Science Technician & Laboratory Manager

Availability: Term time only

Rangi Ruru Girls’ School is a high‑achieving and innovative school for young women, catering for day and boarding students from Year 7 to Year 13.

About the Role

The Science Technician/Laboratory Manager plays a key role in delivering high‑quality technical and administrative support to the Science Faculty. This position supports teachers by ensuring that practical lessons are well‑planned, well‑resourced, and carried out safely and efficiently.

Working closely with the Head of Learning Area – Science, the role helps relieve pressure on teaching staff and contributes to a smooth and organised delivery of all practical components across the department. Regular liaison with Science teachers ensures effective resource sharing and cohesive planning, supporting the faculty to deliver an outstanding learning experience for students.

Beyond technical support, the role includes responsibility for managing the overall organisation of laboratory spaces, equipment, and safety processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, set up, and pack down materials and equipment for all science practicals.
• Maintain, inventory, and safely store laboratory equipment, chemicals, and resources.
• Oversee day‑to‑day management of laboratory spaces, ensuring they are clean, orderly, and compliant with safety standards.
• Support the Head of Learning Area – Science with administrative duties and resource coordination.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety regulations, including maintaining safety documentation and facilitating safe laboratory practices.
• Coordinate the efficient sharing and use of equipment across the Science Faculty.

We’re Looking for Someone Who Is

• Highly organised, efficient, and able to manage multiple tasks in a busy environment.
• Knowledgeable in laboratory procedures and safety practices (or willing to undertake training).
• A strong communicator who enjoys working collaboratively with teaching staff.
• Detail‑oriented, proactive, and confident in managing both technical and administrative aspects of the role.
• Positive, reliable, and committed to supporting high‑quality science teaching and learning.

If you’re excited to support a dynamic Science Faculty and contribute to the delivery of engaging and innovative practical learning, we’d love to hear from you!

Applications close: Friday 1 May 2026
Commencing: Monday 6 July 2026

Position Description

Science Technician

Key Objective

To ensure the smooth and professional running of the Laboratories and Prep rooms to allow teachers to be dedicated to classroom teaching.

Position Overview

The Laboratory Technician provides high quality and efficient administrative and technical support in the Science Faculty. The technician works closely with the Head of Learning Area - Science to relieve pressure on all Science teachers and allows them to optimise the practical work done in their classes. They will liaise with the Science Faculty on a regular basis to help integrate the department and facilitate sharing of equipment and resources for optimum efficiency and effectiveness.

Reports to Head of Learning Area - Science                                              

Responsibilities 

Technological and Resource Management

• • Operates an efficient system of stocking and storing chemicals, equipment and materials used in labs to ensure teachers are aware of what, and when, resources are available for optimal use.
  • Sets up, operates, and run checks on science equipment to ensure they are in safe working order and available as and when required.
  • Makes simple pieces of equipment and carries out repairs, including soldering and re-wiring in a cost-effective manner.
  • Arranges for specialist equipment repairs and maintenance to ensure equipment is ready for use, in good working order as far as practicable.
  • Arranges for any repairs or maintenance of photocopier or printers with IT to ensure repairs are resolved with minimal disruption to Faculty staff.
  • Submits equipment maintenance requests with the caretaker and/or maintenance staff to ensure equipment hazards are promptly identified and corrected.
  • Cleans special equipment and glassware that need additional care or treatment to ensure it is kept in optimal condition.
  • Engraves and marks equipment for identification purposes.
  • Obtains and collects non-living materials or specimens for dissection and experiments from appropriate sources and organises for safe disposal.
  • Obtains, collects, and cares for living organisms for observation in adherence with the Animal Welfare Act, Rangi procedures and teacher guidance.
  • Checks and updates the accurate storage and inventory of chemicals and equipment through maintaining Safety Data records for hazardous substances.
  • Ensures the safe storage, care and handling of chemicals, safe disposal of residues and wastes, including micro-organisms to provide a safe working environment for teachers and students.

Technical Support

• • Assists teachers and students with setting up of equipment during practical sessions and assessments as required.
  • Assists students by giving advice with equipment requests for individual projects.
  • Prepares equipment and solutions for practical assessments and examinations.
  • Prepares equipment, materials and solutions required for demonstration and class practical work, practical tests, and field trips.
  • Accompanies staff on ‘day trips’ outside of school if additional adult supervision is required.
  • Organises and supervises Laboratory assistants through day-to-day management and provides health, safety, and professional development support.
  • Advises staff about practical work, resources, and equipment available.
  • Oversees the practical component of classwork for relieving teachers.

Administration

1. • In cooperation with the Head of Learning Area - Science, operates an administrative, budget and ordering system to meet the Faculties needs within the approved delegations.
   • Reviews equipment needs within the Faculty and advises on purchasing of new and replacement equipment within budget.
   • Purchases consumables for the Faculty as and when required.
   • Orders, covers, and marks new textbooks.
   • Orders new workbooks as requested and ensures accurate records are provided to accounts Department.
   • Liaises and negotiates with Suppliers and/or service providers to ensure cost effective purchasing of equipment and services.
   • Manages the ordering, safe storage, inventory and issuing of the Science Badges, Activity Cards and Certificates.
   • Operates an efficient system for the issuing and distribution of books and resources, using the school database.
   • Assists the teaching staff with photocopying of examination and test papers as required.
   • Works with the Laboratory Manager on health and safety issues and participates in the ongoing programme to maintain safety and first aid procedures.
   • Supports the Laboratory Manager to maintain Risk Assess, Safe Method of Use, and PeopleSafe registers where appropriate.
   • Maintains the Technician’s area for safety and security purposes.
   • Assists with competitions, science fairs and field trips when required.

Professional Development and Responsibilities

1. • Obtains professional development as required, to keep abreast of new demands necessitated by changes in the curriculum and its delivery.
   • Liaises with science technicians in other schools and universities.
   • Undertakes continued professional development to ensure a clear understanding and working knowledge of the Code of Practice and HAZNO Act.
   • Is conversant with the parameters of the Science curriculum.

Health and Safety

1. • Complies with the health and safety systems and emergency procedures in place throughout Rangi Ruru.
   • Demonstrates a commitment to continuous health and safety improvement.
   • Ensures prompt and accurate reporting of all hazards, accidents, and incidents.
   • Attends health and safety update training sessions scheduled.

Laboratory Manager

Position Description

Reporting to: Head of Science

Position Purpose

The Laboratory Manager (LM) is the designated person responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant, and effective management of science laboratories at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School. The role ensures adherence to Safety and Science / Pūtaiao: Guidance for Aotearoa New Zealand Schools and Kura and the Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017. The LM coordinates hazardous substance management, oversees laboratory safety systems, and provides leadership to ensure safe teaching and learning environments. The LM also delegates laboratory responsibilities when absent.