Science Technician

Hillingdon Manor School; Truro; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Vista benefits platform (discounts, 건강

Job summary

Oak Tree School in Truro is seeking a Science Technician to support science teaching by preparing and maintaining practical resources and equipment. You will work with teachers to ensure lessons run smoothly, safely, and that resources are well-organised.

The role requires a hands-on approach, pride in standards, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset to support a dynamic education team in a school setting serving students aged 5–18.

Qualifications

• Interest in practical science and how equipment is used in lessons.
• Knowledge of safe working practices in a laboratory setting.
• Ability to organise work, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and collaborative approach with teachers and colleagues.
• Respect for safeguarding and professional boundaries.

Responsibilities

• Prepare practical lessons by setting up equipment and materials.
• Maintain laboratory stock and replenish consumables.
• Ensure safe working practices and proper storage/disposal of chemicals.
• Carry out maintenance and basic repairs to equipment.
• Support teachers during lessons and help organise practical activities.
• Keep records for equipment checks and stock usage.

Skills

Interest in practical science

Safe working practices

Organise and meet deadlines

Communication and collaboration

Safeguarding awareness

Tools

Lab equipment maintenance

Basic repair skills

Job description

Enter your postcode, then select the range below

• Range

Science Technician

Oak Tree School

• Truro
• Permanent

Salary: £26,430.85 per annum

Hours: 42.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Job Title: Science Technician
Location: Oak Tree School, Truro, TR4 9NH
Salary: £26,430.85 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 42.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8am - 4.30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: October 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

As a Science Technician based in Truro, you’ll support science teaching and learning by preparing, maintaining and organising practical resources and equipment. You’ll work closely with teaching and support colleagues to ensure lessons are ready to deliver, activities run safely, and resources are stored and maintained to the required standards.

This is a hands‑on, practical position for someone who takes pride in their standards, enjoys problem‑solving, and is comfortable working with an education team to keep everything in place, from day‑to‑day preparations to helping maintain a well‑ordered laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing practical lessons by setting up equipment, preparing materials, and ensuring resources are ready and appropriate for the learning activity.
• Maintaining laboratory stock, including ordering, recording, checking, and replenishing equipment and consumables.
• Ensuring safe working practices in line with current guidance and school procedures, including the safe storage and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
• Carrying out maintenance and basic repairs to keep equipment functioning correctly, escalating issues as required.
• Supporting teachers during lessons by assisting with setup, demonstrating where needed, and supporting the smooth running of practical activities.
• Managing risk effectively, helping to ensure practical activities are safe, supervised appropriately, and documented according to policies.
• Keeping records up to date for equipment checks, stock usage, and laboratory documentation.
• Contributing to a positive, caring learning environment where learners feel supported and motivated to engage with science.

About You

• A strong interest in practical science and how equipment and materials are used in learning
• Knowledge of safe working practices in a laboratory or workshop setting (including the safe handling and storage of materials)
• The ability to organise your work, prioritise tasks, and meet lesson deadlines
• Confidence in working with equipment and basic maintenance, with a “fix it properly” attitude
• Good communication skills and a collaborative approach with teachers and colleagues
• Respect for safeguarding and professional boundaries

About Us

Oak Tree School in Truro has recently expanded and developed two new buildings and undergone a successful inspection from Ofsted allowing us to offer a wider age range of students from 5 – 18 years the opportunity to have the best education possible. Oak Tree School is a specialist SEMH provision positioned near the city of Truro in Cornwall. The school provides full‑time specialist co‑education for up to 135 students and young people aged 5 to 18 who experience social, emotional, mental health, communication difficulties and associated challenging behaviours. These students and young people often cannot cope, function or achieve within a mainstream environment. The aim is to provide a structured, nurturing approach, with students accessing a broad, balanced and engaging curriculum to meet their significant needs.

This opportunity is in Truro which is within commutable distance of Redruth, St Austell and surrounding areas.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence‑based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.

Why Join Us?

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales

Wherever you work – whether in a city location or one of our more rural settings – you’ll be part of one dynamic family, aiming high and dreaming big, and helping the people we work with achieve their own personal goals

Hours: 42.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Hours: 42.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm - term time only