SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF JOB

The Science Laboratory Technician will be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the Science Lab in line with class requirements.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintaining a system for the weekly ordering of equipment, chemicals and resources by teachers. Liaising with teachers over the use of equipment and other items of stock. Identifying necessary room changes and informing teachers and pupils of these in advance of lessons.

• Ensuring that equipment, chemicals and resources are available in laboratories, in advance of lessons and removed promptly when no longer required.

• Establishing and maintaining a system for the regular inspection and maintenance of laboratories and the annual servicing of same in order to ensure they are :
• • Adequately stocked with clean, tidily stored general equipment and chemicals as required for full class practical work
• • Organised so as to promote speedy identification and location of equipment by staff
• • Safe environments through the provision of adequate levels of safety equipment

• Undertaking regular risk analysis and advising the Head of Science of any concerns. Additionally assisting the Science department in the completion of the annual safety inspection of the department

• Maintaining stock levels and advising the Science Department  of stock replacement needs. Assisting in the ordering of equipment and updating of the departmental asset register as necessary

• Having oversight of the departmental ICT facilities and equipment and providing support for staff. Liaison with the ICT Co-ordinator re maintenance and troubleshooting

• Attending departmental meetings in order to inform and discuss issues relating to technical support in the department. This includes items on safety, training and resources

Particular Daily Duties

• Preparation of specific lesson materials for designated areas of the department, to include, as appropriate:
• • Collecting apparatus and chemicals from storage unless already stored in the laboratory
• • Preparing necessary solutions
• • Checking individual components on despatch and return of equipment
• • Arranging for AV aids / computers to be available, in room, for lessons
• • Preparing experiments, setting up apparatus and equipment for demonstration and practical lessons as requested by teaching staff
• • Liaising with staff over the use of equipment and stock
• • Advising staff of any problem, including safety aspects
• • Returning apparatus etc., and chemicals to storage as soon as practicable
• • Washing and drying excessively soiled glassware
• • Looking after plants kept by the department
• • Constructing simple apparatus

General Routine Duties

• Laboratory maintenance including:
• • Switching on/off main services
• • Maintaining laboratories clean, tidy (in conjunction with the teacher in charge of the room)
• • Cleaning chemicals off bench tops, spillages of chemicals (in conjunction with the teacher) spillages of chemicals on the floor etc
• • Tidy storage of materials and equipment
• • Keeping apparatus clean, free of dust
• • Cleaning of goggles on a half termly basis
• • Checking of plug-ends and external wiring of electrical equipment
• • Cleaning of safety screens
• • Taking stock of chemicals, consumables and breakable items
• • Checking arrival of equipment from suppliers
• • Organising for repair of faulty equipment

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• All staff are required to manage effective personal development as part of the Company’s commitment to invest in staff as the key resource in the organisation
• Each individual must ensure that they meet their statutory responsibilities and Company policies with regard to Health and Safety, Equal Opportunities and other relevant legislation.
• Any other appropriate duties as allocated by the Science Department / Head of Secondary. 
• To promote and adhere to the Company Vision and Values:
  Quality; Commitment; Attitude; Responsibility; Enthusiasm (“Q” CARE)