Science Technician (Secondary)

SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

 

FIXED CONTRACT – PART-TIME (0.7FTE)

 

Position starts 21st July, 2025 and finishes November 21st 2025.

 

Applications close 4.00 p.m. (WST) on Monday, 14 July, 2025.

 

HillSide Christian College is an evangelical, Christian school educating students from 4 Year Old Kindergarten to Year 12.  In 2025, there 470 students enrolled in Years K – 12.  Please view the school website for general information:  http://www.hillside.wa.edu.au

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The successful applicant will be a practising evangelical Christian who is able to demonstrate and work within the College’s Christian framework. This Technician will need to accept the College’s Code of Conduct (including Statement of Faith) and all compliance requirements.

 

The Science Technician plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of the Science curriculum across the Secondary School. This is primarily a technical role, responsible for ensuring all laboratory and science equipment is functional, well-maintained, and safe for intended use. The Technician also collaborates closely with the Science teaching staff to support lesson delivery, including experiment preparation, classroom safety, and student engagement. In addition, the Technician contributes to policy compliance in chemical handling, health and safety, and resource management.

 

Role expectations

Laboratory and Classroom Support

• Assist the science team with the preparation and setup of practical lessons and experiments.
• Observations during student experiments and ensure that all safety protocols are followed.
• Lead or co-lead demonstrations and experiments where needed.
• Conduct safety inductions for Year 11 and 12 Chemistry students (SDS handling, labelling, etc.).
• Provide safety demonstrations for Year 7 and 8 students.
• Monitor student safety during practical sessions, especially when using hazardous materials or equipment.
• Support teaching activities in both Secondary and Primary science-related projects.
• Collaborate with staff to plan engaging activities for events such as Orientation Day, Open Day, and the School Fete.
• Provide classroom and experimental support to relief and non-Science staff (e.g. Primary, Manual Arts, Art).
• Provide first aid when required.

Equipment and Resource Management

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive maintenance schedule for all laboratory equipment.
• Conduct simple repairs and arrange external servicing as needed.
• Ensure all equipment is safe, tested, tagged, and includes appropriate “How To” documentation and risk assessments.
• Maintain orderly and clean labs, classrooms, prep areas, and storage rooms.
• Assist with equipment acquisition, delivery checks, and stock control.
• Manage end-of-term tasks, including equipment storage, test and tag prep, furniture moving, fridge cleaning, and textbook return.
• Liaise with external providers (e.g. Perth Scientific, Rowe Scientific, Westlab) for equipment purchases and scheduled maintenance (e.g. fume cupboard checks).

Chemical and Hazardous Materials Management

• Maintain and update the Chemical Register and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), both digitally and physically.
• Ensure proper chemical labelling, handling, and storage in compliance with WHS regulations and GHS7 standards.
• Manage flammable materials cabinets and chemical cupboards, ensuring regular cleaning and reorganisation.
• Advise staff on chemical use, disposal, and SDS compliance, including assistance to other departments (e.g. Manual Arts).
• Prepare and dispose of chemicals according to guidelines.
• Maintain spill kits, eye wash stations, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Periodically review chemical storage practices to ensure ongoing compliance.

Other Duties

• Other duties as directed
• Actively participate in Science Faculty and Leadership meetings where appropriate.
• Collaborate with Risk and Compliance Officer to meet WHS requirements.
• Notify the office when noisy or disruptive experiments are scheduled.
• Contribute to a safe and inclusive learning environment by providing a sensible and balanced voice in planning sessions.
• Assist with school-wide science initiatives such as Science Fairs, OSCH Science Days, and Year 6 Orientation activities.
• Undertake approved professional development relevant to laboratory safety and science education.
• Maintain membership with LabNetWest to share best practices, obtain guidance, and borrow/lend equipment between schools.
• Work with Science staff and the Deputy Principal to prepare and monitor the science department budget.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, invoices, and inventory.
• Perform stocktaking and ensure timely ordering of materials and consumables.

Selection Criteria

1. Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques or higher (preferred).
2. Demonstrated experience in a laboratory or technical environment.
3. Strong understanding of WHS legislation, regulations, and codes of practice relevant to a school laboratory setting.
4. Knowledge of chemical and biological safety practices, and ethical handling of animals in Science.
5. A service-oriented and flexible approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
6. Strong organisational and communication skills with attention to detail.
7. Willingness to assist in other school areas and events outside of core responsibilities.
8. Ability to conduct Risk Assessments and contribute to safety policy development and review.
9. Experience in liaising with external suppliers and service providers for laboratory needs.

Salary: HillSide Teacher Pay Scale (Non-teaching staff Level 3.1). Available via email request.

 

How to Apply

Applicants should be able to demonstrate their personal faith in Jesus Christ as God and Saviour and be an active member of an evangelical Christian Church. The applicant should be a technician of quality with high-level skills, and the desire to work within a Christian team setting.

The application must include:

1.       Cover letter outlining suitability for the role within the context of HillSide Christian College (maximum three pages).

2.       The applicant’s current CV outlining qualifications, church membership, professional referees, contact details, and career history.

3.       A written reference from a Pastor/Elder or the contact details of a Pastor/Elder who may be contacted for a verbal reference in regard to the applicant’s Christian faith, character and practice.

4.       The following will need to be provided when requested:

·       Birth Certificate

·       Working with Children Check (WWCC)

·       TRBWA current Full Registration

·       Photographic identification

·       Copy of all qualifications

·       Any other requested compliance requirements

 

Applications must be submitted by email to: humanresources@hillside.wa.edu.au

 

Late applications will not be accepted.

 

An email will be sent to you confirming the receipt of your application.

 

Interviews and referee checks will be integral to the selection of any candidate.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further job-related information please contact Deputy Principal Taylor Bergsma, through the College office on (08) 9453 2644 or email: humanresources@hillside.wa.edu.au

 

Please note: The College reserves the right to fill the position at its discretion and timing, and to withdraw the position if required. The position will only be filled by the College when a suitably qualified applicant is secured. The College may also contact additional referees, including line managers, independently of those listed on the application.

 

The assessment of applicants will commence as applications are received.