Science Technician (Chemistry)

The Henrietta Barnett School; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Henrietta Barnett School is seeking a Science Technician (Chemistry) to join the busy Science Department. You will support the Head of Chemistry and other science heads, prepare apparatus, manage stock and assist in practical classes.

The role is full-time, permanent, term-time only, with responsibilities across laboratories and preparation rooms on one site. We value accurate work, good communication and a collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• Science-related degree desirable but not essential.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Efficient and effective organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and a good team player
• Hard-working, punctual and committed
• Honest, reliable, kind and a person of integrity
• Ability to follow instructions
• Calm under pressure
• Ability to thrive in a busy school environment
• Flexible and able to prioritise effectively
• Relevant experience within schools would be an advantage but not essential

Responsibilities

• Preparing apparatus, materials and solutions for practical classes and setting up demonstrations.
• Arrange for disposal of waste laboratory materials per procedures.
• Participate in development of Science Department facilities to meet teaching needs.
• Maintain and repair departmental apparatus and equipment; keep records.
• Catalogue, prepare, issue and stocktake materials and equipment.
• Maintain stock levels and notify when replacement needed.
• Check stock books and keep stock records.
• Check and store deliveries; ensure safe storage per regulations.
• Ensure safety and security in line with policies and regulations.
• Support other science technicians and assist in practical classes as required.
• Advise teaching staff on technical requirements and contribute to practical work.

Skills

Communication skills

English proficiency

Organisational skills

Team player

Reliability

Calm under pressure

Independent initiative

Adaptable

Education

Science-related degree

Job description

Science Technician

Full Time

Permanent, Term Time only

The Henrietta Barnett School is a high-performing state grammar school with approximately 800 girls aged 11-18 and was awarded Top State School of the Year 2023 for Academic Achievement by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide. It is known for its warm, friendly environment and ethos. This role is part of the Support Staff Team. The Science Department at HBS consists of eight laboratories, together with three preparation rooms and ancillary rooms located on one site, on split floors. There are currently ten Science teachers supported by three technicians.

Job Description

The key role of the Science Technician (Chemistry) is to provide the technician’s service to the Head of Chemistry and the other Heads of Science, as part of the team of Science Department technicians in the school and to contribute specialist knowledge, skills and services to all areas of the Science Curriculum and to the Chemistry Department in particular. The Science Technician team consists of a Senior Science Technician and two other technicians. The Science Technician (Chemistry) reports to the Senior Science Technician.

The following gives an overview of the responsibilities of the role. The list is not exhaustive and will adapt in consultation with the post-holder, as needs change and opportunities develop.

• Preparing apparatus, materials and solutions, and setting up and checking equipment and apparatus for use in practical classes. Setting up and carrying out demonstrations. Retrieving and clearing away apparatus etc.

• Arrange for the disposal of waste laboratory materials including chemical and biological waste in accordance with established and regulatory procedures and regulations. Disposal of equipment surplus to requirements.

• Participate in the development of the Science Department practical and technical facilities to meet teaching and learning needs.

• To be responsible for the maintenance and repair of departmental apparatus and equipment, and for maintenance records.

• Under the direction of the Senior Technician, catalogue, prepare, issue and maintain materials, equipment, and stocktaking the same.

• Maintaining stock levels and notifying the Senior Science Technician when stocks need to be replaced and ordered.

• Assisting in checking stock books and keeping stock records

• Check and store deliveries.

• Ensure that all apparatus, equipment and chemicals are stored in accordance with regulations (CLEAPSS, COSHH).

• To ensure the maintenance of laboratory services and facilities, liaising with the site manager as appropriate.

• To ensure that the practical requirements of practical examinations/assessments are met, including preparing, setting up and testing materials, apparatus and equipment.

• To give technical advice and assistance to teachers and other science technicians, assisting in practical classes as appropriate.

• To advise teaching staff of technical requirements raised by the curriculum and to contribute to the department’s practical work, which includes work connected with Information Technology.

• To ensure that satisfactory standards of safety and security are maintained at all times in accordance with the School’s policies and Health & Safety Regulations.

• Other appropriate technician duties as reasonably requested by the Senior Technician, Heads of Department or other teachers in any areas of Science.

• Playing a part in the Support Staff team across the school, including jobs such as assisting with Open Days and Entrance Examination Days.

• Engaging in the school’s performance management programme.

• Commitment to the Safeguarding and well-being of children and young people.

Person Specification

• A Science-related degree would be desirable but is not essential.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

• Excellent spoken and written English

• Efficient and effective organisational skills

• Strong interpersonal skills and a good team player

• Hard-working, punctual and committed

• Honest, reliable, kind and a person of integrity

• Ability to follow instructions

• Calm under pressure

• Ability to thrive in a busy school environment

• Ability to be flexible and to ensure priorities are met, to work accurately under pressure, independently on your initiative and to prioritise effectively

• Relevant experience within schools would be an advantage but not essential

Relevant training will be provided.

The Science Technician (Chemistry) reports to the Senior Science Technician.

Salary: SCP 4-10 Outer London £29,985 - £32,655 (FTE - 52 week calculation) depending on skills, qualifications and experience.