The Job Description is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post. The person in the post may also have to carry out other duties as may be necessary from time to time within the context of the job, skills and grade.
• The Job Description will be reviewed regularly and may be subject to amendment from time to time after consultation with the post holder and without changing the level of responsibility of the post.