Science Technician
Walton-Le-Dale High School, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 6RNThis job expired on 14 November 2025 – see similar jobs
Start date details
As soon as possible
Closing date
14 November 2025 at 12pm (midday)
Date listed
4 November 2025
Job details
Job role
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Subject
- Science
Working pattern
- Part time: 30hours a week, term time only, Monday - Friday
Contract type
- Permanent
Pay scale
- Grade 4 pts 4-6
What skills and experience we're looking for
The successful candidate will provide reliable and proactive support to the science department, ensuring that all practical lessons are well-prepared, safe, and effectively resourced. They will maintain laboratory equipment, manage stock and chemicals in line with health and safety regulations, and assist teachers and students during practical sessions where appropriate. The ideal candidate will be organised, safety-conscious, and a team player who contributes to the smooth running of the department.
Key duties:
1. In consultation with or under the guidance of a teacher or senior member of support staff, co-ordinate the planning, developing and/organising equipment and procedures for the specialist technical area.
2. Undertake routine maintenance of technical equipment.
3. Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations in relation to equipment and materials used by staff and pupils.
4. Advise, allocate, and guide the work of other technical support staff, ensuring they have the required skills to provide technical support for teachers.
5. Develop and implement plans to safely and securely store allocated resources / materials / equipment.
6. Maintain inventory of chemicals and other assets.
7. Update records, including production of reports and analysis of information.
8. Ensure the safe treatment and disposal of used materials, including hazardous substances and respond to actual or potential hazards.
General Science duties to include:
- maintaining stock of solutions at specific dilutions.
- maintaining clean and tidy laboratories (in conjunction with the teacher in charge).
- keeping cupboards and doors closed, storing materials tidily.
- cleaning and maintaining goggles on a termly basis.
- taking stock of chemicals, consumables, stationery, books and permanent equipment.
- keeping records of budget, writing orders and checking arrivals. Liaising with companies for “best deals”.
- Checking and unblocking of gas taps in all laboratories and cleaning isolation units.
- Assisting staff with class practical work.
- Purchasing of resources from local suppliers when required.
- Willingness to attend department meetings after school when appropriate.
- general organisation and housekeeping of the department.
- all aspects of departmental record keeping i.e. stock books.
What the school offers its staff
Staff in our trust benefit from:
- a culture that actively promotes a positive work-life balance.
- a culture that promotes well-being initiatives.
- opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and school trips.
- an open-door policy, allowing any colleague to speak with a member of the Senior Leadership Team without an appointment.
- excellent relationships between the Trade Unions and the trust schools.
Staff at Walton-le-Dale High School benefit from:
- Free access to our state-of-the-art gym before and after school, as well as during school holidays.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Upload additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About Walton-Le-Dale High School
- School type
- Academy, ages 11 to 16
- Education phase
- Secondary
- School size
- 734 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Walton-Le-Dale High School website
- Email address
- recruitment@wldhigh.co.uk
- Phone number
- 01772335726
Walton-le-Dale is a smaller secondary school, and this gives us a distinctive and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors often comment on the warmth and friendliness of the school, and it’s something we take great pride in. Our size allows us to know our students well as individuals and to tailor our support to meet their unique needs. This approach is central to our ethos, and we are proud to hold Flagship status for the Inclusion Mark, a recognition we have maintained since 2008.
Our student-centred philosophy underpins everything we do. While academic achievement is vital, we believe that education should also help young people develop into confident, responsible, and compassionate individuals. Strong relationships are at the heart of our school community, and it is through these relationships that we help our students achieve their best, both in and beyond the classroom.
The vision for Walton-le-Dale High School has been designed to focus on three pillars:
• Sense of Belonging (BELONG)
Celebrating our school’s heritage and community roots whilst fostering a strong sense of belonging and identity for every student.
• Opportunities for everyone (EXPLORE)
Ensuring equitable access to enriching experiences that develop talents, broaden horizons, and prepare students for future success.
• Aiming for excellence (EXCEL)
Establishing high expectations and ambitious standards across all aspects of school life, empowering students to exceed their potential.
Our students come from a wide-ranging catchment area, including Blackburn, Preston, and surrounding localities. As a truly comprehensive school, we welcome students from diverse backgrounds and abilities. The school’s strength lies in its people. Across all areas of the school, from teachers to pastoral staff, and from learning support to administration, you will find a team that is collaborative, compassionate, and committed to excellence. Sharing expertise and working together is a hallmark of our approach, and individual professional development is highly valued. We believe that when our staff are supported to grow and succeed, our students benefit immensely.
Arranging a visit to Walton-Le-Dale High School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@wldhigh.co.uk.
School location
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