Any secondary school Science Technician here?

Spyda

Spyda

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Sorry, non horsey.

After 12 years being an at home Mum I've applied for a p/t job as Science Technician at a local secondary school.

I've been a lecturer in the past (NVQ, HND & vet nursing students) and have a Science degree so hope I'm up to the job.

Just wondered if anyone on here could give me an insight into the real day-to-day role of being a science tech and any tips for the interview (if I get one, that it!)?

It'll be my first job interview in 15 years..... *tremble*
 
Sorry, not much help, but you sound extremely suitable, if a little over qualified! You've got experience with education, science and children, what more could they want??? Try not to worry about the interview, you'll be fab! Good luck x
 
I'm not a technician but I do teach secondary science - we have 3 technicians at our school.

2 are fabulous, 1 is rubbish.

Jobs they do include:

Making up chemicals.
Delivering equipment to rooms/taking it away.
Photocopying
Laminating
Inputting exam data

Our technicians are fab and will also help with demo's in lessons and are a source of all information.

The job list could be endless I suppose - so flexibility will be a key thing they'll be looking for.

I'll add other jobs later as and when I think what else they do!!
 
silverbullet said:
I'm not a technician but I do teach secondary science - we have 3 technicians at our school.

2 are fabulous, 1 is rubbish.

Jobs they do include:

Making up chemicals.
Delivering equipment to rooms/taking it away.
Photocopying
Laminating
Inputting exam data

Our technicians are fab and will also help with demo's in lessons and are a source of all information.

The job list could be endless I suppose - so flexibility will be a key thing they'll be looking for.

I'll add other jobs later as and when I think what else they do!!
Click to expand...


Agreed! I'm a secondary science teacher too, and would be lost without the techies! They are great.

Sounds like you are more than qualified for the job. Good luck!
 
ditto others sounds like you will be fine for the role if anything over qualified.

My friend is a science technician, she got this job after finishing her a levels (non sci subjects and average gardes) but she does a great job and realy enjoys it.
 
I was a secondary school science tech before I had my daughter and I loved the job. Bascially it is as has been said, making up chemicals to specific strengths, organising all the equip ready for lessons and lots and lots of standing at the photocopier!! Sounds basic I know but it is really enjoyable and I got to be quite involved in a lot of the practical lessons especially with the older a-level kids.

The interviews vary. I was interviewed for 2 different jobs at 2 different schools and was offered one of the jobs. One was purely a tour and an interview with a panel including head of science, head teacher and some govoners and the other was a formal interview and a practical test which involved doing something from all 3 sciences. I had to prepare a set quantity of chemical to a specified strength (making sure all H+S and COSHH regs were adhered to IE: goggles, apron, etc), make a basic circuit with a switch and light stuff (im not good with those things as am really a biologist but I managed) and I cant remember what the other thing was. it was a good 6 years ago now!
Then there was a formal interview again with a panel of people which did feel quite intimidating.

I would suggest making sure you are competant in chemical handing and with equipment, make sure you have good H&S knowledge and be able to apply it, know how to risk assess potential lesson plans and just be confident with the knowledge you have! You shouldnt feel that the teachers are better than you (as some I worked with seemed to believe), as you have a degree too!!

Hope this helps and dont worry! They are looking for the best person for the job and you sound really well qualified!! Good luck!
 
Brilliant, many thanks to everyone who's posted. I cannot believe how nervous I'm feeling about facing an interview after all these years. I'm out of practice. Still, I guess I've got to start somewhere.

Eeeek..... I'd better start revising dilution calculations! :eek:
 
Hi, Im hoping all these members still regularly visit the site!
For all those who know of or are school science technicians, I have just recently been employed after finishing sixth form.

I know pretty much nothing, except for that I learnt in my science a levels and GCSEs. I dont know how to make up solutions or gases, and I dont know much of the equipment that the teachers are asking for.

There is one other technician, however hes not very good at teaching, so ive been mostly observing and feel hopeless. I enjoy the job thoroughly when im working, its just finding something I can do!

Can anyone give me any advice or teach me!! (I know how difficult that would be over a forum but every little helps) thanks.
 
Helping the pupils, being flexible, saving the teaching staff! You need to be approachable , organised and have a sense of humour!

Good luck!
 
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