Please visit our website for the application pack and application form. https://www.westfieldacademy.co.uk/about-us/vacancies.htm
Job Description
Main Purpose of Job
- To maintain and make available the appropriate equipment and resources.
- To support student learning in a safe working environment
Main Responsibilities and Duties
- Prepare and supply equipment and chemicals for science lessons in response to teacher and curriculum requirements.
- Carry out tasks as directed by the Senior Science Technician.
- Set up required demonstrations in a safe, controlled efficient manner, designed to achieve the appropriate results.
- Provide the appropriate information or other requirement to compliment the demonstration and to extend the students’ knowledge.
- Ensure the safe disposal of broken equipment or used chemicals.
- Maintain and store resources, equipment and chemicals correctly to provide a safe laboratory/prep room and working environment in accordance with school operating procedures, Health and Safety and COSHH regulations.
- Preparation of sets of chemicals with correct labelling, identifying names and hazard signs as appropriate (COSH requirements).
- Ensure the laboratories/work areas are fit for purpose with special regard to safety consideration, reporting any repair requirements to the Head of Faculty and Assistant Principal (Business).
- Advise teachers and students on Health and Safety regulations; be responsible for the appropriate safety equipment in labs and prep roomsgoggles, fire extinguishers and spills kit; conduct risk assessments on experiments.
Facts and Figures
- Large secondary school of approximately 1020 students (11-16 years)
- 8 laboratories
- Class sizes of approximately 28 students
- Supports 12 teachers
SUPPORTING PROCESSES
Problem Solving and Creativity
- Deals with constant interruptions by teachers to solve immediate problems, but has to meet constant deadlines of lessons/timetable.
- Provides guidance to student teachers on equipment facilities, operations of laboratory and Health and Safety requirements.
Decision Making
- Advises on the need to purchase additional resources or apparatus/equipment within the budget and under authorisation of the Head of Faculty.
- Decisions made within prescribed Health and Safety regulations.
Physical Effort and Working Conditions
- Constantly carrying equipment up and down steps and manoeuvring through fire doors and crowded areas, sometimes from high or awkward positions/shelves.
- Working in prep room/lab environment with a range of materials (noxious and/or heavy) for specific scientific demonstrations.
- Collect specimens from outdoors.
- Continuously on feet.
- Some use of IT.
Person Specification
Essential
- Good understanding of basic science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
- Organised and able to manage equipment and materials safely
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Able to follow health and safety procedures
- Basic IT skills and record keeping
- Reliable, practical and able to work independently
Desirable
- Previous experience working in a school or laboratory
- Knowledge of COSHH and laboratory safety
- Science qualification or relevant training
- First aid qualification
Personal Qualities
- Friendly and approachable
- Flexible and willing to help staff and students
- Attention to detail
- Calm under pressure and good problem-solving skills
Contacts and Relationships
- Regular contact with all members of science staff, students and suppliers of chemicals and equipment to liaise with, give advice, provide technical solutions and understand objectives.
- Attendance at CPD sessions as directed.
Additional Information
- The normal working week is one of 20 hours, over 3 days. A Tuesday and Friday must be worked. We can be flexible to accommodate hours around school times. Term time only.
- The appointment is subject to the normal terms and conditions of Westfield Academy staff.
- The salary for the post will be paid at Grade 14 (£25,185 - £25,989) pro rata (Actual salary: £11,657—£12,029)
This job description is current as of May 2026. It is not necessarily a comprehensive definition of the post and it may be subject to modification or amendment at any time after consultation with the holder of the post.
Westfield Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and follow best practice procedures to ensure their safety.
Job Types: Permanent, Part-time
Pay: £25,185.00-£25,989.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Yeovil, Somerset: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work Location: In person
