Job Title: Science / Chemistry Technician

Salary: £14,775.33 based on 30 hours per week and term-time only

Location: Ware, Hertfordshire

Job Type: Part-time, Permanent

St Edmund's College offers modern facilities in a magnificent country setting in rural Hertfordshire, providing a safe and stimulating environment for young minds. At St Edmund's College, we understand that a strong support system is vital to creating a successful learning environment.

The Role:

We are currently looking for a dedicated and skilled School Chemistry/Science Technician to join our vibrant educational community.

You will be an integral part of our science department, supporting the delivery of high-quality science education. You will work closely with our team of teachers to prepare, manage, and maintain equipment and materials for science experiments and demonstrations.

While prior experience in a laboratory setting is advantageous, it is not a prerequisite for this role. The ideal candidate will possess technical proficiency to effectively meet the demands of our Department.

Your primary responsibilities will involve supporting the practical aspects of our science curriculum, ensuring that experiments and demonstrations are both effective and safe. Your skills in solution preparation, coupled with an understanding of laboratory safety, will be crucial in maintaining a productive and secure learning environment.

If you are enthusiastic about Chemistry/science, eager to contribute to a dynamic team, and meet these qualifications, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• To undertake tasks requested by the Head of Science and Key Stage Co-ordinators as appropriate, eg to assist with preparation of materials for College Open Days and other public events
• To prepare equipment for lessons and to set it out in laboratories according to teachers' requirements
• To advise of any shortfall in equipment, help anticipate and solve problems
• To clear equipment away promptly after use, checking its serviceability, cleaning it, noting breakages and notifying losses
• To carry out minor repairs to equipment as necessary. To notify repairs which require the services of a qualified electrician or service engineer
• To help in setting up the practical aspects of new courses, checking equipment requirements of new experiments and making simple apparatus
• To keep a record of all experimental details on file as they are presented by teachers to make repeat requests more efficient
• To maintain inventories of apparatus, consumables, books and other resources
• To manage the storage and retrieval system of apparatus and resources, to facilitate easy access by all members of the Department
• To advise the Head of Department / Key Stage Co-ordinator when stocks need replenishing, search catalogues and prepare lists for ordering. Place orders and liaise with suppliers
• To undertake weekly laboratory checks and maintain records of checks. Checks will include gas taps, electric sockets, sinks and taps as well as general tidiness of benches
• To maintain a record of expenditure throughout the year
• To purchase small items from local shops as required
• To monitor safety in the Department, in accordance with the policy and Department Handbook
• To keep files of lesson notes, experiment sheets test, examination papers and periodicals tidy, and make up new files as necessary
• To liaise with the Domestic Department over the cleaning of the laboratory
• To keep laboratory and prep room working surfaces clean and tidy
• To provide practical assistance and demonstrations in lessons

Person Specification:

Qualifications:

• Be qualified to degree level or proficient to A Level standard in a scientific field

Experience:

• Have experience of working in a professional laboratory/school laboratory or feel that your skills from previous roles could allow you adapt to a laboratory setting

Working Hours:

The successful candidate will be expected to work Monday to Friday, up to 30 hours a week during term time. Flexible hours will be considered.

Extra Information:

As a Chemistry Technician you will be working on a regular basis in a school in a role which gives opportunity for contact with children. As such, you will be in regulated activity and an enhanced DBS check (which includes children's barred list information) will be required in advance of appointment.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. As with all College staff members, you will therefore be responsible for providing a safe environment in which children can learn.

Closing date for applications when all forms must be received by HR is: Midday, Monday 22nd April 2024

Interviews to take place: As soon as possible after the closing date

Candidates with the relevant experience or job titles of: Lab Technician, Laboratory Technician, Lab Assistant, Laboratory Assistant, Graduate, Science Graduate, Science Assistant, Lab Tech may also be considered.