Ecolinc Program Support Officer

Department of Education Victoria; Bacchus Marsh; On-site; AUD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Time in lieu

Professional learning opportunities

Job summary

Department of Education Victoria – Bacchus Marsh VIC is seeking an Administration Assistant for Ecolinc to support onsite programs, outreach, and STEM video conferencing. The role includes clerical duties, resource coordination for STEM-in-a-box kits, and assisting with animal welfare and lab activities.

Ideal candidates will have WWCC, strong computer skills (Word/Excel), and the ability to work both independently and in a team. A professional learning culture is emphasized.

Qualifications

• Experience communicating with a diverse school community and students.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong computer literacy including Word and Excel.
• Willingness to learn and adapt within a school environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide everyday clerical and administrative support for Ecolinc programs and events.
• Coordinate ordering, preparation and sending of STEM-in-a-box resources for video conference programs.
• Set up and pack down resources for onsite programs and field trips.
• Support Outreach programs by attending sessions and assisting in classrooms.
• Assist in animal welfare, records and care during school terms and holidays.
• Support laboratory preparation, equipment maintenance and safe handling of materials.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independent work

Organised

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Department of Education Victoria – Bacchus Marsh VIC

4d ago , from Department of Education & Training Victoria

Ecolinc is one of six specialist STEM centres funded by the Department of Education (DoE) situated on the site of Bacchus Marsh College. Ecolinc's area of specialism is the environment, conservation and sustainability.

Ecolinc develops and delivers a range of innovative P‑12 curriculum programs that encompass new and emerging scientific thinking, state‑of‑the‑art facilities and cutting‑edge technologies designed to engage and inspire the next generation into STEM thinkers. Students engage in real‑world STEM applications, field work opportunities and hands‑on experiences that enable them to gain the skills necessary to respond to 21st century challenges.

Ecolinc's programs are delivered onsite, via outreach, online, video conferencing and through a variety of environmental fieldtrips. Ecolinc also provides a range of specialised student programs and teacher professional learning. Ecolinc is continuously reflecting on good practice and enhancing its range of programs to meet the diverse needs of students state‑wide with a particular focus on access and equity.

Established in 2005, Ecolinc was one of the original three state‑wide specialist science centres. Participation rates have grown considerably over the years with approximately 35,000 P‑12 students from across Victoria participating in an Ecolinc program annually.

Ecolinc is a unique ESD (ecologically sustainable designed) educational facility for students and teachers, incorporating a range of technologies and resources to support innovation and excellence in sustainable environmental education. All of Ecolinc's programs are aligned to the Victorian Curriculum/VCE.

Ecolinc is located within walking distance (approximately 200m) to the Bacchus Marsh Railway Station (Ballarat / Melbourne line), thus providing easy access to the facility via public transport. Ecolinc has a wetland onsite, glasshouse and propagation facilities, a habitat garden and a range of specialised equipment that students use as part of their programs.

Selection Criteria

• SC1 Demonstrated capacity to undertake general routine tasks across a range of functions in one or more work areas within a school environment.
• SC2 Ability to use and maintain plant and equipment, follow school procedures and adhere to OHS safe work practices.
• SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with all members of the school community including students and the capacity to provide support to students where necessary.
• SC4 Demonstrated ability to work as a productive member of a team, to follow instructions and to work independently with confidence and initiative.
• SC5 A commitment to professional learning and growth.

Role

Position Overview

• Assist with a range of essential Administrative tasks including setting up for programs, preparing resources, supporting staff, events, and general day to day activities.
• Support the delivery of Ecolinc¿s STEMlinc Video Conferencing program by coordinating the purchase and preparation of resources for the STEM-in-a-box kits.
• Support the delivery of Ecolinc¿s Outreach program, when needed.
• Assist with the care, maintenance and welfare of the Ecolinc animals. Please note that this may require time spent outside of normal school hours at times. Time in lieu is available to compensate for any time spent over weekends and school holidays.

Responsibilities

Administration Assistant Duties

• Assist with everyday clerical and administrative tasks associated with Ecolinc¿s diverse onsite, outreach, video conference, special events and professional learning programs
• Coordinate the ordering, purchase, preparation and sending of STEM-in-a-box resources for the range of video conference programs
• Assist with the setting up and packing up of resources for Ecolinc¿s onsite programs
• Support the Outreach program by attending Outreach programs and providing assistance in the classroom, where needed
• Provide administrative assistance to the Ecolinc Project Officer, Administration Officer and Laboratory Technician, where needed
• Support teachers with the development of program resources

Animal Duties

• Assist with the general care, maintenance and welfare of the Ecolinc animals
• Keep appropriate animal care records
• Assist with the care of animals over school holiday periods, as required

Science Lab Duties

• Assist with the preparation of practical lab activities including set‑up and pack down of equipment
• Assist with the maintenance, cleaning and storage of program equipment
• Follow all safe storage and disposal practices of harmful chemicals and equipment
• Assist with the ordering of equipment and materials, when required
• Maintain knowledge of and follow the correct procedures for handling all biological, chemical and physical materials used at Ecolinc
• Assist the Laboratory Technician with the general operation of the science laboratory

Other Duties

• Attend staff meetings as appropriate
• Participate in curriculum and staff development opportunities as required
• Undertake duties in a professional manner
• Assist in the classroom and/or on field trips as required
• Any other duties as required by the Ecolinc Director.

Who May Apply

Qualifications

The successful applicant must possess a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Experience or a genuine desire to work with animals
• Genuine desire to work with school aged children
• Willingness to learn and grow under instruction from Ecolinc¿s ES and teaching staff
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong computer literacy skills including the use of Word, Excel, etc.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Organised, reliable and dependable
• Ability to maintain professional and personal integrity
• Proactive and innovative

Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department.The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces.It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (seeWorkplace adjustment guidelines).

Child Safe Standards

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees,including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

Conditions of Employment

• All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx