George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Science (Chemistry) Technician on a permanent basis. To Support the Senior Technician to provide a first class, customer orientated technician service to pupils and teachers alike, ensuring that the labs are run smoothly and effectively, that the equipment and apparatus is operational, available and well maintained, and working at all times with Health and Safety in mind.
Hours of work will be 36.25 hours per week, term time only (36 weeks plus professional learning days and a further one week during holiday periods). The annual leave entitlement is seven weeks per year making a total of 45 weeks. The salary for this position will be in the Grade 3 range of £29,807 - £35,300 (based 36.25 hours, 52 weeks). This equates to £25,794 - £30,548 per annum.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please click the Apply for this job button. Please include a letter of application of not more than 800 words giving us more information about you and why you would like the role, addressed to Mrs Louise Clarke, Head of Senior School.
Closing date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 21 May 2025
Interviews are scheduled to take place on Monday 2 June 2025
Main Responsibilities:
In conjunction with the Senior Technician, to coordinate the use of practical resources and facilities and provide assistance and advice in meeting the practical needs of the departmental curriculum and clubs, including liaising with teaching staff. Ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment, helping to compile orders and liaising or negotiating with suppliers and finance departments. This will include sourcing, costing and suggesting economic alternatives to maintain stock levels, and keeping up-to-date and accurate stock records. This will involve the ability to plan and work independently
To ensure the maintenance of a healthy and safe working environment through:
* actively contributing to the assessment, monitoring and the review of both health and safety procedures and information resources
* keeping up to date with current procedures and practices through continuing professional development
* the provision of technical advice on health and safety issues to teaching and trainee technical staff
* the safe treatment and disposal of used materials including hazardous and responding to actual or potential hazards
* the healthy and safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials
To contribute to the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long-term projects.
To support the Senior Technician in ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment, helping to compile orders and liaising or negotiating with suppliers or finance departments. This will include sourcing, costing and suggesting economic alternatives to maintain stock levels, and keeping up-to-date and accurate stock records.
Under the guidance of the Senior Technician, to ensure that both routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment are carried out to the required standard.
Ideal Candidate:
Essential:
A minimum of HND level qualification in Chemistry or recent applied practical experience in a similar role
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong customer focus
Works well as part of a team, but is also able to work unsupervised and using own initiative
Good planning and organisation skills, coupled with excellent attention to detail
Analytical approach to problem solving
Works well under pressure
Numeracy
Must be able to work with and maintain chemical materials in a safe and appropriate manner. Must be familiar with risk assessment processes in the chemistry environment.
Computer literate, with experience in using word processors, email, spreadsheets and file management software. The Microsoft Office range of software as well as GAFE (Google Apps for Education) will be used for this.
Ability to use PASCO (Specific supplier of the apparatus we primarily but not exclusively use within the Science departments) compliant and other datalogging software.
Desirable:
Experience of working in an educational environment
Experience of working with children
A degree in Chemistry
Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations applicable to a school and science setting, including COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
Package Description:
Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh
Contract Type: Full time, Term Time, Permanent.
Salary: £25,794 - £30,548 (based on 36.25 hours per week, 45 weeks per year)
Benefits: Automatic enrolment in the contributory support staff defined contribution pension scheme, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)