Senior Technician

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Location: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh

Contract Type: Full time (36.25 hours per week, 52 weeks), Permanent

Benefits: Competitive salary, reduced school fees at George Watson’s College for children of staff, Membership of the Galleon Club (the school’s fitness club)

George Watson’s College wishes to appoint a Senior Biology Technician to support the Biology department in the provision of a first class, customer orientated technician service to pupils and teachers alike, ensuring that the Biology labs are run smoothly and effectively and that equipment and apparatus is operational, available and well maintained, and working at all times with Health and Safety in mind. 

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 Mr Gordon Boyd, Head of Senior School.

Any specific questions relating to the advertised post can be put directly to the Head of Department, Mr Geoff Morgan by emailing g.morgan@gwc.org.uk

If you require more information about the School, please visit our school website.

Closing date: 11:59pm on Monday 13 May 2024

Interviews are scheduled to take place on Tuesday 4 June 2024

The person appointed will:

Be responsible to the Head of Department in coordinating the use of, and development of, practical resources and facilities, including the provision of guidance and support in meeting the practical requirements of the departmental curriculum and clubs, including all areas of the School and outside organisations as required.

Have overall responsibility for the promotion and observance of a healthy and safe working environment for the technical support service by:

• actively leading and coordinating the assessment, monitoring and 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 H&S issues to teachers and technical support staff
• the safe treatment and disposal of used materials, including hazardous substances and responding to actual or potential hazards
• the healthy and safe storage and accessibility of equipment and materials.

Ensure that the technical team is resourced, organised, trained and developed to meet the performance standards required by the Biology Department.

Take a lead role in the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long-term projects and offer professional guidance, assistance, training and support to pupils and teachers on the practical aspects of the curriculum.

Be responsible for setting up and monitoring systems used in the management and control of practical resources including:

• leading on stock control, compiling orders, liaising or negotiating with suppliers and maintaining appropriate records
• monitoring, controlling and keeping financial records of the departmental expenditure in accordance with the school’s policy
• ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment and suggesting alternatives for suitability and economy.

Undertake the lead role within the department on both routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment to the required standard.

For full details of the main responsibilities, please refer to the job description

A minimum of HND level qualification in a scientific subject (ideally biology) or recent applied practical experience in a similar role.

Previous supervisory experience, with the ability to motivate a team and demonstrate leadership qualities such as creativity, innovation, evidence based decision making and delegation, collegiality, motivation, mentoring and a strong desire to enhance pupil learning through practical equipment leadership. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

Works well as part of and leader of a team, in addition to working well unsupervised and using own initiative 

Excellent planning and organisation skills 

Works well under pressure 

Self-driven to act on learning needs that arise in the course of the job

Excellent attention to detail 

Analytical approach to problem solving, coupled with strong decision making ability 

Computer literate, with experience in using word processors, email, spreadsheets and file management software. The GAFE and Microsoft Office range of software will be used for this. 

Must be able to work with/cope with data logging apparatus/software and the relevant SSERC, COSHH H&S requirements of the department. 

Experience of working within an educational environment 

Experience of working with children, willingness to assist with extra curricular activities both departmental and whole school. 

Knowledge of Health and Safety regulations applicable to a School and science setting, including COSHH 

Member of professional bodies, such as ASE or similar 

George Watson's College sits in the heart of Scotland's capital city, Edinburgh, providing a world-class education for children and young people from Preschool to Senior 6.

We encourage our pupils to develop a love of learning through an inspiring curriculum and an extensive and inclusive enrichment programme, which are underpinned by the four values we live by: aim high, be kind, join in and respect all.

Our school is a place where pupils have the freedom to thrive, succeed, explore, perform, and grow, giving them the opportunity to discover their own limitless potential.

Preschool, junior and senior pupils all learn and play on the same 52-acre campus, where our sports facilities, music school, art department, technology building and drama studios are within walking distance.

We offer our pupils one of the widest extra-curricular programmes you will find anywhere, plus the opportunity to travel internationally during their time with us, and a broad range of learning experiences outside the classroom.

Digital technology supports and enhances learning, with every pupil encouraged to use their device where it adds real value to developing skills and critical thinking.

Our school has an enviable reputation for the breadth of opportunities pupils have to get active, with around 25 different sports available to both girls and boys. Participation, excellence, professionalism and equality are the four cornerstones of our physical education and sport department here at Watson's.

When it comes to music and drama, our pupils are given the opportunity to co-produce stunning shows, delivering memorable performances that live long beyond school days.

Most importantly, the wellbeing of our pupils matters to us more than anything else. There are various ways we support pupils to proactively manage their mental health, while a range of peer-led programmes has created a culture in which we can all play our part.

All this means that when the sun shines we celebrate the happy moments, and when it doesn't we're there to protect and support, just as our motto says: ex corde caritas - love from the heart.