Science Laboratory Technician

Department of Education VIC – Truganina VIC
9 days ago, from Department of Education & Training Victoria
Dohertys Creek P-9 College is a dynamic and innovative school with a wonderfully diverse school community. Our school is built on a foundation of inclusivity and strong relationships. Our pedagogy is inquiry-based, and we work hard to ensure that all children are safe, cared for, and taught at their point of need. Our college is committed to developing strong partnerships with the community and is complemented by our active onsite Community Hub. Our motto is Balit Yirramboi meaning 'Strong Tomorrow'. We firmly believe it takes a village to raise a child.
Our school is built on Bunurong land and is located at 60 Elmhurst Rd, Truganina. At DCC we acknowledge the Bunurong people and how they have cared for the land we learn and play on. We respect their commitment to community and strive to build this commitment within our school. We acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and that it is and always will be Aboriginal land.
Built in 2019, we have a beautiful school environment with Wirrigirri, our Administration/Library building as our center, Djirri Djirri, our purpose-built gymnasium, Bulen Bulen, our performing arts space, and fantastic classroom spaces in Waa, Wadjil, Marram, and Barraimal. Our playground spaces have been designed with input from the students; we have a fruit orchard in its infancy and a beautiful piano which can be heard being played during break times.
Our curriculum is inquiry-based. We use Launch, Explore, Summarise as our instructional model across all learning areas. Our units of inquiry are transdisciplinary. We have a strong social and emotional curriculum that supports our inclusive and relationship-based philosophy. We also teach Mandarin, Physical Education, Visual Art, and Performing Arts. There is support and coaching for teachers at all levels of experience from PTT, graduates to highly experienced teachers as we are always looking to improve. Collaboration is a cornerstone of our practice.
VisionOur vision is to inspire and empower thinkers. We will create authentic relationships to enable successful living and wellbeing. We will become a recognized center of educational excellence and inclusion.
Mission:Dohertys Creek P-9 College promotes and values academic excellence. We will provide a balanced and high-quality personalized curriculum with a strong focus on student wellbeing. We will deliver a stimulating, nurturing environment and challenge all students to attain their highest potential both academically, socially, creatively, and physically.
ValuesWe are a school culture and community of people who are inspiring, accepting, and nonjudgmental. Our values are Respect, Kindness, Learning, Teamwork, and Integrity.
Important information to all applicants:Applications should be submitted as PDF with your cover letter / CV and KSC responses contained in the one document.Please ensure you include the details of 3 referees within your application.Selection CriteriaSC1 Suitable qualifications in science (minimum certificate level).SC2 Demonstrated knowledge of the technical support required in school science laboratories.SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high-level oral and written communication skills.SC4 Excellent organizational skills.SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area.SC6 Demonstrated commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.SC7 Demonstrated knowledge of OHS policy and procedures, including Dangerous Goods and Hazardous substance regulations, risk assessments, and chemical handling.RoleThe Science Laboratory Technician plays an integral role within the College by supporting the science & technology teachers with the implementation of the science curriculum.
Under the direction of the relevant teachers, assistants are responsible for:
Ordering, receiving, and safe storage of materials and equipment.Maintaining a safe working environment for students and staff.Safe storage and disposal of chemicals and biological residues in accordance with regulations.The timely preparation of appropriate equipment and provision of adequate materials for the conduct of science classes.Storage of equipment and materials and the cleaning and maintenance of equipment and laboratory areas (other than general classroom).It is expected that they will provide a high level of customer service and be competent in the provision of up-to-date and relevant information.
The Science Laboratory Technician's role is to provide technical support to the science and technology department, ensuring that the College's science program is conducted in a safe environment that is OHS & DET compliant.
Range 3 is distinguished by the introduction of management responsibility and accountability for the delivery of professional support services. The role will usually impact beyond the work area or professional field. It seeks to gain cooperation of other staff members or members of the school community to achieve specific objectives, such as in school administration, operations, or educational programs.
Direction on targets and goals is provided, but the position will have some degree of latitude in determining how they are achieved. This latitude will generally be limited by standard procedures and school policy. Deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.
The provision of business management responsibilities becomes a feature at range 3. Management of staff to achieve the expected outcomes is a key responsibility. Staff management issues will be resolved with minimal reference to senior management, although guidance will be required in more complex cases. Senior management will be provided with timely reports and advice, although this will generally be confined to matters relating to the immediate work area, service provision, or educational program and is unlikely to impact substantially on whole-of-school operations.
This is the minimum range for positions that carry a mandatory qualification requirement of not less than four years. Professional student support positions become a feature at range 3 (e.g. therapists, psychologists) where standard professional services are delivered. Professional support and guidance will be close at hand, and deviation from standard procedures and school policy will require guidance and direction from senior management.
An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students, but must not include duties of teaching as defined in clause 2.6.1 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students cannot be required except where it is an integral part of the employee's position or involves supervision of students individually or in small groups, in controlled circumstances, where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.
ResponsibilitiesTYPICAL FUNCTIONS Science LaboratorySet up laboratory equipment and materials for science practical work, trial experiments where necessary, clear away and store equipment when no longer required.Prepare chemical solutions and other laboratory reagents according to recognized procedures having regard to government regulations on the safe handling and labeling of chemicals.Maintain storage and preparation areas within the department, ensuring as far as practicable that these areas are kept secure from unauthorized access.Store chemicals in the correct zones in accordance with the current government hazardous and dangerous goods regulations.Consult with science teachers on their needs for practical work and maintain an efficient system for use and allocation of materials and equipment, setting priorities where necessary.Assist with ordering and maintaining an adequate supply of chemicals, biological supplies, equipment, and other materials. Maintain records of orders and deliveries.Dispose of chemical residues and biological waste, including deteriorated and/or obsolete stock having regard to current government regulations on such disposal.Check laboratory equipment, maintain working order, and repair where possible. Make minor items of equipment for use within the science department.Assist with care for flora and fauna within the science department, in accordance with current handling and prevention of cruelty regulations.In conjunction with the Science leader, conduct regular chemical and equipment stock takes.OHS/safetyMaintain and update log books for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) with teaching staff.Maintain and regularly update a register of students with special food needs/allergies.Ensure all practical activities are conducted within OH&S and DET guidelines.Advise on chemical and equipment safety matters when appropriate.Under the direction of the teacher, address immediate student behavior issues within the Food Technology & Science environment which impact on safety.Compile risk assessments on all chemicals provided for practical classes.The laboratory Technician may be required to support the Food Technology teacher with ordering and other support at various times.
Who May ApplyIndividuals with the aptitude, experience, and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
EEO AND OHS CommitmentApplicants 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.
The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability, and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognizes that the provision of family-friendly, supportive, safe, and harassment-free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity, and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability.
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via ******.
Child Safe StandardsVictorian 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: Child Safe Standards Policy.
DE ValuesThe 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 behaviors the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the department values is available at: Department Values Overview.
Other InformationAll 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 HR Website.Conditions of EmploymentAll 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 HR Website. #J-18808-Ljbffr