Audio/Visual ICT TECHNICIAN

Information for Applicants

January 2018
The Non-Teaching Staff

The non-teaching staff at FarlingayeHigh School consists of hard working and friendly individuals who support the work of the school. We work well together as a team, supporting each other through our job roles.

Farlingaye is a thriving school of over 1900 students. We are passionate about learning and student achievement and the non-teaching staff play an integral role in the process of improving standards. We have Maths, Computing and Creative Arts specialist status and have been awarded Leading Edge status, which are two very exciting developments for the school and which enhance the opportunities that can be offered to both staff and students.

If you feel that Farlingaye is a school where you could make a contribution, we will be delighted to receive your application. Please do not hesitate to contact me to talk about the post further.

ICT Department

Audio/Visual ICT TECHNICIAN

ALLOWANCE:This position has been graded at Grade 3 from £17,772per annum

HOURS:37 hours a week, 44 weeks a year

(Four of these weeks are worked off during the year at evenings/weekends to support school productions, etc)

ACCOUNTABLE TO:Network Manager

PURPOSE OF THE POST:

The ICT (Information Communication Technology) department consists of threefull-time ICT teachers, and several teachers who teach ICT as an additional subject at Key Stage Three. On the technical side, we have one Network Manager and two technicians. The teachers are based mainly within the three ICT suites.

The AV Technician is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school’s AV systems and school productions. Throughout the year the school holds several large productions. The AV Technician is responsible for setting up lighting and sound equipment, liaising with teachers and suppliers and also for offering guidance to students who participate in the technical side of these productions. In addition, the postholder will be required to assist the ICT Technicians with general maintenance as and when required by the Network Manager.

The school has approximately 650 computers; 450 desktops and 200 laptops for curriculum requirements and a further 50 for administration. The school has 100 Projectors and 27 Interactive Whiteboards. We also have a set of Apple Imacs.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Ensure the installation, maintenance and first line repairs of Audio and Visual equipment.
  • Liaising with AV suppliers for AV installations or equipment hire.
  • Advise on the availability of AV and setting up as required.
  • Ensure that health and safety standards relating to AV and ICT are maintained and adhered to throughout the school. This includes producing and updating relevant procedures.
  • Provide advice and practical support to pupils and ensure compliance with safe working practices.
  • Set up and clear away sound and visual equipment required by staff for meetings, assemblies and school productions etc.
  • Will be required to work some evenings and weekends to provide technical support and assistance with the management of sound and lighting during school events and productions. These additional hours will be deducted from the “holiday hours” to be worked during school holidays and/or time off in lieu. Arrangements for this will be discussed with your line manager at the time.
  • Programming DVD equipment to record school educational programs for teachers.
  • Assisting in the use of audio and visual editing software on both Macs and PCs.
  • Migrating material from VHS to DVD.
  • Regular maintenance of classroom projectors.
  • Duplication of educational DVDs and CDs for classroom use.
  • Maintenance of interactive whiteboards.
  • Uploading videos to the media server.
  • Order AV equipment when required.
  • Cataloguing videos for staff for ease of access.
  • Attend lessons when required to assist staff with AV work.
  • Supervise lunchtime and after school clubs to facilitate students’ ICT work.
  • Manage the loaning of AV equipment to staff and students.
  • Manage or assist with the implementation of one-off AV projects, including liaison with external contractors/suppliers and other departments within the school/council.
  • Carry and transport AV / ICT equipment within the school complex. This can include assisting with deliveries of new equipment.
  • The post will also require some working at heights installing stage lighting and sound equipment, including the maintenance of ceiling mounted projectors.
  • The post will also require assisting IT Technicians with general ICT maintenance, including maintaining printers and workstations.
  • General repair of music equipment
  • Asset-mark new equipment.
  • Supervise students during school productions.
  • Dispose of redundant equipment in line with the school’s disposal policy.
  • Photograph and upload staff photos

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.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The person appointed should have a good knowledge of a range of AV equipment including lighting, PAs, speakers and music production equipment, ie mixing desks etc. A knowledge of music and video editing software, ie Logic, Garage Band, would be beneficial, but not essential, as training will be given. Good communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential and the post holder must have the ability to interact with a wide range of people. Previous experience of working within a similar role would be an advantage.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Criteria / Essential to basic performanceofjob / Required for fully competent performance of job
Knowledge:
Technical or specialist /
  • Good understanding of general AV and ICT equipment and networking.
/
  • NVQ 3 in related area.

  • Good understanding and knowledge of software and hardware, e.g. Microsoft office, networking software, modems, Internet etc.
/
  • Specialist knowledge of in-house software, e.g. SIMS.

  • Practical experience in an ICT networking environment.

  • Awareness of current ICT issues and trends.

  • Knowledge and understanding the Data Protection Act and any other related legislation.

Literacy and numeracy /
  • Ability to read and understand software licensing and related legislation.

  • Ability to maintain inventories.

  • Ability to accurately calculate distances for cabling purposes.

Organisational /
  • An awareness of Suffolk County Council policies and procedures e.g. health and safety.

Knowledge & use of equipment /
  • Knowledge of a range of AV and ICT equipment, including digital cameras, scanners, computers etc.

  • Knowledge of networking, systems, e.g. cabling and connections.

Mental Skills:
Research /
  • Researching and evaluating new software and hardware and making recommendations to line manager/headteacher.

  • Collating information for stock taking/inventories.

Problem solving /
  • Ability to identify and resolve semi-routine hardware/software failures/faults.

Thinking creatively / Developing new ideas /
  • Make recommendations and work in conjunction with Facilities when devising layout of equipment, e.g. design of classroom.

Planning ahead /
  • Plan the implementation of software/hardware upgrades/replacements to ensure minimum disruption.

  • Assist in the planning of one-off projects e.g. over several months.

Interpersonal & Communications Skills:
Training and / or presentation skills /
  • Undertake demonstrations and informal training of staff/pupils on hardware/software.

  • Attend and contribute to staff meetings as required.

Criteria / Essential to basic performanceofjob / Required for fully competent performance of job
  • According to the needs of the school, the post holder may assist with the induction of new ICT technicians

Advising / guiding skills /
  • Advise teachers, other staff and pupils on the use of software/hardware equipment, including technical explanations.
/
  • According to the needs of the school, the post holder may provide advice and guidance to other relevant technicians

Negotiating, influencing or conciliating skills /
  • Make recommendations to headteacher/line manager on replacement/upgrade of equipment.

  • Negotiation with suppliers on price of software licences/equipment/cabling etc.

Verbal and written communications skills (including use of languages) /
  • Attend and contribute to staff 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 as forms essence of role.

Other manual skills /
  • Manual handling skills are required for the safe lifting and handling of equipment.

  • Ability to use hand tools, e.g. screwdrivers.
  • Ability to work at heights.

Criteria / Essential to basic performanceofjob / Required for fully competent performance of job
Other attributes:
Level of autonomy /
  • Manage and prioritise own workload daily/weekly.

  • Assist in project planning and implementation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you are interested in this post, please return your application form to the school by noon on January 18th 2018 at the latest. You should also include a written letter of application to the Headteacher. Please note that we will contact referees before short listing. If you require any further information, please contact David Aldridge, Systems Manager, or Gail Hicks, Personnel Officer, at the school or email .

We welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or religion.

The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the person specification in order to be offered the post and will be subject to an enhanced CRB check.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

At all times the Headteacher and governing body will ensure that safe recruitment practices are followed. At FarlingayeHigh School we require evidence of identity and original academic certificates. We do not accept testimonials and insist on taking up references prior to interview. We will question the contents of application forms during the interview if we are unclear about them, we will undertake enhanced Criminal Records Bureau checks and use any other means of ensuring we are recruiting and selecting the most suitable people to work with our children.

INTERVIEW PROCESS

The purpose of the interview is to assess your suitability for the above post and give both the panel and yourself an opportunity to gain further information before making a successful appointment. It is also an opportunity to seek clarification on information which you have provided on the application form and accompanying information. The interview will assess your suitability to work with children and will include questions relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.

Please note that current or previous employers will be contacted as part of the verification process. We require two work-related referees to be listed on your application form and we will contact those referees before shortlisting.