Science Technician

20 hours per week - term time only (no inset days)

Churchmead is a mixed, 11-18 Church of England School welcoming students of all faiths, situated on a 23-acre green belt site in the picturesque Thames side village of Datchet near Windsor in Berkshire.

We are a comparatively small secondary school in which every student is known as an individual. Our values of Courage, Compassion and Commitment are at the heart of the school. Churchmead is committed to becoming an outstanding school following our most recent inspection in which all areas were judged as good.

We are looking to appoint a Science Technician who will work alongside the Senior Science Technician and Head of Science.

The role of a technician in the Science Department will include:

·        The support of all Science staff in their teaching

·        Receive and discuss details of the weekly requirements for equipment from each member of the Science staff, reviewing availability

·        The maintenance of laboratories and photocopying

·        The management and maintenance of equipment, filing worksheets, storing equipment etc

·        The management of the preparation room and stores

·        Setting up and delivering all trays of apparatus required in any of the eight laboratories for use during the school day

·        All chemicals taken into the laboratories have to be made up from ‘stock’ solutions or powders and the knowledge of preparing ‘molar’ solutions will be imperative

·        When using many of the mechanical and electrical apparatus, familiarity with the technical details is needed for the safety of students use. Some apparatus requires regular servicing such as microscopes, power packs and balances and this is an important part of the technician’s work

·        To assist the Head of Department and Science staff by carrying out any tasks they deem necessary for the daily running of the department

·        To undertake training and staff development in Science related areas as negotiated with the Head of Science or Senior Science Technician

·        All used equipment collected; suitable items placed in dishwasher; other apparatus placed in respective housing

·        Any items that require repair are noted and either repaired by technician or arrangements made for an outside company to call and collect

Specific details relating to some of the general duties:

·        To tray up the equipment and resources requested by staff and ensure that the equipment requested is delivered to the laboratory for the start of the lesson. Regular check on all laboratories regarding cleanliness, tidiness and noting any damage to ‘main services’ or the fabric of the room

·        To collect equipment after the lesson and return it to the preparation room, counting and cleaning it if necessary

·        To remove dirty glassware for washing and replace glassware in standard laboratory stock

·        To assist staff by setting up and clearing away equipment as requested

·        To meet regularly with the Senior Technician to plan and schedule work

The management and maintenance of equipment:

·        To ensure that equipment is returned to storage in good order. All equipment is checked prior to use; glassware is removed from use if cracked or broken; all electrical equipment is inspected noting any ‘unsafe’ wiring

·        To ensure that equipment is marked. Following all safety rules care is taken when making up chemical solutions and these are double checked prior to use. They are correctly labelled and the appropriate ‘HAZZARD’ accompanies  the tray of chemicals used in the lesson

·        To ensure that staff are advised as soon as possible of any loss, damage or vandalism

·        To assist in the ordering, receipt, checking and stock taking of equipment

·        To check, clean where necessary and stock take equipment in the laboratory

·        To assist in periodic inspections of equipment and fittings to ensure they continue to be in working and safe order

The management of the preparation room and stores:

·        The construction of apparatus and preparation of standard solutions. The ‘Preparation’ Room must be kept clean and tidy at all times with space available for all incoming apparatus, following the conclusion of each lesson

·        To maintain a clean and organised Preparation Room and Chemical Store.   Regular cleaning and maintenance of the ‘fridge’ and dishwasher

·        To adhere to department safety procedures

·        The Store Room should be kept tidy with all stationery stacked nearly on shelving; all chemicals placed alphabetically on shelving and being labelled  correctly and dated, the floor space being kept clean and clear

Other duties:

·        Helping with exam administration

·        Preparing all noticeboards for display

·        Attending full staff meetings whenever subject matter is applicable

·        Writing up orders

·        Taking telephone calls, emails and delivering messages

·        Be willing to learn and administer basic first aid procedures. Training will be provided.

·        Any other ad-hoc duties

Person specification:

·        GCSE’s/A Levels desirable, but not essential

·        Previous experience desirable, but not essential -full training will be provided

·        Excellent communication and numeracy skills required

Please visit our website, www.churchmead.org for our Application Pack. For further details, please contact Mrs L Knight, Churchmead C of E School, Priory Way, Datchet, Berkshire, SL3 9JQ. Tel: 01753 211330. Email: office@churchmead.org

Closing Date: Friday 15th November 2024

Churchmead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.