Isaac Newton Academy, Redbridge

Principal: Jo Spencer

Lead Science Technician needed to help shape an exceptional new school

New all-through mixed 4-18 comprehensive in Redbridge.

Location: Ilford, Redbridge
Start date: As soon as possible
Deadline: 9am on Monday 16th March 2020
Salary: Band 6 (£22,779- £27,717) pro rata per annum, negotiable depending on experience
Hours: 36 hours per week, 52 weeks a year preferred. 40 or more weeks a year considered

In September 2012 Isaac Newton Academy opened with its inaugural cohort of 180 year 7 students. The school has grown, year on year, to become an academy or over 1100 students including a Sixth Form. In 2014 the primary phase of the academy opened to 90 reception-aged children. This too will grow each year, until full in September 2020.

This is a unique opportunity to join a team of committed staff working in an Outstanding secondary school and sixth form. We are looking for a dedicated Lead Science Technician to assist with the organisation and delivery of an outstanding technical service. This person will have strong knowledge of scientific apparatuses and techniques and will share responsibility for caring for the animals and plants in the science labs.

Our ideal candidate will:

·         have experience of working in a laboratory environment either in school, academia or industry

·         have experience of working effectively with secondary aged pupils

·         have an understanding of risk assessments and laboratory health & safety procedures

·         have a clear understanding of classroom roles and responsibilities

·         have A levels in Science subjects. A Science degree would be an advantage

·         be skilled at supervising students and establishing a constructive, safe and ordered atmosphere in the classroom (desirable)

·         be committed to Ark’s ethos of high expectations and no excuses

·         have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of pupils.

If you are seeking a challenging and highly rewarding position, enriching the lives of the students who attend Isaac Newton Academy and members of the local community, then we are keen to hear from you.

To apply, please visit http://bit.ly/1SN7dfB and complete your application by 9am on Monday 16th March 2020

If you have any technical issues with the application form please contact our recruitment team on 0203 116 6345 or recruitment@arkonline.org. For a candidate information pack or an informal, confidential discussion please contact HR on 020 8911 6656 or hr@isaacnewtonacademy.org.

Ark is committed to safeguarding children; successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Job Description: Lead Science Technician

Reporting to: Head of Science
Start date:  As soon as possible
Salary: Band 6 (£22,779- £27,717) pro rata per annum, negotiable depending on experience
Hours: 36 hours per week, 52 weeks a year preferred. 40 or more weeks a year considered

Disclosure level: Enhanced

The Role – key responsibilities

To provide professional and responsive assistance to teaching staff to support outstanding teaching and learning.

Lead Science Technician Responsibilities

·         To provide general maintenance of the Science labs, including the care of services, stores, laboratory equipment, drainage systems, working surfaces etc., reporting any repairs as appropriate for action

·         To monitor stock and draft requisitions as appropriate, to check and store safety apparatus and materials appropriate for courses provided by the Academy.

·         To check new equipment for damages and functioning

·         To plan and carry out a complete stock take and a full inspection of apparatus and services on a termly basis

·         To maintain specialist equipment, check for quality/safety and arrange for repairs/modifications to be carried out on a termly basis

·         To deep clean the prep rooms termly

·         To demonstrate specialist techniques and give advice to teachers and students, i.e. ecology collecting methods, microbiology techniques, microscopes, oscilloscopes and other apparatus

·         To prepare, maintain and store apparatus for demonstration and for practical work as required

·         To place requisitions, progress, receive, check (for quality and safety) and distribute equipment where appropriate

·         To maintain legal records (alcohols, poisons, etc.) and the chemical stock lists for the fire brigade

·         To ensure that health and safety requirements and other relevant regulations are adhered to and observed. This may involve undertaking regular checking procedures and risk assessments, as appropriate to the work area

·         To prepare and provide equipment and materials to support science practical teaching

·         To be responsible for the care of animals and plants in the Science labs

·         To procure biological consumables, i.e. fruit, hearts and other perishable items as necessary

·         To lead on securing PAT testing for science appliances, and the safe use/servicing of the fume cupboards

·         To ensure timely preparation of specialist equipment/resources/materials for lessons of the scheme of learning

·         To help create high quality displays and maintain display boards to a high standard in science

·         To assist with inventory of equipment and stock control in order to maintain a supply of equipment for teaching use in science

·         To order stock as directed by the Head of Department so that resources are adequate for lessons and keep track of department expenditure.

·         To receive and check deliveries of supplies to ensure accuracy from suppliers.

·         To repair, maintain and store equipment in order to guarantee safe and effective upkeep

·         To support students in the classroom environment to assist in the learning process where technical equipment is involved

·         To lead and manage the work of the second Science Technician and Apprentice Science Technician, carrying out probation and performance development reviews

·         In addition to the specific responsibilities of the post, the post holder will be expected to assist with other tasks as and when required, at the deployment of the line manager

Academy Culture

·         To play an active part in the development of the students though positive interactions with them, dining with them and running an enrichment activity weekly

·         To help develop an Academy culture and ethos that is utterly committed to achievement

·         To demonstrate a commitment to equality of opportunity for all members of the Academy’s community

·         To support school trips from time to time

·         To contribute to discussions at operational team, science team and other staff meetings

·         To contribute to the writing and implementation of the Academy Improvement Plan

·         To meet the expectations of all INA staff as laid out in the Staff Expectations Policy

·         To uphold all Academy polices with consistency and diligence

·         To actively promote the academy and liaise with outside agencies as necessary, representing the Academy or ARK as appropriate

·         To maintain a presence around the Academy to ensure that the highest standards of behaviour and site-usage are upheld

·         To communicate and liaise with staff, students, parents, governors and members of the local community as appropriate

·         To be active in issues of staff and student welfare and support

·         To comply with and assist in the development of policies and procedures in relation to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

·         To act as a role model and set and maintain the highest standards of conduct and behaviour

·         To be co-tutor and BRIDGES mentor

·         To lead or support an enrichment activity for one hour per week

·         To demonstrate a commitment to Equality of Opportunity for all members of the Academy’s community.

·         To undertake any other responsibilities as directed by the line manager/Principal

Person Specification: Science Technician

Qualification Criteria

·         Qualified to work in the UK

·         5 GCSEs/O levels or equivalent, including English, Maths and Science at grade C or above

·         A levels in Science subjects

·         A Science degree would be an advantage.

Experience

·         Experience of technician support in a school environment (desirable).

Behaviours and Qualities

·         Vision aligned with Ark and the Academy’s high aspirations and high expectations of self and others

·         An understanding of the strategies needed to establish consistently high aspirations and standards of results and behaviour in an urban school setting and commitment to relentlessly implementing these strategies

·         The ability to work in close harmony with all staff

·         The ability to follow instructions accurately, but make sound judgements and lead when required

·         Excellent listening skills and ICT skills (word, excel, internet, email)

·         Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills, in particular when liaising with non-technical colleagues

·         Strong organisational and time-management skills

·         Hard working, conscientious and accurate

·         Adaptable, flexible and able to work with minimum supervision

·         Approachable, calm and caring

·         Passion, resilience and optimism

·         A firm and constant belief in the unlimited potential of every student and a commitment to inclusive educational provision

·         A commitment to the safeguarding and welfare of all students. An understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion

·         The ability to develop positive relationships with all young people

·         The ability to take personal responsibility, a readiness to reflect and self-evaluate and the ability to change, improve and develop

·         Confidence and self-motivation

·         The ability to work well under pressure

·         The ability to be decisive

·         High levels of honesty and integrity

·         A sense of humour and desire to have fun

·         A flexible attitude towards working hours.

Other

·         This post is subject to an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure

·         The post holder must be committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and to providing equality of opportunity.