Laboratory Technician

Selection Criteria

SC1. Demonstrated capacity to manage school science laboratory functions with a degree of autonomy, within DE policy and school procedures. This includes safely preparing practical activities, managing chemical and biological materials, and undertaking low, medium and high-risk tasks.

 

SC2. Sound theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in laboratory science, with the ability to explain technical and safety concepts to staff and provide training and advice. Includes a commitment to ongoing professional learning and to improving laboratory systems and practices.

 

SC3. Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritise and manage laboratory services and resources, including inventory, ordering and budget input.

 

SC4. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate laboratory safety and risk information clearly to staff, and to prepare reports that inform school decision making on safety, compliance and laboratory service

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position will be:

 

Laboratory Management and Technical Services

• Manage the school¿s science laboratory functions in collaboration with the other laboratory technician, and determine how preparation and service targets are met within established school directions.
• Apply sound theoretical knowledge and practical expertise to prepare solutions, stains, media, cultures, samples and materials for practical activities.
• Trial and refine practical activities, advising teachers on suitability, safety and alternative methods or materials.
• Adapt how laboratory work is organised and modify existing practices within precedent and established methods.
• Undertake small technical or specialist projects defined by others (e.g. setting up a new prep room layout or introducing a class set of data loggers).
• Implement non-standard technical systems or equipment to a specification.
• Manage scheduled maintenance, calibration and servicing of equipment, including coordinating external contractors for tasks such as fume cupboard testing.
• Undertake low, medium and high-risk tasks as identified in the Departmental Risk Matrix, following safe work procedures.
• Coordinate with the other laboratory technician to allocate preparation requests, share workload across science rooms, and maintain consistent procedures and records.
• Manage the flow of information to staff about safety procedures and risk controls (e.g. Safety Data Sheet access, new hazards, changed procedures).
• Lead the maintenance of the school¿s Chemical Register and Dangerous Goods manifest, including periodic stock audits, so the school meets departmental chemical management requirements.
• Manage the safe storage, labelling, segregation and disposal of chemical and biological materials, including arranging licensed waste removal.
• Maintain and check safety equipment, PPE, spill kits, eyewash stations and emergency supplies.
• Contribute to risk assessments for practical activities, advising teachers on appropriate controls.
• Conduct training and instruction for teachers and education support staff in equipment use, procedures and laboratory safety (e.g. inductions for new science staff and pre-service teachers).
• Advise staff on technology used in science.
• Explain technical and professional concepts and approaches to staff and other stakeholders.
• Liaise with suppliers and contractors on orders, deliveries, servicing and quotes.
• Maintain shared records and procedures so that either technician can provide continuity of laboratory services during absences.

Safety and Risk Management Support

• Manage the flow of information to staff about safety procedures and risk controls (e.g. Safety Data Sheet access, new hazards, changed procedures).
• Lead the maintenance of the school¿s Chemical Register and Dangerous Goods manifest, including periodic stock audits, so the school meets departmental chemical management requirements.
• Manage the safe storage, labelling, segregation and disposal of chemical and biological materials, including arranging licensed waste removal.
• Maintain and check safety equipment, PPE, spill kits, eyewash stations and emergency supplies.
• Contribute to risk assessments for practical activities, advising teachers on appropriate controls.

Training, Advice and Communication

• Conduct training and instruction for teachers and education support staff in equipment use, procedures and laboratory safety (e.g. inductions for new science staff and pre-service teachers).
• Advise staff on technology used in science.
• Explain technical and professional concepts and approaches to staff and other stakeholders.
• Liaise with suppliers and contractors on orders, deliveries, servicing and quotes.
• Maintain shared records and procedures so that either technician can provide continuity of laboratory services during absences.

Planning, Reporting and Resource Management

• Prepare and analyse reports from school systems, providing assessments and recommendations for consideration by others (e.g. chemical audit summary).
• Contribute to operational and strategic planning for science laboratory services.
• Manage ordering and restocking of laboratory supplies and contribute to preparation of the science consumables and equipment budget, in consultation with the Business Manager and Science Domain Leader.
• Maintain accurate inventories of materials, equipment and chemicals using school information systems.
• Coordinate equipment across science rooms, so items are returned, stored and secured appropriately.

Supervision and Guidance

The Science Laboratory Technician works under broad direction from the Business Manager and Science Domain Leader. The technician exercises professional autonomy in determining how laboratory objectives are achieved, within school policy and established procedures. Deviation from standard procedures or school policy requires guidance and direction from a senior manager. Reports and advice to senior management generally relate to laboratory services and the science program.

The technician works collaboratively with the other laboratory technician as a peer. Neither role directs or supervises the other, and allocation of lead responsibilities is determined by the Business Manager and Science Domain Leader.

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

Diversity and Inclusion

The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).

 

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via [email protected]

Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.

Child Safe Standards

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the department's exemplar available at:

 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

DE Values

The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department's Values complement each school's own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at:

 https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

Other Information

Days of work ¿ Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri

Annual Leave

20 days Annual Leave plus 30 additional days Paid Leave (for ES only)

A full-time teaching service employee (principal, teacher, education support and paraprofessional class), is entitled to 152 hours (20 days) annual leave in respect of each 12 months of service which accrues progressively during a year of service, according to the employee's ordinary hours of work. Part-time employees receive annual leave entitlements on a pro rata basis, calculated according to the time fraction worked.

Education support class employees are expected to use additional paid leave during school vacation periods.

Conditions of Employment

• All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.
• Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.
• A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.
• Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department's Human Resources website at https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal

Location Profile

Box Hill High School is a high-performing co-educational government school in the Inner East area of Melbourne. 

The school was established in 1930 and has a long tradition of striving for academic excellence and establishing a strong, positive learning environment for all students. We are a single-campus school of 1563 students enrolled from years 7 to 12. We have 132 teaching staff and 37 ES staff, as well as a team of 4 Principal class officers.

Box Hill High School is a learning community that fosters resilience, a passion for lifelong development and a commitment to positively impacting the world. Our purpose is:

• To ensure an inclusive, safe community where students and staff are respectful of each other.
• To collaborate to set and achieve challenging learning goals to create an environment where everyone can flourish
• To equip students with the skills to be resilient and passionate life-long learners
• To respect and consider student voice in the classroom and wider school community
• To demonstrate school pride in the way we present and conduct ourselves
• To develop and nurture students who are ethical, think critically and can contribute as global citizens

 

Our school values of respect, creativity, resilience and growth ensure that everyone in our school community will be treated fairly and respectfully. In turn, we will strive to create an inclusive and safe school where curiosity and creativity are valued and all members of our community are empowered to participate and learn. The school motto, `ad altiora certamus¿ (to strive for the higher things), underpins all that we do. Our educational approach is underpinned by the tenets of positive education

Student learning, engagement and well-being are central to our work, and the school has a range of programs in place to support the learning and growth of all students. These include our well-established SEAL program (GAPP), Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD), and intervention programs in Literacy and Numeracy. There are three Sub Schools that work collaboratively to ensure students succeed. Sub School leaders are valued school leaders in the School Improvement Team.

Student leadership, voice and agency are a priority at the school.  Student leaders drive improvement in the areas of community, teaching and learning, environment and engagement and well-being. 

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land we live, work and travel upon, and we pay our respects to the Elders, both past and present, and we recognise, acknowledge and respect the history, culture, diversity and value of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. BHHS drives reconciliation in education, and celebrates and supports our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through our endorsed Reconciliation Action Plan.

Further information can be found on our website: www.boxhillhs.vic.edu.au

Role

The Science Laboratory Technician manages the school¿s science laboratory functions to enrich student learning in science. Working with a degree of professional autonomy within established school directions, the technician:

• leads the preparation of practical activities
• manages chemical, biological and equipment safety and compliance
• advises and trains staff in laboratory procedures and technology
• provides analysis and recommendations that inform planning for science laboratory services.

Salary: Salary not specified