High School Science Lab Technician

Responsibilities:

The Lab Technician is primarily responsible for providing clerical and technical support to the Science department they are assigned to. It is expected that the Lab Technician will attempt to assure that all science teachers’ needs are met equitably, and that the workload of the technician is balanced and reasonable. It should be further understood that although the list of responsibilities is multiple and varied, unexpected emergencies or circumstances may arise that require the technician to perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. It is also expected that the Lab Technician will assist other lab technicians as needed.

Supply Management and Planning

• Inventories and maintains current laboratory supplies, while participating in inventory forecasting and long-term lab planning in collaboration with teachers and department leadership.
• Assists with purchasing, acquiring, and delivering supplies from local and overseas sources, while continually updating the science coordinator on budget expenditures.
• Vertically coordinates grade level supplies being ordered from local and overseas sources by preparing purchase orders and following up with deliveries.
• Handles specimens, including pig organs, raw squid, fish etc., as part of regular life science programme requirements

Lab Setup and Technical Support

• Set-up and breakdown of division Science Labs that involve technological integration, mixing chemicals, and biological specimen preparation.
• Works with technology applications (both hardware and software) for science labs, demonstrations, and presentations, with facility in Google Apps and allied divisional technology platforms, while staying current on emerging technologies related to job responsibilities.
• Reports and coordinates with maintenance personnel regarding any malfunctions in equipment and facilities in any of the science laboratories.

Safety and Best Practices

• Follows best practices around chemical, specimen, and lab equipment hygiene, safety, and storage.
• Assists in labs that deal with hazardous lab materials including hazardous materials disposal.
• Assists in safety related incidents that may occur.
• Promotes environmental sustainability in lab practices.
• Maintains comprehensive digital and physical record-keeping for experiments, lab results, and safety incidents.
• Takes initiative to note and remedy safety concerns as they arise.

Instructional Support

• Assists science teachers in labs that have complicated procedures.
• Supports all levels of science programming at the high school.
• Assists in orienting new science teachers to lab facilities and protocols in concert with PLCs and department leadership.
• Supports student-led research projects and independent studies in concert with instructional staff.
• Collaborates with other departments as needed for cross-curricular lab elements.

Professional Conduct

• Communicates effectively and efficiently with department members around preparation needs.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of all student records.
• Ensures compliance with all school's policies and procedures as related to the job responsibilities of this position.
• Relates courteously and effectively with students, parents, school personnel and community patrons as necessary.
• Participates in professional development related to science lab management and safety.

The above job description is only indicative of the broad set of duties and responsibilities. Distribution of tasks is assigned by the supervisor. Other tasks may be assigned on the job, as deemed necessary by the supervisor.

Requirements:

• Diploma from a recognized polytechnic or equivalent is required.
• Background in Science is highly preferred.
• Experience working with children In an educational setting is highly preferred.
• Computer skills in word processing, Google Apps, and related applications and with an interest and ability to learn new applications and stay current with emerging technologies.
• Good English communication skills, both written and oral.
• Positive work attitude and initiative.
• Ability to work cooperatively and provide assistance as necessary to other members of the Science Lab team.
• Pursuit of additional safety certifications and training as recommended (and supported) by the school.