Chemistry/Science Technician, based in Hampshire. Our client, a Further Education College is looking to recruit a well organised, friendly, and communicative person to prepare practical’s, assisting the staff in the chemistry Department and working alongside other science technicians. Duties will include maintenance and delivery of teaching equipment and resources, and ordering of new resources. The successful applicant will be expected to help out across all the science departments.
About the College

Brockenhurst, a high-achieving and friendly College ranked 'outstanding' by Ofsted, offering you a wide range of courses, superb facilities and an exceptional track record for results.

Description of duties

Reporting to the Head of Department, main duties include:

• Preparing, setting up, clearing away, washing up where applicable, and storing apparatus, equipment and materials for lessons, demonstrations, etc.
• Issuing materials and equipment in a safe condition to students and staff.
• Assisting staff and students in the use of apparatus and equipment.
• Occasional physical demonstration of experiments and machines to members of staff and students, where this requires the application of acquired skills.
• Preparation, maintenance and appropriate record keeping and storage of stock solutions and stains.
• Responsible for the maintenance of pure stocks of micro Biology cultures (following appropriate training).
• Care for and preparation of plants including greenhouses.
• Simple construction, maintenance, fault finding, repair and servicing of machines, equipment and tools, and where necessary, arranging repair via the Senior Technician. Informing the Head of Department of any faults which may affect teaching. Ensuring clear labelling and storage of apparatus which is undergoing repairs.
• Assisting in the development of new equipment, experiments, assignments, laboratory exercises etc. Conducting trial runs of experiments and producing written method instructions where appropriate.
• Checking stocks of apparatus, materials and reagents, including videos and placing orders for replacement and new items in consultation with the Head of Division via the Heads of Department for Biology or Chemistry.  Maintaining a collection of catalogues.  Taking delivery of equipment, materials and reagents, updating stock lists, index and inventory.
• Preparation, maintenance and filing of examination materials, visual aids and IT resources.
• Assisting lecturing staff in the maintenance of a register for COSHH.
• Assisting lecturers with storage and issue of books and materials.
• Undertaking regular safety checks on equipment, tools and materials used to ensure they comply with Health and Safety Regulations and requirements.  Disposing of any surplus or redundant equipment in accordance with financial regulations.
• Checking all stock solutions, materials and reagents and disposing of any which are stale or surplus.
• Ensuring that taps, gas taps and sinks are in working order and, where necessary, arranging for repairs.
• Keeping preparation areas and stores in a clean, tidy and efficient state; with particular attention to safety. Drawing to the attention of the Head of Department any cleaning or maintenance issues, particularly where safety is concerned.
• Checking all storage areas for the correct allocation and assisting lecturers with the security of equipment and stores.
• Carrying out periodic stock checks and stocktaking as required for audit purposes.
• Making purchases on petty cash or collecting materials which are reasonably required.
• Assisting preparation of practical materials in the Chemistry and Physics departments at times of heavy demand.

Experience / Qualifications

Successful candidates will have the following knowledge, experience/specialist skills:

• Science and Maths qualifications to at least GCSE/O level are required(grade C minimum).
• Basic IT skills
• Enjoy working as part of a team, yet be capable of working unsupervised
• Organised and methodical yet be able to cope with unforeseen circumstances
• Able to work well with students being responsive, patient and sympathetic.
• Able to communicate effectively with colleagues including teaching staff and other technicians.
• Keen to learn and develop their scientific knowledge and skills
• Some flexibility to enable all annualised hours to be worked at a time which is beneficial to the department.

It is extremely desirable for candidates to posses the following:

• Advanced Level Science
• Experience of technician work in school or College
• Knowledge of COSHH regulations
• Versatile, flexible and adaptable
• Positive outlook.
• Interested in science and science education.

Start date: September 2010, however we would like the successful candidate to come in for three weeks in June in order to complete an induction into the role.

Hours: Part time - working term time only 22.5 hours per week over 38 weeks per year.  The college pay employees for 43.51 weeks to cover annual leave entitlement which must be taken outside of term time.

Interview Date: 11/05/10

Application Close Date: 30/05/10