Job Description: Science Technician  

Reporting to:             Head of Faculty, Ark Charter Academy
Location:                    Southsea
Contract:                    Permanent 
Working Pattern:   Full Time (36hrs pw) Term Time only (39 weeks pa)
Salary:                       Ark Support Band 5, Points 5 – 12 £19,312 - £22,183 – pro rata £16,538 - £18,997
Start Date:                 ASAP
Closing Date:            17th May 2021

The Role 

As a Science Technician, you will support teachers in delivering high quality practical work, inspiring students and enabling them to develop a deeper understanding of science. You will also maintain excellent standards of Health and Safety in all areas of the department.

Key Responsibilities 

Learning support

·       Support teachers when planning and carrying out practical work, highlighting any health and safety causes for concern, following CLEAPSS guidelines

·       Prepare and trail practical resources as per department schemes of work

·       Prioritise practical requisitions, delivering, setting up and clearing away practicals

·       Provide technical, safety and learning assistance in lessons, supporting students and staff

·       Provide reprographic support to the department as directed by HoF

Health & Safety

·       Ensure all equipment are properly repaired, maintained and stored 

·       Ensure the labs and safety equipment are properly maintained

·       During term time, manage the care of animals and plants and long term experiments

·       Procure biological consumables and other perishable items as necessary

        Run risk assessments related to normal working tasks carried out, including tasks in the preparation room

·       Provide First Aid as required (voluntary)

·       Maintain accurate stock inventories

Other 

·       Actively promote the safety and welfare of our children and young people  

·       Ensure compliance with Arks data protection rules and procedures 

·       Liaise with colleagues and external contacts at all levels of seniority with confidence, tact and diplomacy 

·       Work with Ark Central and other academies in the Ark network, to establish good practice throughout the network, offering support where required 

·       Assist the Principal in maintaining and developing all that is distinctive in our Church of England school

·       Participate fully in the Christian Life of the school

·       To ensure the Christian ethos, Academy vision and Christian values of the Academy are clearly articulated, shared, understood and acted upon effectively by all

·       To lead student assemblies and acts of collective worship, ensuring that key messages and aspirations are reinforced, and the Christian ethos of the Academy is developed (where applicable)

This job description is not an exhaustive list and you will be expected to carry out any other reasonable tasks as directed by your line manager.  

Person Specification: Science Technician

Qualifications

·       Minimum of A Level Grade C or above (or equiv) in a science subject, ideally qualified to degree level

·       Health and Safety qualification or training or commitment to work towards

·       First Aid qualification or training or commitment to work towards, desirable

Knowledge, Skills and Experience  

• Experience, knowledge or a keen interest of key practical demonstrations that demonstrate key scientific concepts and engage students 
• Experience of working in a laboratory in a school or other industry, desirable 
• Up-to-date knowledge of COSHH procedures and CLEAPPS requirements
• Knowledge of Health & Safety risk assessment
• Strong IT, administrative and organisational skills 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children and adults
• Able to deal with minor incidents including first aid

Behaviours 

• Genuine passion for and a belief in the potential of every pupil  
• A robust awareness of keeping children safe, noticing safeguarding and welfare concerns, and you understand how and when to take appropriate action.  
• Belief that every student should have access to an excellent education regardless of background 
• Professional outlook, detailed orientated and able to multi-task and meet deadlines 
• A team player that can work collaboratively as well as using own initiative 
• Helpful, positive, patient and caring nature 
• Calm and professional under pressure 
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and discretion 
• Flexible attitude towards work and demonstrates sound judgement 

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our academies.  In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process. This process is outlined here, but can be provided in more detail if requested. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.