Overview
Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 2
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Melbourne - Eastern suburbs
Reference:
Location Profile
Wantirna College is a single campus Year 7-12 School of approximately 1490 students, situated in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, about 25 kilometres from the city centre. The College was founded in 1980 and consists of a core of well-maintained brick buildings, with additional portable buildings, in an attractive garden setting spread throughout the spacious grounds with panoramic views of the Dandenong Ranges. The College facilities include a new state of the art theatre, university style cafeteria, new and refurbished buildings that incorporate flexible open learning spaces as well as landscaped courtyards.
Wantirna College draws students from both local and surrounding primary schools. Demand for places at the College has been consistently strong and as part of the enrolment strategy there is a Department of Education and Training approved enrolment ceiling of 1500 students. Most of our students walk to school or are transported by their parents or buses.
The school family occupations index (SFO) is 0.35 and has remained fairly consistent over the last four years. The Language Background Other than English (LBOTE) proportion is 0.13 and again has been consistent over a large number of years. The College also has an international student program. This program takes approximately 20 overseas fee paying students largely from China and Vietnam.
Our EFT (effective fulltime teachers) is approximately 111 teachers. There is a Principal Team of 5 (one Principal and four Assistant Principals) and 72 non-teaching staff who provide support to both the teaching staff and students. This support covers Administration, Library, Science, Integration, Learning Support, Quick smart, Food Technology, Facilities, Gardening, School Nurses and ICT.
We operate two sub schools, the Middle School 7-8 and Senior School 9-12. Each sub school has its own administration, overseen by an Assistant Principal and Leaders of Sub school and operates within its own pedagogical guidelines. There is a strong and consistent whole school approach to welfare and discipline with an emphasis on emotional intelligence.
Students in Year 7 and 8 experience a core curriculum based around eight learning areas. The only choice in terms of subjects is LOTE where we offer Spanish and Chinese. This subject choice will be a factor in determining the student¿s home group. In Year 9 and 10 students undertake a course that is half elective and half core. Again, it is structured around eight learning areas. Early start VCE is accessible for Year 10 students who are achieving well. In Year 11 and 12 we offer a wide range of VCE units, comprehensive VM and VET programs.
The Wellbeing Team at the College is well supported through a range of Education Support Staff, including 1.5 Mental Health Practitioners, two Student Wellbeing Social Workers, two First Aid Officers, along with several placement students undertaking social worker work experience. The team support and run a number of key areas within the school including breakfast club, targeted student wellbeing interventions, counselling services for students and liaising with external services including DFS, Orange Door and Navigator, to ensure our students receive the best possible support to be successful.
Selection Criteria
SC1 Demonstrated capacity to perform duties consistent with established guidelines and frameworks, including coordinating and supporting others in respect to specific work functions relevant to the role.
SC2 Demonstrated capacity to work and collaborate with others in a team environment.
SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively in a team environment, including high level oral and written communication skills.
SC4 Possess the technical knowledge and expertise relevant to the position.
SC5 Demonstrated capacity to provide advice and support to management and other school staff in respect to the work area.
SC6 A commitment to professional learning and growth for both self and others.
Role
Attendance requirement for this position is 8.00am to 4.06pm Monday to Friday
The Science Laboratory Technician, Education Support person will be responsible for supporting the Science Team and the Science students. Their focus will align with the goal of the Science Team which is to foster high expectations around learning and teaching and student outcomes, and to provide a rigorous and engaging science curriculum. They will ensure the College science resources are managed and available so that students and staff can participate in practical activities and demonstrations safely and effectively. They will ensure the management and upkeep of science equipment and resources and support the team with administrative activities related to student incursions and excursions.
Responsibilities
Maintain an orderly, tidy and safe work and learning environments for staff and students
* Clean and maintain the prep rooms and the storage rooms
* Carry out routine maintenance of laboratory and classroom materials and equipment
* Conduct annual stock take of equipment and chemicals.
* Ensure all equipment is appropriately labelled and easily accessible to staff
* Organise equipment repairs and maintenance as required
* Maintain animal enclosures
* Ensure Lab coats and other protective equipment are clean and hygienic
Ensure OHS compliance for science equipment and chemicals
* Maintain and update the risk register for science chemicals and equipment.
* Complete tasks as requested through Risk Assess.
* Ensure correct chemical handling, labelling, storage and disposal.
* Maintain Hazardous Chemicals Register.
* Keep Material Safety Data Sheets folders up to date and accessible at required locations
Prepare and manage practical and demonstrations
* Order chemicals and other classroom consumables through suppliers
* Source and purchase goods for practical classes as required
* Co-ordinate daily activities to ensure efficient operation of the laboratory
* Prepare chemicals, reagents, media, equipment, materials and teaching aids for all practical classes
* Assist with set up and dismantling of experiments and clear away equipment and materials
* Provide advice and support to teaching staff on practical activities and demonstrations in and out of the classroom.
* Help in developing and trialing practical activities.
* Source material for practical purposes ¿ eg collect specimens (eg. Pond water, flowers)
KIOSC Administration
* Manage bookings, transportation and logistics for KIOSC events based on the KIOSC calendar and spreadsheet.
* Liaise with the Science Leader to identify the staffing for KIOSC events
* Create and manage Compass events for students attending KIOSC events
* Attend relevant planning and training activities with KIOSC
* Organise alternative timetables for students not attending KIOSC and communicate with DORG and teachers involved.
* Notify teachers of classes schedule changes due to KIOSC events 2 weeks in advance.
General Administration
* Complete photocopying of exams and other assessments as requested.
* Complete purchase orders and manage the Science Credit Card
Other
* Any other duties as required by the Science Team or the Principal Team.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfill the specific requirements of the position.
Diversity and Inclusion
The department is committed to diversity and inclusion and developing a workforce that is representative of the community we service. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQA+, 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 safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work and diversity across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for staff with disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).
Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander candidates from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via
Applicants seeking part-time employment are encouraged to apply for any teaching service position and, if they are the successful candidate, request a reduced time fraction. Such requests will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis and will be subject to the operational requirements of the school.
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:
DE Values
The department's employees commit to upholding the department's Values: Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership and Human Rights. The department'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 department 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
Please ensure that your application includes:
* A resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address and contact numbers, business and home)
* A section addressing the selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
* Names and contact numbers (telephone and email if possible) of two referees who are able to attest to the claims made in your application.
Please note that the selection panel may seek additional referees beyond those you name. Consistent with policy, we shall advise you if we will take this action.
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
Applications close Monday 16 February 2026 at 11.59pm
Posted
3 February 2026