Science Technician

Required: As soon as possible

Line Manager: Senior Science Technician

Salary: £22,200 per annum

Hours: 37.5 per week, term-time only

Closing date: 4th April 2025, 12:00 noon

The Role

We are seeking a confident and capable Technician to join our Science Department, working alongside two current Technicians to provide exceptional support to teaching staff and pupils in either Chemistry or Physics, according to your expertise. Job shares will be considered.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of school-relevant Chemistry or Physics, and enthusiasm for Science education. You must be comfortable both working under the instruction of the Senior Science Technician, and taking initiative to manage your own workload and adapt to changes in the classroom.

This role represents an exciting opportunity to make a significant mark on the teaching and learning of Science in one of the country’s leading HMC Independent Schools.

The School

The King’s School is one of the dozen oldest schools in the country and has a proud heritage dating back to at least 1087, with a re-foundation in 1541. King’s is the Cathedral School in the city of Gloucester, whilst the surrounding county is home to many excellent grammar and state schools, as well as other independent schools. King’s is held in high regard amidst this competitive area; our academic, co-curricular and pastoral attainment is second to none. As a result, the last three ISI reports for King’s have all been classified as ‘excellent’ in every area. Local media brand SoGlos has awarded King’s the title of ‘Independent School of the Year’ or ‘Highly Commended’ in every one of the last five years – a feat unmatched by any other local independent school. Despite the multiple national-scale challenges of recent years, King’s has seen its pupil roll growing steadily and parental satisfaction scoring very highly indeed. With careful investment in the campus and facilities, as well as a continuous focus on improving teaching and learning and developing our outstanding pastoral care, King’s is now seen as a dynamic, forward-thinking and impressive place to study and to work.

The Department

The Science Department at King’s is an energetic, supportive and innovative environment. It consists of nine subject-specialist teachers including the Head of Science, along with three subject Heads. They share the teaching of all Science pupils from Years 7 to 13, with opportunities to deliver lessons to our Junior School and enrichment sessions to our scholars. The teachers are ably supported by three technicians, who ensure activities are fully-resourced.

King’s represents an opportunity to contribute to a department that understands that Science can be engaging and fun, and aims to inspire curiosity in all learners. In a society driven by technology, understanding the core principles of Science is not only a necessity; it is a gateway to innovation and problem-solving; it encourages independence, critical thinking and teamwork; it empowers individuals to plan, create, and analyse; it fosters the skills that will allow pupils to thrive in our ever-evolving world.

Main Purpose

• To support the delivery of high-quality teaching and learning in Science, through the provision of technical support and advice to teaching staff and to pupils;
• To ensure a safe working environment for teachers and pupils;
• Under the overall guidance of the Senior Science Technician, to develop and appropriately store specialist resources and laboratory equipment, and ensure all routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, testing and repairs are carried out to the required standard.

Key Duties

• Preparing equipment and materials to support practical teaching, as requested by members of teaching staff;
• Conducting pre-lesson trials of practical activities and assisting with demonstrations as required;
• Contributing to the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources;
• Maintaining laboratory equipment and resources, carrying out checks to ensure they are safe to use, and arranging any repairs that may be required;
• Collecting materials after use, ensuring that they are properly cleaned, appropriately and safely stored, and that laboratories are kept tidy after practical activities;
• Safely disposing of used materials, including hazardous substances, following CLEAPSS / COSHH guidance;
• Advising teaching staff on potential risks associated with practical activities as required, and responding appropriately to any hazards;
• Liaising with teaching staff as necessary to facilitate co-curricular opportunities in Science;
• Keeping up to date with H&S requirements, CLEAPSS regulations and any other legal developments in practical science;
• Any other duties that may reasonably be assigned by the Head of Science or Senior Science Technician.

Personal Profile

• Good knowledge of practical Chemistry or Physics;
• Relevant experience of laboratory work and knowledge of associated H&S procedures;
• Enthusiasm and passion for Science education;
• Able to work to deadlines, plan and prioritise own workload and remain professional at all times;
• Outstanding organisational skills with a meticulous eye for detail;
• Friendly and approachable, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to build strong working relationships with both staff and pupils;
• A willingness to contribute to the wider life of the School;
• Experience of working in an educational environment and further qualifications related to Science, Chemistry or Physics would be highly advantageous.

Hours of Work

The post is for 37.5 hours per week, from 08:00 – 16:30 Monday to Friday, term-time only plus INSET days. Job shares will be considered.

Benefits

• A contributory pension through Aviva APTIS;
• Generous fee remission for children at King’s;
• Before / After School Care for children at King’s;
• Access to a Doctor for advice and short consultations;
• Staff Wellbeing Programme;
• Cycle to Work scheme;
• Lunches;
• Parking.

Applications

Candidates should apply through TES or by sending a completed School Application form to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk. A CV is not required.

Closing date for applications is Friday 4th April at 12:00 noon. Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to make an appointment prior to the published closing and interview dates, if appropriate.

For further information, please contact Mr Harry Fuller on 01452 337337 or via email to recruitment@thekingsschool.co.uk.