Lead Science Technician

Sir Bernard Lovell Academy; West of England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Cash Plan

Job summary

Sir Bernard Lovell Academy is seeking a motivated and innovative Lead Science Technician to lead the Science Technician team during a period of refurbishment and growth. You will guide pupils and teachers in practical science, prepare and maintain laboratories, and ensure safety, equipment, and stock control are managed to high standards.

The role is 37 hours per week, term-time plus INSET days, with a Grade 5 salary (£28,142–£30,024 FTE; actual salary £25,474–£27,178).

Responsibilities

• Offering professional guidance, assistance and support to pupils and teachers on the practical aspects of the science curriculum.
• Demonstrating practical equipment to students in the laboratory and assisting them with their own laboratory work.
• Providing specialist assistance in the preparation of laboratories and practical equipment for use by staff and students ensuring a safe working, tidy and healthy environment is provided at all times. Ensuring the availability of suitable resources, materials and equipment.
• Having overall responsibility for the promotion and observance of a healthy and safe working environment in science, including CLEAPSS and COSHH regulations, and in doing so, remain up to date with CLEAPSS information and share this information within the department.
• Undertaking the lead role in the science department on both routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment to the standard required in order to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Ensuring that the technical team is resourced, organised and developed to meet the performance standards required. Taking the lead role in stock control, by maintaining records, compiling orders and negotiation with suppliers.
• Supporting the design, development of the science curriculum and the maintenance of specialist resources.
• Being responsible where required for petty cash and the purchase of relevant items locally when authorised, assessing the availability of suitable alternatives in line with best value principles and maintaining records of transactions and expenditure in accordance with the school’s financial guidelines.
• Being aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Contributing to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.
• Assisting in the organisation and preparation of displays, including for open evenings and other appropriate school functions as and when required.
• Attending and participating in relevant meetings and training or other learning activities and performance management tasks as may be reasonably directed.
• Assisting teaching staff as directed and undertake other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the post, including assisting or advising other Technicians in areas of particular competence or skill.

Job description

Sir Bernard Lovell Academy is seeking a motivated and innovative Lead Science Technician to join our team. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Science Technician team at a time when considerable investment is being made to refurbish the school’s labs and prep rooms. You’ll be part of a supportive and ambitious team who are committed to helping every child reach their full potential. You’ll join colleagues who work collaboratively to create a positive, inclusive learning environment where staff and pupils thrive together.

About Sir Bernard Lovell Academy

We are a thriving and oversubscribed 11-18 co-educational comprehensive school serving the communities between Bristol and Bath. Our strong house system, student leadership roles and enrichment programme ensure that our students have an extensive range of opportunities to develop their personal skills and characteristics outside as well as inside the classroom.

Sir Bernard Lovell Academy is proud to be part of Futura Learning Partnership, a trust dedicated to building the brightest future for all, enabling every individual to flourish.

As a Lead Science Technician, you will be responsible for:

• Offering professional guidance, assistance and support to pupils and teachers on the practical aspects of the science curriculum.
• Demonstrating practical equipment to students in the laboratory and assisting them with their own laboratory work.
• Providing specialist assistance in the preparation of laboratories and practical equipment for use by staff and students ensuring a safe working, tidy and healthy environment is provided at all times. Ensuring the availability of suitable resources, materials and equipment.
• Having overall responsibility for the promotion and observance of a healthy and safe working environment in science, including CLEAPSS and COSHH regulations, and in doing so, remain up to date with CLEAPSS information and share this information within the department.
• Arranging the healthy, safe and accessible storage of equipment and materials. Ensuring the safe treatment and disposal of used materials, including hazardous substances according to the relevant regulations, and responding to actual or potential hazards. Overseeing compliance of radioactive chemicals.
• Undertaking the lead role in the science department on both routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment to the standard required in order to ensure safe and efficient operation.
• Ensuring that the technical team is resourced, organised and developed to meet the performance standards required. Taking the lead role in stock control, by maintaining records, compiling orders and negotiation with suppliers.
• Supporting the design, development of the science curriculum and the maintenance of specialist resources.
• Being responsible where required for petty cash and the purchase of relevant items locally when authorised, assessing the availability of suitable alternatives in line with best value principles and maintaining records of transactions and expenditure in accordance with the school’s financial guidelines.
• Being aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety and security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.
• Contributing to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school.
• Assisting in the organisation and preparation of displays, including for open evenings and other appropriate school functions as and when required.
• Attending and participating in relevant meetings and training or other learning activities and performance management tasks as may be reasonably directed.
• Assisting teaching staff as directed and undertake other duties and responsibilities commensurate with the post, including assisting or advising other Technicians in areas of particular competence or skill.

Our Culture and Offer

We believe people flourish when they feel valued, supported and inspired. At Sir Bernard Lovell Academy you’ll find a collaborative culture, purposeful professional development and a shared commitment to wellbeing.

All colleagues benefit from a fully funded Health Cash Plan, providing up to £500 each year towards everyday health costs such as dental, optical and physiotherapy appointments.

Closing date: 11:59 on Sunday, 6th September, 2026

Role information: 37 hours per week, Term Time Only, all INSET days, plus 10 days during school holidays.

Grade 5 £28,142 - £30,024 FTE. Actual salary: £25,474 - £27,178

Safeguarding

Futura Learning Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Your suitability to work with children will form part of the selection process. For this post, pre-employment checks will include an enhanced DBS, barred-list check, two references (one from your most recent employer), health screening and online searches, in line with our safer recruitment policy.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are dedicated to supporting every member of staff to reach their full potential.