Laboratory Technician

Role

An education support class position at this range will perform tasks that are carried out in accordance with guidelines, accepted practice, and school policy under supervision and direction. This may include coordination of other education support class staff within the work area or educational program.

An education support class position supports the educational services being provided to students but must not include duties of a teacher as defined in clause of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic) or its successor. Supervision of students can be required individually or in groups up to 4 in controlled circumstances and where the responsibility for students remains clearly with a teacher.

Certification and/or qualifications of up to three years can be required at this level (noting that Registered Nurse is not included at this level, the first level for which is Level 1 range 3).

A role at this range may include:

Specific support tasks to achieve outcomes. Typically, this will involve accountability for a single function, ( ensuring data is properly maintained) or the co-ordination of a work area under the direction of the principal or a manager.

Assisting teachers, within an educational program, by undertaking specific support tasks or the coordination of the support function.

Supervised health and wellbeing support tasks, medical intervention support tasks, or other specialised student/teacher support roles ( enrolled nurses performing the role as described in schedule 3). These roles require specific qualifications and/or training, including roles where further training must be undertaken from time to time. The role is for a specific purpose, for which there will be direct accountability as opposed to support roles that are carried out by a range of staff performing routine tasks under direction.

Technical tasks that require a sound knowledge of basic technical and/or scientific principles that are used to develop and adapt work methods and make judgements where there are clear guidelines and limited options. Routine technical support in libraries, science, and information technology would be typical examples.

An education support class position at this range commencing at the base will initially be limited to undertaking routine tasks that are carried out under close supervision and direction. Work that carries some degree of independence will generally involve a limited number of tasks performed on a regular basis where priorities are clear, procedures are well established, and direction is readily available. Subject to any specific qualification and/or training requirement, an education support class employee employed in this range may be progressively required to undertake coordination, specialised student/teacher support tasks, or technical tasks as experience in the role is gained.

Responsibilities

Preparation of chemical solutions and correct storage, maintenance and disposal of chemicals

Maintain Whole School Register of Hazardous Substances and Dangerous Goods

Maintain and update SDS sheets

Preparation of classroom practicals and activities

Conduct regular stocktakes and inventories

Risk Assessments of chemicals and classroom activities

Sourcing and ordering materials for science, including local shopping

Arrange repair of equipment when possible

Keep safety procedures up to date in accordance with school policy and relevant safety legislation

Advise and inform teachers regarding safety and new teaching aids available

Maintain, organise and clean chemical store and classrooms

Other duties as requested by the Leadership Team and Business Managers

Who May Apply

Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.

EEO AND OHS Commitment

The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms – gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, disability and neurodiversity. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for roles within the Department. The Department recognises that the provision of family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see ).

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants can contact Brett West, Yamatji man, in the Koorie Outcomes Division to talk about the recruitment process, the Department and supports for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in the Department. Mobile: 0477 726 801 or email on:

Child Safe Standards

Victorian government schools are child safe environments. Our schools actively promote the safety and wellbeing of all students, and all school staff are committed to protecting students from abuse or harm in the school environment, in accordance with their legal obligations including child safe standards. All schools have a Child Safety Code of Conduct consistent with the Department’s exemplar available at

DET Values

The Department’s employees commit to upholding DET’s Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. DET’s Values complement each school’s own values and underpin the behaviours the community expects of Victorian public sector employees, including those who work in Victorian Government Schools. Information on the DET values is available at

Other Information

All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.

Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.

A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.

Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department’s Human Resources website at

Conditions of Employment

All staff employed by the Department and schools have access to a broad range of employment conditions and working arrangements.

Appointment of successful applicants will be made subject to a satisfactory pre-employment conditions check.

A probationary period may apply during the first year of employment and induction and support programs provided.

Detailed information on all terms and conditions of employment is available on the Department’s Human Resources website at

Location Profile

Merbein P-10 College is located in north-west Victoria 550 kilometers from the Melbourne Central Business District and approximately 11 kilometers from the regional city of Mildura. The college provides both primary and secondary education for students residing in Merbein and the west side of Mildura. The college commenced as a P-10 college in 2010 following the merger of three primary schools, Merbein Primary School, Merbein South Primary School and Merbein West Primary School with Merbein Secondary College. The college commenced at its present site in January 2011 and moved into new buildings in November 2012.

The college grounds include grassed and hard surface play areas. There is a large shade structure over netball and basketball courts and shaded adventure playgrounds. The primary blocks enable flexible open learning spaces. Secondary classes are housed in new facilities and within the former secondary college building. There is a library, gymnasium, two art rooms, a music room, science laboratories, specialist facilities for classes in food, metal, wood, textiles, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and a recently completed Arts and Technology Centre. The college has a flexible learning options (FLO) program housed in renovated flexible classroom spaces. In 2022 a $ million building project will see new Science, Administration, Cafeteria, Art, FLO and staff planning spaces created where the original secondary college building is currently situated.

2023 enrolments as of census day were 663 students comprising 233 primary students and 663 secondary students.

The Student Family Occupation (SFO) index is and the Student Family Occupation Education (SFOE) index is in 2022.

The staffing profile of Merbein P-10 College includes a Principal and three Assistant Principals and full time equivalent (FTE) teachers including one learning specialist and six leading teachers. There are FTE Education Support (ES) staff and office administration staff.
 

The college provides an approved curriculum framework aligned to the Victorian Curriculum for Years Foundation to 10. Secondary students study core and elective subjects. Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) programs and workplace learning opportunities may be taken by Year 10 students. There is a flexible learning options (FLO) program that provides a personalised curriculum that enables students to learn in small groups with an aim to engage students in their learning and provide additional support.

The college has a wellbeing team that includes a Primary Mental Health & Wellbeing Coordinator, a Disability Inclusion & Wellbeing Coordinator, two social workers and a school nurse. The team supports students and families through early intervention and case management. There is also a Doctor in Schools program. A breakfast club operates daily and an Out of School Hours Care program, run by qualified staff, is available after school. The college provides a range of extra-curricular activities including sport, camps, performances, elective subjects and music.