Science Technician/ Lab Manager

Haeata Community Campus; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Haeata Community Campus is seeking a highly skilled Science Technician/Laboratory Manager to oversee the operation and management of the school’s science laboratories. You will lead laboratory operations, manage the department budget, and work with teaching staff to support curriculum delivery and student learning.

The role emphasises ensuring safety and efficiency of the science learning environment, with collaboration across the science department and strong leadership responsibilities in

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification in a science discipline or extensive lab experience.
• Strong knowledge of chemical safety regulations and hazardous substance handling.
• Proven leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to manage staff and support teachers.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for management, maintenance, and setup of all science laboratories and preparation areas.
• Identify, develop and implement policies to improve efficiency and safety.
• Provide expert advice on laboratory policies and facility needs to senior staff.
• Hold Laboratory Manager role for the science department and supervise safety compliance.
• Collaborate with teachers on lesson planning, curriculum delivery and practical assessments.
• Guide staff on complex classroom practicals and safety considerations.
• Develop and manage the science department budget and procurement for equipment and resources.
• Authorise and manage procurement for specialist equipment and chemical stock.

Skills

Lab management

Budgeting

Chemical safety

Leadership

Curriculum support

Communication

Safety training

Education

Science degree

Job description

Area / composite (Years 1–15), Resource teacher
Science

We are seeking a highly skilled, proactive, and organised Science Technician/Laboratory Manager to oversee the operation and management of our school’s science laboratories.

In this senior Grade 3 role, you will:

• take full responsibility for the overall efficiency, safety and functionality of the science learning environment
• lead laboratory operations and handle department budgeting
• work closely with teaching staff to support curriculum delivery and student learning.

Key responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the overall management, maintenance, and setup of all science laboratories and preparation areas.
• Identify, develop, authorise, and implement operational policies and protocols to improve efficiency and health and safety.
• Provide expert advice to senior staff and management on laboratory policies, practices, and facility needs.
• Hold the designated Laboratory Manager/Taiwhanga Kaiwhakahaere Health & Safety role for the science department.
• Collaborate directly with teachers on lesson planning, curriculum delivery, and the design of practical assessments and exam materials.
• Guide and advise teaching staff on complex classroom practicals and experimental safety.
• Develop and manage the science department's technical budget in alignment with curriculum needs.
• Authorise, manage, and execute procurement for specialist equipment, chemical stock, and department resources.

Skills and qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in a science discipline or extensive technical experience in a laboratory environment.
• Deep knowledge of chemical safety regulations, hazardous substance handling, and school laboratory health and safety compliance (e.g. Health and Safety at Work Regulations).
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to manage staff and advise teaching teams effectively.
• Strong organisational skills with experience in budget development and resource procurement.
• Commitment to supporting cultural responsiveness, diversity, and safety in the learning environment.