Biology Technician

Education Authority (Northern Ireland); Ballyclare; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Education Authority (Northern Ireland) is seeking a Technician 2 to provide technical support to teaching staff and help manage classroom resources. The role involves setting up, testing and maintaining equipment, supervising staff, and developing teaching aids in a school environment.

The post requires strong planning, teamwork, and health and safety awareness, with a focus on supporting pupils and teachers within a busy school setting.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs (A*-C) including English Language, Mathematics and Science
• Minimum of one year's experience in a school setting
• Demonstrable knowledge of Health and safety regulations relevant to the role

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to teaching staff
• Supervise and train staff as needed
• Develop and maintain teaching aids and models
• Prepare class resources and set up/testing/dismantling
• Manage inventory and secure storage of equipment
• Advise on health and safety for equipment and processes
• Assist with administrative tasks and resource ordering

Skills

Planning skills

Organisational skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Interpersonal skills

Communication

MS Word

MS Excel

Outlook

Punctuality

Education

GCSEs including English, Maths and Science

1+ year experience in a school setting

Health and safety knowledge

Biology/Science qualification to A Level or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Outlook

Job description

SECTION 1 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• Five GCSE’s (Grades A*-C) to include English Language, Mathematics and science, or equivalent or higher level qualifications - Shortlisting by Application Form
• A minimum of one year's experience in a school setting - Shortlisting by Application Form
• Demonstrable evidence of knowledge of Health and safety regulations, as relevant to the role - Shortlisting by Application Form

SECTION 2 - ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage.

• Proven effective planning and organisational skills and an ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team to achieve outcomes
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Evidence of sound interpersonal and communication skills
• Evidence of proficiency in the use of computer packages, to include use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Good record of punctuality and attendance
• Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect the school's values/ethos - Interview Values Orientation

SECTION 3 - DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

• A minimum of one year's experience of working as a laboratory technician
• Experience of working with young people in an educational environment
• Biology/Science related qualification to GCE A Level/equivalent - Shortlisting by Application Form

DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND

The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’. In the event that you are recommended for appointment to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage. Further information can be accessed at NI Direct or the Department of Justice.

The Education Authority is an Equal Opportunities Employer

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Technician 2 REPORTS TO: School Principal through designated line manager RESPONSIBLE FOR: Maximum of 5 staff JOB PURPOSE To provide technical support and assistance to teaching staff in the implementation of the school’s/department's educational programme.

SUPERVISION

This is a discretionary element of the job description. The grade may be awarded if supervision is not a component of the post.

• Supervise appropriate staff (shared supervision), including managing and allocating duties.
• Identify and provide on-the-job training to appropriate staff.
• Provision and Maintenance of Facilities and Practical Resources.
• Assist teaching staff in developing and manufacturing teaching aids and models.
• Prepare resources for all classes including setting up, testing, demonstrating and dismantling suitable resources as per agreed schemes of work.
• Collect, clean and store all equipment and materials securely in designated storage areas. Ensure items are maintained in a state of 'ready for use'.
• Dispose of used materials in a safe and approved manner.
• Ensure that mandatory and/or statutory checks of materials and equipment are carried out by qualified personnel.
• Inform designated line manager of materials and equipment found to be in an unsatisfactory/unsafe condition and arrange for repair and disposal of such items.
• Ensure no unauthorised person has unsupervised access to equipment and materials when not in use.
• Advise on health and safety issues in relation to the use of equipment.

ADMINISTRATION

• Develop, maintain and operate manual and/or computerised systems in relation to administrative tasks associated with the area of work.
• Maintain an inventory/records of departmental resources.
• Assist in ordering/purchasing, receiving, checking, storing and distributing resources.

GENERAL

• Support all staff in ensuring the general safety of pupils.
• Assist with evacuation in emergencies.
• Undertake photocopying as required.
• Undertake any of the following duties:
• Handling cash in relation to the purchase of practical materials.
• Assisting with hospitality at meetings and school functions.
• Carrying out minor maintenance repairs throughout the school within the competence of the employee.

This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time. In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.