Science Technician

SCIENCE TECHNICIAN
32.92 hours per week (negotiable) term-time only (37 weeks),
plus 6.5 hours pa for staff training = 74.49% pro rata
£22,594 – £24,139 pa FTE (pay award pending)
£16,830 – £17,981 pa pro rata at 74.49% FTE, (pay award pending);
this is £13.74 – £14.68 per hour including holiday pay.

Flexible working arrangements considered.
To start November 2024.

 

Science is a highly valued subject at the College with a large number of our students opting to study Triple Science at GCSE with subsequent high progression through to A-level, at our partner school Harington. We are looking to recruit a Science Technician to support our teachers so they can deliver high-quality engaging practical sessions.

The successful candidate will be joining a skilled team of science technicians who bring a wealth of experience from either a commercial science background or the educational sector. Training will be provided for a can-do person who possesses strong practical skills and an eye for detail.

Our science technicians are integral to the successful running of the subject and they work closely with teaching staff to enhance the experience students have within the subject. The team also contribute to experiences outside of the classroom such as a week-long science event along with supporting trips and visits. In recent years this has included visiting Woolsthorpe Manor (home of Sir Isaac Newton), participating in a robotics roadshow and helping prepare students for success in the Salters Chemistry Festival.

There are outstanding science facilities throughout the Federation with purpose-built laboratories offering excellent teaching resources and access to a range of well organised science equipment. For a suitably experienced member of staff there are opportunities to support the more detailed A level experiments. Both Catmose College and Harington School are part of the Rutland and District Schools’ Federation, both of which have been graded outstanding by Ofsted.

Staff are able to enjoy many additional benefits that come as part of working within the Federation. These include, amongst others:

• A commitment to continued professional development.
• Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programme, available 24/7/365.
• Priority admission for children of staff to the College and Primary.
• Outstanding facilities.
• A broad range of opportunities to engage in extracurricular trips and activities.
• Highly rated average final salary Government Pension Scheme.
• A subsidised restaurant, refectory and orangery.
• Complimentary lunch on staff training days.
• Cycleshare scheme salary sacrifice for bike purchases.
• 15 weeks of school holidays per annum.
• Free parking.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome applications from candidates looking for a variety of flexible working arrangements.

If you have any questions regarding the role, please contact Alex Emmerson, (Link Vice Principal) who may be contacted via email aemmerson@catmosecollege.com

JOB PURPOSE

To complement the work of a teacher, supporting the learning of students through practical work to ensure outstanding progress is made in science. Science technicians provide technical and practical support to maintain the efficient day to day running of the science team.

DUTIES

SUPPORT THE TEACHER

• To work in partnership with the teacher to support students with practical work when required.
• To advise teaching staff on the safe usage of equipment and provide training in the use of new equipment where appropriate.
• To assist in the development of practical activities as appropriate under the guidance of a teacher.
• To provide basic first aid where necessary.

SUPPORT THE CURRICULUM

• To prepare standard solutions, practical equipment and other appropriate resources for use in lessons by students and teaching staff.
• To assist with stock control for the faculty inc. apparatus, chemicals and stationery.
• To maintain a system of regular checking, repair and replacement of practical apparatus.
• To advise the team leader and site manager of any laboratory defects.
• To maintain a high standard of health and safety including record keeping of safety checks and the preparation of risk assessments.
• To ensure all apparatus is kept clean and in good condition.
• To prepare glassware and other items of apparatus where required.
• To contribute to the overall ethos of the Federation in order to ensure an environment which is calm, purposeful and happy.
• To participate in training and other learning activities as required.
• To supervise students on planned trips, visits and out of school activities as required.

FEDERATION

• To familiarise yourself and comply with the Federation rules, policies and procedures in force including those contained in the Staff Handbook.
• Support the vision and ethos of the Federation.
• Uphold routines for learning and uniform.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluating the success of the Federation.
• To proactively respond to issues identified in the Transformation Plan to bring about sustained improvement.
• Contribute to the range of extra-curricular opportunities on offer to students.
• Any other reasonable duties as requested by the Executive Principal.

SAFEGUARDING, HEALTH AND SAFETY

The Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students in our care and expects all staff to share this commitment.  We provide safeguarding training to all staff on an annual basis, and all staff are responsible for ensuring safeguarding, health and safety policies are implemented in line with Federation policy and current legislation. Please familiarise yourself with our Safeguarding Policy, available online at www.rutlandfederation.com/policies

This position advertised is a ‘regulated position’ which means it will involve regular contact with children and young people; under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006 it is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.  This position is also ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

OTHER DUTIES

PERSON SPECIFICATION

	Essential	Desirable	Evidence
Commitment	A clear recognition of and commitment to all our aims as a high performing Federation. Smart business dress is essential.  The Federation has a dress code.	Tangible evidence of the commitment to education in the current post.	Letter of application Portfolio of work (where appropriate) Interviews
Qualifications	A good basic level of education with at least 5 GCSEs including English and Mathematics.	A science qualification, with evidence of an interest in continued training. First Aid qualification	Application form
Experience	Ability to work under pressure. A good understanding of safety issues and risk assessment.	Successful experience in a school or college. Experience or interest in Physics and/or engineering. Experience of monitoring and evaluating learning, leading to students making outstanding progress. Ability to manipulate data using Excel spreadsheets.	Interviews References Portfolio of work Letter of application
Staff Development	An understanding of the importance of training. A proven desire to improve, with recent evidence of certified professional development.		Letter of application Interviews
Relationships	An ability to work with our students. Good listening skills, the ability to communicate effectively and to work as part of a team with staff, Federation members, and members of the local community.		References Interviews Letter of application

 

 

HOW TO APPLY

Application forms and information are available online at www.rutlandfederation.com or by emailing office@rutlandfederation.com

• You should write a letter of application on no more than 2 sides of A4.
• You should complete all sections of the application form.
• On the form clearly state the names, addresses, telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of two professional referees; it is our usual practice to ask for references before shortlisting and always to ask for references before interviews.
• It is a condition of employment that you can provide proof of identity and qualifications gained.
• Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. 
• Further information is within our Staff Recruitment Policy which can be found online at rutlandfederation.com/policies

Please note that due to the high number of applications we receive for positions, your application is unlikely to be considered if you do not follow these requirements. CVs are not accepted. The closing date is 9am on Wednesday 9 October 2024. You should send your application to Stuart Williams, Executive Principal, Catmose College, Huntsmans Drive, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 6RP.  Applications can also be emailed to office@rutlandfederation.com