Senior Science Technician

South Downs Education Trust; Worthing; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Well-being support

Professional development opportunities

Coaching and mentoring staff

Job summary

Worthing High School is seeking a Senior Science Technician to lead the day-to-day operation of the Science Technician team, ensuring laboratories are safe, well organised and fully equipped for high-quality practical science teaching. The role collaborates with the Leader of Science to develop outstanding practical provision and support staff in delivering a rigorous science curriculum.

The post holder will lead on technician systems, resource management, health and safety compliance, stock

Qualifications

• Educated to GCSE Grade C or above in English, Maths and a Science Subject (or equivalent).
• Degree or Higher Education qualification in a science discipline (desirable).
• Relevant health and safety qualification, e.g. CLEAPSS training (desirable).
• First aid qualification, or willingness to train (desirable).
• Experience working as a science or laboratory technician in a secondary school or similar setting.
• Experience preparing practical lessons and managing chemicals, equipment and resources.
• Experience in ordering, stock control and monitoring budgets.
• Experience supervising, mentoring or training other technicians (desirable).
• Ability to plan, prioritise and allocate the workload of a technician team.
• Ability to delegate tasks while maintaining oversight of departmental operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operation of the Science Technician team and ensure laboratories are safe, well organised and fully equipped for high-quality practical science teaching.
• Work with the Leader of Science to develop outstanding practical provision and support staff delivering an ambitious science curriculum.
• Lead on technician systems, resource management, health and safety compliance, stock control and technician development.
• Provide hands-on practical support across the department as required.

Skills

Science laboratory skills

Stock management

Health and safety compliance

Team leadership

Workload prioritisation

Education

GCSE English/Math/Science (C or above)

Degree in science (desirable)

Health and safety training (desirable)

First aid training (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Stock management software

Job description

Worthing High School

Recruitment Pack

September 2026

Senior Science

Technician

Job title

Salary

Senior Science Technician

NJC GRADE 6, points 9 - 12 (£27,254 to £28,598

Actual salary at 25.5 hours £14,279 - £14,983.

Location

Worthing High School

Contract

Permanent contract role from October 2026 - 25.5 hours per week across 4-5 days, 39 weeks per year (Term time plus Inset days). Flexibility with hours considered.

Accountability

Report to Science Department Lead, responsible for Science Technician Team

Role description

To lead the day to day operation of the Science Technician team, ensuring laboratories are safe, well organised and fully equipped for high-quality practical science teaching. The Senior Science Technician will work closely with the Leader of Science to develop outstanding practical provision, maintain an exceptional learning environment and support staff in delivering an ambitious science curriculum. The postholder will lead on technician systems, resource management, health and safety compliance, stock control and technician development, while continuing to provide hands‑on practical support across the department.

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to GCSE Grade C standard or above in English, Maths and a Science Subject (or equivalent)
• Degree or Higher Education qualification in a science discipline (desirable)
• Relevant health and safety qualification, e.g. CLEAPSS training (desirable)
• First aid qualification, or willingness to train (desirable)
• Experience working as a science or laboratory technician in a secondary school or similar setting
• Experience preparing practical lessons and managing chemicals, equipment and resources
• Experience in ordering, stock control and monitoring budgets
• Experience supervising, mentoring or training other technicians (desirable)
• Ability to plan, prioritise and allocate the workload of a technician team
• Ability to delegate tasks while maintaining oversight of departmental operations
• Experience leading a technician team, including appraisals or performance support (desirable)
• Working knowledge of biology, chemistry and physics practical requirements across KS3 and GCSE
• Thorough understanding of health and safety legislation, CLEAPSS guidance and COSHH regulations
• Knowledge of safe chemical storage, handling and disposal
• Confident use of Microsoft Office and stock management or record keeping systems

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and supervision of the technician team

• Plan, prioritise and allocate the day to day workload of technician staff to meet curriculum needs
• Provide day to day leadership, supervision and training for the technician team, supporting their professional development
• Induct, mentor and support the development of new technicians
• Monitor the standards and performance of the technician team and provide feedback
• Act as the main point of contact for teaching staff on technical requests, co‑ordinating support across the department
• Contribute to one‑to‑one meetings, team meetings and, where appropriate, appraisal of technician staff

Technical and curriculum support

• Oversee the preparation of practical equipment and materials for KS3 and GCSE lessons
• Give technical advice to teachers and other technicians, including early career and trainee teachers
• Contribute to the design, construction and modification of apparatus and demonstrations
• Set up and maintain any live specimens or plant collections
• Prepare standard solutions, purify chemicals and treat waste materials
• Support practical assessments, enrichment activities and STEM events

Laboratory and resource management

• Maintain all laboratories, preparation rooms and storage areas to a high standard
• Organise equipment and resources efficiently, including annual equipment audits
• Check stock levels and place orders, liaising with suppliers and the finance team
• Source and cost materials, suggesting economic alternatives where appropriate
• Maintain accurate and up to date stock and inventory records
• Carry out routine and non‑routine checking, cleaning, calibration and repair of equipment, arranging servicing by external contractors where required

Health and safety

• Lead on laboratory health and safety, ensuring compliance with CLEAPSS guidance and COSHH regulations
• Carry out and review risk assessments for technician and practical activities
• Ensure the safe storage, handling, transport and disposal of chemicals and hazardous substances
• Organise the checking of fume cupboards, pressure vessels, electrical equipment and first aid provision
• Clean and make safe any spills, breakages or related incidents
• Keep up to date with health and safety requirements and developments in practical science

Administration and record keeping

• Maintain accurate technician records, including training, accident and stock records
• Monitor consumable usage and co‑ordinate servicing schedules
• Assist with departmental administration, such as data entry, in a non‑teaching capacity
• Be aware of data protection requirements to ensure records and information are handled correctly

Professional responsibilities

• Participate in appraisal, training and professional development activities
• Contribute positively to the wider life of the school, including meetings and events as required
• Promote safeguarding, equality and inclusion
• Maintain confidentiality at all times
• Undertake any other duties reasonably regarded as within the nature of the role and grade of the post

This job description is not exhaustive and duties may be varied from time to time at the discretion of the school, in consultation with the postholder.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work with staff, students and suppliers
• Confident acting as the main point of contact for technical requests from teaching staff
• Tact, diplomacy and discretion when dealing with sensitive situations
• Proactive and helpful attitude towards staff, students and parents
• Able to work independently and use initiative to resolve problems
• Excellent attention to detail and accurate record keeping
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to high standards of work
• Flexible and adaptable approach, and calm under pressure

Values and Professional Conduct

• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Understanding of confidentiality, data protection and professional boundaries.
• Alignment with the school’s ethos and values.
• Willingness to engage in training and continuous development.
• Commitment to providing excellent service to pupils, families, and other staff.

What We Offer

A friendly and supportive environment.

The opportunity to work with well‑motivated students and supportive parents and staff.

A location on the coast very close to main line railway services and road networks.

Free well‑being and medical support cover.

The opportunity to be part of the South Downs Education Trust MAT.

Free use of our fitness suite.

Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

The chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of staff and students.

Competitive salary package and benefits aligned with sector standards.

The chance to work in a DfE Attendance and Behaviour Hub Lead school.

Trust Commitments

• South Downs Education Trust (SDET) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• Worthing High School & Clapham and Patching C of E Primary school are part of SDET, which is an academy trust and a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales with company number 8276210. The Registered Office is at: South Farm Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 7AR
• We recognise continuous service from academy/non‑academy schools

“As an Apprentice School Business Manager within South Downs Education Trust, I felt supported from day one by colleagues who are always willing to share their expertise and who are genuinely invested in your development. The trust offers excellent opportunities to gain practical experience and develop the skills your future, making it a great place to grow.”

Louise Hrycyszyn, Junior School Business Manager