Science Technician

A vacancy for a Science Technician (physical science specialism) arises in November 2017 following the appointment of the current Senior Science technician to the maintenance department. The Science Technician post will be full-time (35 hours per week), term-time only plus one day prior to the beginning of each term.

Experienced candidates may also be interested in the additional responsibilities of the Senior Science Technician post and should indicate this in their application. The Senior Science Technician post will be full-time (35 hours per week), term-time only plus 1 day before the start of each term and a further 3 days during the holidays each academic year by arrangement with the Head of Department.

The Senior School has a total of eight laboratories in three buildings. Two laboratories in the Sixth Form Centre are used for AS and A2 Chemistry and Biology. Five newly refurbished laboratories are contained in a Science block. Virtually all lessons are taught in the eight laboratories. Pupils are taught in small sets (Year 7-9: 24, GCSE; 18 max, AS/A2; 15 max). Sets up to GCSE are grouped by ability.

There are twelve teaching members of the Science department (the Head of Science who is Head of Physics, two other Heads of Department and nine teachers). The three technicians (one of whom has additional responsibilities as Senior Science Technician) work under the guidance of the Head of Science.

Job Description - Science Technician (physical science specialism)
The successful candidate will:

• Be responsible to the Head of Science
• Work closely with the other technicians
• Collect and prepare equipment and materials from storage and organise them for demonstration/class use
• Help with the construction, maintenance and repair of equipment, and store it in a clean safe condition
• Assist Science staff with the preparation of materials, which may involve word processing, photocopying etc.
• Assist staff with class practical work.
• Check materials and equipment, before and after use by classes, for quantity and damage.
• Clean glassware and other equipment and check for damage after use
• Care for and maintain audio-visual equipment/ICT equipment and associated aids
• Set up audio-visual equipment within the Department
• Maintain an inventory of materials and be involved in periodic stock taking
• Prepare chemical and biological solutions. Prepare microbiological materials and dispose of safely according to CLEAPSS
• Safely dispose of chemical and biological waste
• Advise colleagues on safety matters or potential problems with equipment
• Mount displays of materials, visual aids and pupils' work.
• Care for plants and animals kept in the Science department
• Oversee the care and maintenance of laboratories to ensure a clean, safe and orderly environment
• Undertake other tasks that may reasonably be requested, from time to time, by Heads of Department

Job Description - Senior Science Technician
Candidates interested in the additional responsibilities of the Senior Science Technician role should indicate this clearly in their application. The additional responsibilities are:

• Supervision of other science technicians and job allocation where necessary.
• Ordering equipment and consumables.
• Arranging with the Bursar for electrical safety checks to be carried out and fume. cupboards to be checked.
• Arrange for repair and maintenance of balances, microscopes autoclaves/pressure cookers.
• Care and maintenance for laboratory animals and plants.
• Overseeing the checking of activities against the model risk assessments and recording significant findings.
• Monitoring purchasing and track the department budget through the year.
• Overseeing chemical storage and disposal.
• Overseeing LS and MS book list, covers, collection and issue.
• Overseeing Cleapss and Hazcards updates.
• Overseeing Laboratory signs.
• Producing Science timetable plan for Laboratories.
• Locking up Laboratories at the end of each day.

Person Specification for a Science Technician
The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Degree qualification in a science subject (physical science an advantage) although A level qualifications or equivalent may be acceptable if coupled with relevant experience.
• Previous experience of working in a school science environment
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation as it relates to the work of a school.
• Knowledge of COSHH regulations in relation to the safe handling and storage of chemicals.
• Knowledge of safe working practices in relation to the handling and usage of hazardous equipment and tools.
• Ability to maintain a range of tools and equipment.
• Ability to prepare equipment and materials for lessons, as requested by the teaching staff.
• Ability to work in an organised and methodical manner.
• Ability to identify work priorities and manage own workload within agreed parameters.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with pupils, including those with special educational needs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good ICT and administrative skills.

Willingness to participate in further training and developmental opportunities offered

Applications:
We are happy to receive either electronic or hard copy applications: in either format they should:
* be submitted by the closing date of 21st September 2017
* contain all of the following:

• A completed summary application form (available from our website by clicking on the button below) or enclosed for those receiving hard copy application packs).
• A full curriculum vitae
• ???A covering letter of application
• Contact details for two referees: with e-mail, telephone and postal details. References will normally be taken up prior to interview for all shortlisted candidates.

* be forwarded to Dr Paul Owen, Head Master. The contact details are:

• Birkdale School, Oakholme Road, Sheffield S10 3DH

Interviews to be held in the week 25 September the expected date is Wednesday 27 September.