Science Technician - Ferndown Upper School

Dorset Council; Ferndown; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Mentored induction

Local Government Pension Scheme

Health & wellbeing support

Private Healthcare Cashback Plan

Staff benefits portal

Job summary

Dorset Council through Ferndown Upper School is seeking a Science (Biology) Technician to support teaching staff in the laboratories. The role requires Biology expertise, a relevant NVQ Level 3 or above, and a commitment to safeguarding and continuous learning.

You will work with a team, ensure safe handling of equipment and chemicals, and contribute to CPD and training opportunities offered by the school and council.

Qualifications

• A vocational or academic qualification in Science at NVQ Level 3 or above.
• Specialist knowledge of Biology.

Responsibilities

• Be familiar with the safe and proper use of any specialist equipment and chemicals used in the laboratories.
• Have previous practical experience in a Science work area.
• Be willing to learn new skills.
• Have an awareness of health & safety requirements.
• Possess good interpersonal skills and able to work as part of a team.

Skills

Biology knowledge

Health & safety awareness

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Science

Job description

About the role

Science (Biology) Technician, Job Ref: XS4.5a

Salary - Grade 5 SCP 5-6 - £13.70 to £13.92 per hour,£22,833 - £23,196 pro rated per annum.

37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, Term time plus Staff Training Days

(There is some flexibility around the working hours, which canbe discussed with the successful candidate)

Required to start as soon as possible, a Science Laboratory Technician to provide specialist technical support to teaching staff within the Science Laboratories. A specific knowledge of Biology is essential, although a flexibility to work within our other Sciences would be required.

You will:

• Be familiar with the safe and proper use of any specialist equipment and chemicals used in the laboratories
• Have previous practical experience in a Science work area
• Be willing to learn new skills
• Have an awareness of health & safety requirements
• Possess good interpersonal skills and able to work as part of a team

You will have:

• A vocational or academic qualification in Science at NVQ Level 3 or above
• Specialist knowledge of Biology

What Ferndown Can Offer You:

• CPD opportunities and training and development programmes.
• Personalised induction, supported by a mentor.
• Eligibility to join the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Access to health and wellbeing support.
• Private Healthcare Cashback Plan including 24/7 access to a GP by phone, gym discounts, cashback for optical, dental and other appointment expenses.
• Access to staff benefits and discounts portal through Dorset Council.

Closing date: midnight Sunday 1st November 2026

Further Information

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check (formerly CRB) in line with the Governments safer recruitment guidelines.

Ferndown Upper School values the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

This role is UK based and your Right to Work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The amendments to the ROA 1974 (Exceptions Order 1975, (2013 and 2020) provide that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are 'protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. The MOJs guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions and further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.

Ferndown Upper School will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. This check will be part of a safeguarding check, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.

The pro rata salary shown is based on the number of hours and weeks worked and includes appropriate paid annual leave and bank holiday entitlements.

The salary quoted is the annual salary for the position at the time of advert. The salary will be paid in equal monthly instalments and will be adjusted at the start of employment and again if leaving part way through the school year to ensure the correct salary is received for the work completed in an academic year.