Biology Technician

The successful applicant for this post will be expected to:

• To assist the Senior Biology technician in coordinating the use, and development of, practical resources and facilities, including the provision of guidance and support in meeting the practical requirements of the science curriculum;
• To assist the Senior technician where required in the routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment to the required standard;
• To work with the Senior technician where required in coordinating the assessment, monitoring and review of Practical Risk Assessments, including technician activities;
• To assist the Senior technician in the appropriate storage and accessibility of equipment and materials in line with health and safety regulations including safe treatment and disposal of used materials, including hazardous substances and responding to actual or potential hazards;
• To work within the technical team to support the department, including: assisting in practical classes, carrying out demonstrations, preparing resources, assembling and distributing apparatus and other resources. Giving technical advice to teachers, technicians and pupils and engaging with the departmental online systems for ordering practical classes;
• Assisting the senior technician in issuing of textbooks, keeping records and processing charges where necessary;
• To be part of the four team rota that ensures the good health and welfare of the department fish and small animals and care and watering of departmental plants;
• To keep up-to-date with current procedures and practices through continuing professional development;
• To assist with the preparation and support of College open days and Science outreach days where required;
• To carry out duties and responsibilities in line with safeguarding protocols;

• Adhere to, and promote, all College policies and procedures.

The College reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and responsibilities of the post holder at any time according to the needs of the College’s business.

Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

Essential

• Have a science degree or higher qualification and/or technical experience.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation as it relates to the work of a school.
• Knowledge of COSHH regulations in relation to the safe handling and storage of chemicals.
• Able to prepare practicals in accordance with course syllabus and safety procedures.
• Able to lift and move objects in line with Manual Handling guidelines.
• Up to date with laboratory health and safety procedures.
• Have competent IT and administrative skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task in fulfilling requests from several staff, often to tight deadlines.
• Able to stay calm under pressure and able to cope with the rigours of a busy laboratory preparation room.
• Competent and comfortable to care for and feed small animals.
• Be professional and discreet.
• Reliable and flexible, with a can-do approach to all duties and responsibilities in a professional and helpful manner.
• Effective communication skills in order to communicate across the department.
• Be a team player.
• Enjoys working within a school environment.
• Display an ability to perform well and remain professional whilst under pressure, be tactful and discreet, whilst mindful of observing Safeguarding and professional standards.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to personal continuous professional development.
• Have a commitment and understanding of safeguarding protocols within a school setting
• Display a smart and professional appearance, representing the College in a positive manner

 Desirable

• Experience of working with students aged 11-18
• Experience working within a laboratory or school prep room environment

• Salary: Total of £24,179 per annum inclusive of holiday entitlement for this post based on the hours of working below.
• Hours: Term Time including Inset (circa 34 weeks per year) – 37 hours per week plus 3.5 hours every other Saturday during term time (there may be some flexibility on the start times below):
  • Monday 8am-5pm
  • Tuesday 8am-2pm
  • Wednesday 8am-4pm
  • Thursday 8am-2pm
  • Friday 8am-4pm
  • Saturday (every second Saturday during term time only) 9am-12.30pm

Plus Animal care during the holidays equating to a total 2.5 weeks during the school holidays across the 18 weeks of holidays. Flexible hours to suit individual and only a short period of time required when caring for the animals (this is a shared role on a rota with other staff within the department)

Holidays:  Statutory holiday entitlement to be taken during College’s holiday published dates  The above salary includes an allowance for holiday.

Pension: The College operates the Epsom College Automatic Enrolment Scheme. The Scheme is administered by the Pensions Trust.  Eligibility is based on statutory criteria.  If eligible, the Employee will be required to contribute a minimum of 5% of Basic Salary and the College will contribute 4% in compliance with current legislation

Employee Benefits include:

• Life Assurance Cover: Members who are automatically enrolled or who choose to opt into the College Pension Scheme will be provided with life assurance cover at two x contractual annual basic salary at no cost to the employee.
• Health Care Plan:  Offered to staff subject to qualifying conditions
• School Fee discount: subject to qualifying conditions, a generous school fee discount offered to staff
• Dining Facilities and Refreshments: Whilst at work a free meal and refreshments are available when the dining room is open
• Health Fitness and Wellbeing: Free use of Fitness suite and swimming pool are available to staff at certain times
• Cycle to Work/Parking: Subject to qualifying conditions, the College offers a cycle to work loan scheme. Free car parking for staff is available on campus.
• Computer Loan: Subject to qualifying conditions, the College offers a computer loan scheme.

In compliance with statutory safer recruitment regulations, the post will be offered subject to receipt of satisfactory written references, pre-placement medical assessment, proof of appropriate qualifications, a check of online search engines and websites of publicly available information that does not identify the candidate as potentially unsuitable to work within a school setting, a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and overseas police check if appropriate, as well as confirmation that the successful candidate is able to work in the UK. 

Prior to interview an online search of internet search engines, websites and other publicly available platforms to ascertain applicant’s suitability to work within a school environment will be undertaken on applicants that have been shortlisted.  Please note whilst the Enhanced DBS check will be paid by the College if an overseas police check is required it will be at the cost of the successful applicant.

Applicants are required to complete the Application for Employment Form available at the top of this page.

To comply with safeguarding procedures when working in a school, CVs cannot be accepted. Applicants should refer to the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure and the safeguarding policies on the College website. 

Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews and subsequent offer of employment may occur at any stage after applications are received. We invite interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

For further details and informal chat applicants can contact the Senior Technician Georgina.Platt@epsomcollege.org.uk.