Science Assistant Position Description
Background
Arden is a non-selective Anglican School providing a co-educational, Pre-School to Year 12
education, which seeks to attract, retain and develop dedicated, highly effective, values-oriented
staff to all positions at the School. At Arden, we are committed to providing a positive work
environment in which staff are valued and encouraged to develop professionally.
Arden’s ethos is of high expectations and a commitment to academic excellence. The School aims to
attract and retain the best possible teachers, who are experts in the subjects they teach and highly
committed to the continuous improvement of their teaching practice, who have a passion for
teaching and learning and who believe in the unique value of each student in their care.
Staff are united in their commitment to improving the quality of teaching and learning and are active
partners in their professional learning and performance development. Arden is committed to
maintaining a reflective, school-wide evaluation and ongoing development program that nurtures
skilled, passionate practitioners who are a part of a collaborative team.
There is a strong collegial culture of mutual trust and support between staff and school leaders. All
levels of governance are committed to embodying the Christian values of the School and a culture of
servant minded leadership is fostered at all levels.
General expectations:
As a member of the School’s staff you will:
 Exhibit conduct in keeping with the School’s mission and vision
 Reflect and promote the School’s Christian values of Love, Hope, Service, Courage,
Compassion and Respect
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Adhere to all aspects of relevant Child Protection and Work Health and Safety
legislation
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Display integrity and sound judgment and be committed to ethical behaviour
Work constructively and collaboratively with team members and with others
Take personal responsibility for actions and consequences
Communicate effectively
Be self-motivated and use initiative to solve problems
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Maintain confidentiality
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Possess an openness to change
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Meet all administrative deadlines
Maintain any required professional accreditation requirements
All staff must be committed to positive and caring relationships because of their importance to
successful student learning and the high level of family involvement that exists at Arden across all
aspects of school life.
Desirable Qualifications
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A relevant Science Laboratory qualification
Position Profile
As Science Assistant, you will be responsible for managing the Science laboratories and
Science equipment. Reporting to the Head of Science, you will work autonomously to
support the smooth operation and delivery of curriculum in the Science Department. In
accordance with current Work Health and Safety regulations, you will work collaboratively
with Science staff to ensure that classes are provided with the equipment they need and
that laboratories and preparation and storage areas are maintained in a hazard free and tidy
manner.
Other typical requirements for this role
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Follow all policies, procedures and guidelines as outlined in the Staff Handbook.
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Maintain knowledge and understanding of Workplace Health and Safety, hazardous
chemical regulations and Risk Assessment procedures
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Ensure all actions such as preparations of chemicals and experiments are performed in
accordance with hazardous chemical regulations, Material Safety Data Sheets and Risk
Assessments
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Obtain and keep up-to-date relevant Material Data Safety Sheets and the Hazardous
Substance register
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Maintain knowledge and understanding of processes and procedures outlined in the Science
Department Safety Manual and make recommendations for amendments or additions to the
manual
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Alert Science staff to breaches of safety regulations by staff and students
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Maintain a register of accidents and near misses
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Ensure the correct and safe disposal of biological and chemical residues and waste in
accordance with Work Health and Safety and other relevant legislation
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Conduct safety audits of laboratories and report any actions required to the Head of Science
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Liaise with Administration staff to ensure that first aid kits are stocked in accordance with
School requirements
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Prepare Risk Assessments for experiments, other practical or field work and Science
excursions
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Advise Science staff of correct and safe procedures for dismantling and clearing away
equipment
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Liaise with Science staff to develop efficient and workable equipment request processes and
procedures
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Prepare materials, stock and standard solutions, specimens and apparatus as required by
Science staff
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Liaise with Science staff in the setting up of demonstrations/ experiments, ensuring they
function successfully
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Supervise Year 11 or 12 students who have permission from the Head of Science to catch up
missed practical work
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Ensure material resources are secure and maintained in good order through
appropriate storage and distribution, disposal and stock takes
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Maintain an inventory of equipment and report maintenance requirements to the Head of
Science
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Develop a maintenance schedule for equipment and liaise with suppliers to complete repairs
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Develop routines to ensure that all laboratory surfaces are clean and cupboards clean, tidy
and stocked and labelled as required
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Service and clean simple laboratory equipment, including aprons and safety glasses. This
does not include any equipment that connects to the electrical mains supply.
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Acquire relevant catalogues and price lists
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Evaluate and make purchase recommendations to the Head of Science
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Liaise with the Head of Science in preparing costs for the annual budget
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Order equipment and purchase day-to-day supplies
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Attend all School meetings as required
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Attend professional learning events as required
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Other duties and activities as required by the Principal
Responsibilities not expected of the Science Assistant
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Clerical work associated with delivery of the curriculum
General cleaning of floors, desks, sinks etc. within the laboratory, unless support is
requested by teaching staff after a particularly messy practical exercise, such as
dissections