Laboratory Assistant - Catherine McAuley College

Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton; Mackay Regional; On-site; AUD 51,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Superannuation 12.75%

Term-time to annualised salary

Long service leave after 7 years

Health insurance discounts

Fitness Passport

Excellent leave entitlements

Professional development opportunities

Modern facilities

Job summary

Catherine McAuley College in Mackay is seeking a Laboratory Assistant for term-time continuity, commencing 18 January 2027. The role supports a high-quality Catholic secondary science program, handling lab safety, chemicals, equipment and practical activity prep for students.

The successful candidate will bring strong organisation, communication and teamwork, with a commitment to workplace health and safety and environmental standards in a dynamic school environment.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting science labs and handling chemicals safely.
• Ability to prepare practical activities and maintain lab resources.
• Strong administrative and organisational skills for learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Support safe operation of the science laboratory and manage chemicals and equipment.
• Prepare practical activities, laboratory resources and fieldwork materials.
• Assist with maintaining inventory, equipment and safety compliance.

Skills

Laboratory safety

Chemistry knowledge

Organisation

Communication

Teamwork

Job description

Laboratory Assistant - Catherine McAuley College

Position: Laboratory Assistant
Commencement Date: Term 1, 2027 (18th January 2027)
Employment Status: Term-Time continuing
Hours per week: 38 hpw
Hourly Rate: $37.01 to $38.17 per hour (pending experience)
Applications Close: Friday, 6 November 2026

About us

Catherine McAuley Collegeopened in 2022 to meet the growing demand for high-quality Catholic secondary education in the Mackay region. Commencing with its inaugural cohort of Year 7 students, the College has been strategically growing one year level at a time and will complete its full Years 7-12 profile by 2027.

Built on the former site of the historic Mackay Sugar Research Institute, Catherine McAuley College offers first class facilities to ensure the delivery of quality teaching and learning practices.

Underpinned by the College values of Learning, Courage, Faith & Mercy, Catherine McAuley College is committed to providing a quality Catholic education in a welcoming, safe and secure learning environment. The Charism of the Sisters of Mercy inspires the College's educational mission and helps to shape the College's identity

Your Role

An exciting opportunity exists to join the team at Catherine McAuley College, Mackay, in the position ofLaboratory Assistant. This is a term-time continuing position for 38hpw, commencing from Term 1, 2027 (18th January 2027).

We are seeking applicants who have the knowledge and practical skills to support the effective operation of a science laboratory environment, with the ability to safely manage chemicals, laboratory equipment and resources while maintaining compliance with workplace health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will have strong organisational and administrative skills, with the capacity to support engaging science learning experiences through the preparation of practical activities, laboratory resources and fieldwork materials.

In this role, the successful applicant will provide a variety of support services with a depth of knowledge and broad range of skills in order to serve the educational function of the College.

The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of, and a commitment to, the values of Catholic education.
• Excellent communication skills and organisational ability.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management skills.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and a high proficiency of computer skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and work collaboratively with others to meet timelines
• High level of initiative and process thinking to ensure continuous improvement of processes.
• Ability to respond and adapt to changing priorities, whilst maintaining a positive solution focused outlook.
• Effective communication skills in order to speak with staff, students, parents, and visitors to the College
• A capacity for tact and discretion and an ability to maintain confidentiality

What we offer

• Competitive salary range - School Officer Level 4 - $37.01 to $38.17 per hour (pending experience)
• Superannuation of 12.75% contribution
• Option for term-time staff to annualise salary
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
• Access to corporate health discounts with either Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance
• Access to Fitness Passport
• Excellent leave entitlements to suit various situations
• Induction, professional development and learning opportunities
• Modern facilities and resources

Mandatory Requirements

• A current valid Blue Card under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (WWC Act) and valid Suitability Notice is a requirement of the position.
• Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner.

Further information

• For a confidential conversation please contact Rachel Coppin , Principal's Secretary, Catherine McAuley College, Mackay on 07 4994 9200 .
• Applications during the shortlisting phase will be kept confidential.

Applications Close: Friday, 6 November 2026.

Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures and is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

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About Us

Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton, is a large, dynamic and growing organisation with a currentenrolment of approximately 18,220 students and a staff of approximately 3,400 in Kindergartens, EarlyLearning Centres, Outside School Hours Care Services, 31 Catholic Primary Schools and 8 Catholic Secondary Colleges.Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton serves communities from Bundaberg in the south to Mackayin the north and west to Longreach.

With a vibrant working environment, we provide excellent benefits for staff including professional andcareer development opportunities that build personal and organisational capability. We celebrate diversityin our workforce, and value the knowledge and skills that a diverse range of employees bring to theworkplace. Our staff are recognised as being central to achieving our mission and we have an emphasis oncaring and supporting teachers in both their vocation in working with students and other aspects of theirlives.