Science Technician (with some duties in Art/DT/Food faculty) in Hunstanton

Smithdon High School are looking to appoint a Science Technician to join their team.

Start Date: September 2026

Hours: 25 hrs per week, 38 weeks per year (term time only)

Salary: Scale E, point 8, £13.90/hour

Email: recruitment@westnorfolkacademiestrust.co.uk

Website: https://www.smithdonhigh.org.uk/

Purpose of the Job

To contribute to the achievement of Smithdon High School Science Department’s objectives by supporting the practical and technical aspects of the science curriculum. This involves preparing, providing and maintaining resources required for safe and secure practical activities carried out by staff and students.

Responsibilities, but not limited to:

• Co‑ordinate 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.
• Ensure the maintenance of a healthy & safe working environment through: actively contributing to the assessment, monitoring and review of health & safety procedures and information resources; keeping up to date with current procedures and practices through continuing professional development; providing technical advice and support on health & safety issues to teaching and trainee technical staff; safe treatment & disposal of used materials including hazardous substances and responding to actual or potential hazards; maintaining healthy & safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials.
• Contribute to the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long‑term projects.
• Ensure the availability of suitable materials and equipment, compile orders and liaise or negotiate with suppliers and finance departments, sourcing, costing and suggesting economic alternatives to maintain stock levels.
• Ensure that both routine and non‑routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment are carried out to the required standard.

Main tasks

• Efficiently provide equipment for demonstration or practical lessons as requested by teaching staff as per departmental guidelines.
• Be familiar with the storage of worksheets and practical instructions, both on paper and electronically, and be able to access and interpret them effectively.
• Ensure that equipment, materials and apparatus are removed from the laboratory after lessons, cleaned and stored ready for future use, or disposed of if appropriate.
• Undertake repairs when necessary and, where applicable, recommend or arrange outside repairs, replacement or maintenance.
• Remove scientific debris or hazardous materials/spills from sinks, benchtops and other areas to provide a safe environment for cleaning staff and others; deal with spillages/emergencies during practical activities.
• Turn off gas and water taps, and ensure that electrical connections, chemical solutions and other materials are stored in a safe and secure condition, ready for re‑use.
• Be aware of and comply with all departmental/school instructions and procedures relating to health and safety at work and recognise the main responsibilities required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated legislation.
• Contribute to safe working practice in preparation/storage/teaching areas.
• Undertake general tasks according to the needs of the department, such as maintenance of laboratories, preparation of store rooms, transporting supplies, reprographic duties and preparation of audio/visual materials as required by departmental teaching staff.
• Undertake any other duties within the scope of the post, as required by the Head of Department or other appropriate supervisors.

Personal and Professional Conduct

A member of staff is expected to demonstrate consistently high standards of personal and professional conduct. They are to uphold public trust in the profession and maintain high standards of ethics and behaviour, within and outside school.

Equal Opportunities

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of society. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Closing Date for Applications: 28 August 2026

Employment conditions: This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualifications) 2009 Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check or enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exception Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post.