STRADBROKE HIGH SCHOOL
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY TECHICIAN
GRADE: 3
JOB PURPOSE The role of the Design and Technology Technician is to ensure under the direction and guidance of the DT Subject Leaders (Graphics, Resistant Materials, Food Technology) that the teachers have the equipment and resources they need to provide excellent opportunities for students to learn. The post-holder will report to the Head of DT and Subject Leaders.
LEVEL DESCRIPTION
Practical and procedural knowledge needed across this specialist area.
Uses analytical and creative skills to interpret drawings, circuitry information, situations and solve varied problems.
Exchanges information with pupils, teachers and other technicians.
Uses hand/eye co-ordination and dexterity in the use of hand tools, machines and heat treatment equipment.
Works within recognised procedures, but with the ability to use initiative. Responds independently to unexpected problems and has ready access to line manager for advice and guidance on unusual or difficult problems.
May handle/process cheques or cash and keep basic financial records.
Responsible for the day-to-day safety, maintenance, and first line servicing of all machinery.
INTRODUCTION
The level description above gives an overview of the level at which the postholder is required to operate.
Each school is organised differently, and the range of duties carried out at this level will be different in each school. Some jobs may carry out a diverse range of duties whilst others may be engaged on a narrower range of tasks.
The next section of this benchmark job description will give examples of the types of work that may be carried out at this level. This list is not exhaustive and is intended to give a flavour to help schools to assimilate jobs to the appropriate level.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AT THIS LEVEL
· Maintain level of resources and re-order or purchase as necessary.
· Carry out installation, maintenance and first line repairs of machinery, hand tools, power tools and equipment, gas and heat treatment facilities, and if necessary recommending repair by outside contractors or replacement.
· Advise on availability of equipment, preparing and setting up as required. Ensure that technology equipment complies with safety standards.
· Advise teachers, other staff and pupils on the use of equipment.
· Liaise with and provide support to teaching staff in the preparation and delivery of lessons, when required.
· Provide advice and practical support to pupils and ensure compliance with safe working practices.
· Attend lessons when required to assist pupils with D & T work.
· Display students work in classrooms and corridors
· Undertake reprographic photocopying and printing as required.
· Assist other departments by offering repair facilities/services where possible.
The duties listed above are examples of duties at this level and other duties of a similar level/nature may be undertaken by individuals and are not excluded simply because they are not itemised.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria / Essential to basic performanceofjob / Required for fully competent performance of job /Knowledge:
Technical or specialist / · Good understanding of general D & T equipment and procedures. / · NVQ 3, trade qualifications and/or relevant courses and experience in related area.
· Ability to operate woodworking and metal working machinery. / · Knowledge of IEE regulations and other related legislation.
· Good understanding and knowledge of machining hardwoods, softwoods and metal. / · Working knowledge of LEV regulations and dust control
· Practical experience in metal fabrication.
· Practical experience in gas welding and heat treatment.
· Practical experience in circuitry and familiarity with soldering practice.
· Good knowledge of Health and Safety issues and equipment.
Literacy and numeracy / · Ability to read and understand circuit diagrams and working drawings.
· Ability to maintain inventories.
· Ability to estimate materials requirements for specific projects.
Organisational / · An awareness of Suffolk County Council policies and procedures e.g. health and safety.
Criteria / Essential to basic performanceofjob / Required for fully competent performance of job /
Mental Skills:
Research / · Researching and evaluating new tools and processes and making recommendations to line manager.
· Collating information for stock taking/inventories.
Problem solving / · Ability to identify and resolve faults in machinery and processes.
Thinking creatively / Developing new ideas / · Make recommendations and work in conjunction with Faculty when devising layout of equipment, e.g. design of workshop.
Planning ahead / · Monitoring of stock levels and assessing requirements for following academic year to ensure minimum disruption.
Interpersonal & Communications Skills:
Training and / or presentation skills / · Undertake demonstrations and informal training of staff/pupils on processes. / · According to the needs of the school, the postholder may assist with the induction of new D & T technicians.
· Attend and contribute to Faculty meetings as required.
Advising / guiding skills / · Advise teachers, other staff and pupils on the use of equipment, including technical explanations. / · According to the needs of the school, the postholder may provide advice and guidance to other relevant technicians.
Negotiating, influencing or conciliating skills / · Make recommendations to line manager on replacement/upgrade of equipment.
Criteria / Essential to basic performanceofjob / Required for fully competent performance of job
Verbal and written communications skills (including use of languages) / · Attend and contribute to Faculty meetings and project/other meetings as required.
· Ability to communicate technical information to pupils, staff, governors, etc.
· Maintain inventory of equipment and accurate records.
Physical skills:
Keyboard skills / use of mouse / · Ability to use keyboard and mouse accurately.
Other manual skills / · Manual handling skills are required for the safe lifting and handling of equipment.
· Ability to use hand tools, woodworking and metalworking machinery.
Other attributes:
Level of autonomy / · Manage and prioritise own workload daily/weekly.
· Assist in project planning and implementation.
EVALUATION NOTES
KNOWLEDGE
· Knowledge and experience of D& T machinery which should include, drilling machines, circular saws, bandsaws, planer/thicknessers, jigsaws, wood and metal lathes, disc sanders, horizontal sanders, horizontal and bench grinders, gas welding and brazing.
· A willingness to undergo on the job and formal training to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake the role.
MENTAL SKILLS
· Planning required to ensure that equipment/materials are available and assembled for use by teaching staff and pupils in time for start of lessons.
· Ability to identify and resolve semi-routine machinery failures/faults either by carrying out first line repair, or by arranging for repair by specialist external contractors.
· Researching, recommending and/or fabrication of tools, materials or mechanical aids to assist pupils with special needs.
· Planning of one-off projects over several months, e.g. storage facilities, or dust extraction projects.
INTERPERSONAL AND COMMUNICATIONS
· Ability to advise and assist staff and pupils in areas of D & T.
· Able to communicate with pupils of all abilities.
· Ability to demonstrate the use of tools and equipment to pupils, e.g. demonstrating processes in lessons to groups of pupils.
· Maintain accurate records, e.g. inventories/stock takes of equipment and materials.
· The ability to communicate technical information to pupils, staff and Governors.
PHYSICAL SKILLS
· Dexterity required for setting up of equipment / apparatus or collating materials.
· Ability to use keyboard and mouse accurately.
INITIATIVE AND INDEPENDENCE
· Ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision. Access to line manager available the majority of the time. According to the needs of the school, the post holder may oversee and allocate tasks to other, relevant technicians. Ability to resolve problems throughout the school, some of which are non-routine.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
· Ability to lift, carry and transport materials and D& T equipment within the school complex. This can include assisting with deliveries of new equipment. Assistance is available for movement of heavy items.
· There may the requirement for working in awkward/constrained conditions, e.g.crawling under tables when installing/constructing equipment.
MENTAL DEMANDS
· Alertness and concentration required when working with pupils and carrying out demonstrations of equipment and processes.
· The post holder needs to be able to switch between tasks where reasonable as the service demands, e.g. deal with urgent problem immediately and reprioritise other tasks as necessary.
EMOTIONAL DEMANDS
· Minimal emotional demands.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR PEOPLE
· Shared responsibility with teaching staff when advising and supporting pupils during practical lessons.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISION (EMPLOYEES)
· If applicable to the school, the post holder may be required to oversee and allocate work to other, relevant technicians.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL RESOURCES
· The post holder may receive deliveries and check invoices for accuracy before passing for payment.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR PHYSICAL RESOURCES
· The post holder is likely to hold keys for the building or part of the building.
· The post holder may be responsible for the dismantling and repair of sometimes expensive equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
· The post holder works within the school complex, mainly inside and uses protective clothing when required.
· The post holder will be working in areas where there is a high dust/fume concentration.
· The post holder may have occasional exposure to verbal abuse from pupils.
Design Technology Technician – September 2013-09-09 - 2 -