Overview
Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: Salary not specified
Grade: Education Support - Level 1, Range 3
Occupation: Education and training
Location: Grampians - Ballarat
Reference:
Selection Criteria
Applicants are requested to present a written response to the key selection criteria below:
* Demonstrated technical knowledge and ability to undertake the role and responsibilities.
* Demonstrated high level organisation and communication skills and the ability to relate to students and other staff.
* Demonstrated ability to follow direction, display initiative, work independently and manage tasks to meet deadlines.
* A sound knowledge of laboratory chemicals and associated equipment, and educational studies in science to at least VCE (or equivalent) level.
* Some experience in the food industry, and a good knowledge of food handling safety standards.
* A sound knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety principles and practices.
* An ability to work effectively in a team environment and support the Ballarat High School core values.
* Hold or be willing to undertake a Certificate IV in Food Safety for Food Handlers (or similar).
* Driver¿s licence and own vehicle would also be an advantage.
Role
The holder of this position will work as a member of the Science and Home Economics teams at Ballarat High School, providing support to teachers in the delivery of the curriculum and will report directly to Heads of Faculty.
Ballarat High School has 2 full time staff members undertaking this role, sharing the responsibilities equally.
The work will involve a range of different and varied tasks, with particular emphasis on:
* Ordering and delivery of all items for practical science and food classes
* Timely preparation of equipment and resources for the conduct of science and food classes
* Safe storage and disposal of food/chemicals/biological items etc, and
* Cleaning, maintenance and storage of equipment, materials, kitchens and other work areas.
In recognition of the ES Level 1 Range 3 work value, these roles will undertake the following school wide duties:
* OHS Committee Coordinator
* Materials Safety Data Sheets Coordinator
* Food Safety Coordinator
10 weeks leave per annum is standard, with no school holiday attendance required.
As an Education Support staff member, the range of duties may be expanded in the future in accordance with the ES Level 1, Range 3 General Duties.
Responsibilities
The following listed responsibilities are designed to be informative, but not exhaustive, as circumstances and requirements my change over time.
Stock Orders / Handling / Storage:
* Consult with teachers regarding their needs for practical work and maintain an efficient system of bookings/allocations.
* Undertake the ordering of all supplies, ensuring an adequate supply is available when required.
* Obtain, record, and maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Risk Assessment forms.
* Receive and store stock on arrival, as per requirements.
* Perform routine tasks in preparation for science practical classes including preparation of chemical solutions, trialling experiments and conducting chemical and physical tests.
* Set out all required supplies in trolleys/tubs for classes as per teachers¿ requirements.
* Clear away equipment and materials after use and check that they are in a safe, clean and ready to use condition.
* Dispose or place left over ingredients from days classes in appropriate storage facilities.
* Operate and be responsible for all aspects of stock control, including regular rotations and monitoring of condition, use by dates etc.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
* Clean and sanitise kitchens, dining area and storage areas on a daily/weekly basis.
* Contribute significantly to the overall organisation and maintenance of the kitchens, laboratories, preparation areas, storage areas and teaching spaces.
* Ensure labelling, storage, access and disposal of all resources (including food, chemicals, biologicals, equipment etc.) is undertaken in full compliance of all regulations.
* Launder cloths and other kitchen linens. Maintain laundry and cleaning supplies.
* Additional deep cleaning tasks in kitchens, dining area, food storage and staff areas are required each term.
* Check, maintain, repair and service laboratory equipment, or make arrangements for same, to ensure they are in good working order.
* Assist in caring for animals and plants in the science area in accordance with DE guidelines.
Finance and Documentation:
* Supplier Tax Invoices must be checked on delivery and entered into database or equivalent.
* Supply to Finance Manager on a regular basis.
* Actively liaise with suppliers and Finance Manager regarding refunds/credits.
* Manage the Science Area Petty Cash.
* Be responsible for food/laboratory documentation systems, stock inventories, cataloguing work sheets, filing resource materials etc.
General:
* Have a knowledge of the current Year 7 to 12 Science and Food/Home Economics curriculums.
* Assist teachers with demonstrations and practical classes when required.
* Set up/maintain curriculum displays.
* Assist with preparations for special school events.
* Some manual handling/lifting will be required.
* Respond to emergency situations and assist where possible.
* Comply with all appropriate food handling, OH&S and risk management procedures and actively encourage compliance by others.
* Respond to service requests from staff within a reasonable timeframe.
* Uphold the school values of Pride, Respect and Responsibility.
* Assist in the identification of own training needs.
* Participate in an annual process of Performance Development.
Who May Apply
Individuals with the aptitude, experience and/or qualifications to fulfil 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
Enquiries regarding the position can be directed to Mrs. Lesley Thorpe
Please ensure that your application includes:
* A resume including relevant experience as well as personal details (name, address, email and contact number)
* A section addressing the key selection criteria and the requirements for application under the Who May Apply section
* Names and contact numbers (telephone and email) of three 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.
Applications should be submitted via School Jobs Vic (formally Recruitment Online)
or a copy of your application can be emailed to Mrs Julie Pickering, Personnel Manager, marked Confidential Science Laboratory and Food Technology Assistant, by 11.59pm on the closing date.
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
* A current Working with Children Check.
Location Profile
Ballarat High School is a vibrant and inclusive government secondary school with a proud history dating back over a century. The school caters to approximately 1,500 students from Years 7 to 12 and offers a broad, challenging and future-focused curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs and interests of our students.
Ballarat High School is a learning community where every person is valued, respected, and challenged as a learner. At Ballarat High School, we are guided by the core values of Pride, Respect and Responsibility, which underpin all aspects of school life. These values shape a positive school culture where students are encouraged to strive for excellence, take ownership of their learning and behaviour, and contribute meaningfully to their community.
We are committed to evidence-based teaching, student wellbeing and the ongoing professional growth of our staff.
With strong community connections, modern facilities and a culture of high expectations, Ballarat High School provides a dynamic environment where all students are supported to thrive.
Applications close Tuesday 10 March 2026 at 11.59pm
Posted
25 February 2026