Science Technician / Laboratory Manager

The Science Technician/Laboratory Manager plays a key role in delivering high quality technical and administrative support to the Science Faculty. This position supports teachers by ensuring that practical lessons are well planned, well resourced, and carried out safely and efficiently.

Working closely with the Head of Learning Area - Science, the role helps relieve pressure on teaching staff and contributes to a smooth and organised delivery of all practical components across the department.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, set up, and pack down materials and equipment for all science practicals.
• Maintain, inventory, and safely store laboratory equipment, chemicals, and resources.
• Oversee day to day management of laboratory spaces, ensuring they are clean, orderly, and compliant with safety standards.
• Support the Head of Learning Area - Science with administrative duties and resource coordination.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations, including maintaining safety documentation and facilitating safe laboratory practices.
• Coordinate the efficient sharing and use of equipment across the Science Faculty.
• Operate an efficient system of stocking and storing chemicals, equipment, and materials used in labs to ensure teachers know what and when resources are available.
• Set up, operate, and run checks on science equipment to ensure they are in safe working order and available as and when required.
• Make simple pieces of equipment and carry out repairs, including soldering and re wiring in a cost effective manner.
• Arrange for specialist equipment repairs and maintenance to ensure equipment is ready for use and in good working order as far as practicable.
• Handle repairs or maintenance of photocopiers or printers with IT to minimize disruption to Faculty staff.
• Submit equipment maintenance requests with the caretaker and/or maintenance staff to ensure hazards are promptly identified and corrected.
• Clean special equipment and glassware that need additional care or treatment to keep them in optimal condition.
• Engrave and mark equipment for identification purposes.
• Obtain and collect non living materials or specimens for dissection and experiments from appropriate sources, and organise for safe disposal.
• Obtain, collect, and care for living organisms for observation in adherence with the Animal Welfare Act, Rangi procedures and teacher guidance.
• Check and update accurate storage and inventory of chemicals and equipment through maintaining Safety Data records for hazardous substances.
• Ensure the safe storage, care, and handling of chemicals, safe disposal of residues and wastes, including micro organisms, to provide a safe working environment for teachers and students.
• Assist teachers and students with setting up equipment during practical sessions and assessments as required.
• Assist students by giving advice with equipment requests for individual projects.
• Prepare equipment and solutions for practical assessments and examinations.
• Prepare equipment, materials, and solutions required for demonstration and class practical work, practical tests, and field trips.
• Accompany staff on `day trips` outside of school if additional adult supervision is required.
• Organise and supervise Laboratory assistants through day to day management and provide health, safety, and professional development support.
• Advise staff about practical work, resources, and equipment available.
• Oversee the practical component of classwork for relieving teachers.
• Operate an administrative, budget, and ordering system in cooperation with the Head of Learning Area - Science to meet the Faculty`s needs within approved delegations.
• Review equipment needs within the Faculty and advise on purchasing new and replacement equipment within budget.
• Purchase consumables for the Faculty as and when required.
• Order, cover, and mark new textbooks and workbooks, ensuring accurate records are provided to the accounts Department.
• Liaise and negotiate with suppliers and/or service providers to ensure cost effective purchasing of equipment and services.
• Manage the ordering, safe storage, inventory, and issuing of the Science Badges, Activity Cards, and Certificates.
• Operate an efficient system for issuing and distributing books and resources, using the school database.
• Assist the teaching staff with photocopying examination and test papers as required.
• Work with the Laboratory Manager on health and safety issues and participate in the ongoing programme to maintain safety and first aid procedures.
• Support the Laboratory Manager to maintain Risk Assess, Safe Method of Use, and PeopleSafe registers where appropriate.
• Maintain the Technician`s area for safety and security purposes.
• Assist with competitions, science fairs, and field trips when required.
• Obtain professional development as required to keep abreast of new demands necessitated by changes in the curriculum and its delivery.
• Liaise with science technicians in other schools and universities.
• Undertake continued professional development to ensure a clear understanding and working knowledge of the Code of Practice and HAZNO Act.
• Be conversant with the parameters of the Science curriculum.
• Comply with the health and safety systems and emergency procedures in place throughout Rangi Ruru.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous health and safety improvement.
• Ensure prompt and accurate reporting of all hazards, accidents, and incidents.
• Attend health and safety update training sessions scheduled.

Qualifications

• Highly organised, efficient, and able to manage multiple tasks in a busy environment.
• Knowledgeable in laboratory procedures and safety practices (or willing to undertake training).
• A strong communicator who enjoys working collaboratively with teaching staff.
• Detail oriented, proactive, and confident in managing both technical and administrative aspects of the role.
• Positive, reliable, and committed to supporting high quality science teaching and learning.

Applications close: Friday 1 May 2026

Commencing: Monday 6 July 2026

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