This job description identifies our expectations of support staff at NUAST.

You are required to carry out your duties in line with the stated ethos and principles of the school.

Detailed information of your hours of work and leave entitlement are contained in your contract of employment.  In general, support staff are required to work a 37 hour week (or pro rata) and arrangements for lunch breaks, start and finish times are by agreement with your immediate line manager and the Support Staff Line Manager.  Annual leave and public holiday entitlements are as stated in your contract and all applications for leave should be approved by the Support Staff Line Manager.

You are required to carry out your duties in line with the stated ethos and principles of the school.

Directed time: 

This job description allocates duties and responsibilities but does not direct the particular amount of time to be spent on any or all of them. 

PART A

General Responsibilities

• To promote the corporate image of the school and high standards of behaviour and courtesy among pupils.

• To communicate effectively with the public and wider community and provide effective support for teaching staff and pupils.

• To promote and support the implementation of the school’s aims, policies and values.

• To work flexibly as part of the support staff team to contribute to the smooth operation of the school.

• To use the schools computer hardware and software packages where appropriate.

• To commit to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people.

PART B

·      Preparing equipment and material for KS3, KS4 and KS5 biology, chemistry and physics lessons including stock and standard solutions, specimens and set up apparatus required for class demonstrations and practical work.

·      Deliver equipment and chemicals to laboratories in a safe manner.  Heavy items to be split when possible, seeking assistance from others when required and transported using appropriate aids.

·      Check and return of equipment and chemicals to store after lessons.

·      Assisting pupils and teaching staff and student teachers with classroom practicals and demonstrations.

·      Advising teaching staff and student teachers on performing demonstrations, conducting practicals and the safe use of chemicals used within said lessons.

·      Maintenance of a safe working environment, including the cleaning of laboratory sinks and surfaces.

·      To support the other science technicians in ensuring the availability of materials, apparatus and equipment for demonstration lessons and student practical work.

·      Repair and maintenance of science equipment and reporting equipment for repair if outside the capabilities of the technician.

·      Construction and/or modification of science teaching aids and testing new experiments.

·      Operating an efficient system for stocking, storing, transporting and distributing all items in department.

·      Maintaining a good stock of necessary materials and operating and administering stock control and ordering procedures, preparation of requisitions, checking deliveries etc.

·      Being responsible to the Head of Department and other technicians for the maintenance and upkeep of the preparation rooms and advising on any improvements which can be made in this respect.

·      Monitoring of store and chemical temperature levels.

·      The safe treatment and disposal of used materials including biological, chemical wastes and hazardous substances.

·      Taking responsible care for health and safety of self and of others that may be affected by your activities and having a good understanding of CLEAPPS and COSHH.

·      Cleaning of apparatus used by teaching staff or pupils if it is difficult or dangerous.

·      Sterilisation of equipment and apparatus which may require the use of pressurized equipment. 

·      To maintain an up-to-date technical knowledge, participate in the school’s appraisal system and other procedures to identify development needs.

·      To work actively to secure continuing professional growth through participating in the schools training programme and other course/development projects as required.

·      To attend department, staff and other briefings as required.

·      To undertake other duties as may reasonably be required by the Head of School.