Ecolinc Horticulture, Animal, Laboratory Technician & Administration Assistant

Location Profile

Ecolinc is one of six specialist STEM centres funded by the Department of Education (DoE) situated on the site of Bacchus Marsh College. Ecolinc's area of specialism is the environment, conservation and sustainability.

Ecolinc develops and delivers a range of innovative P-12 curriculum programs that encompass new and emerging scientific thinking, state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technologies designed to engage and inspire the next generation into STEM thinkers. Students engage in real-world STEM applications, field work opportunities and hands-on experiences that enable them to gain the skills necessary to respond to 21st century challenges.

Ecolinc¿s programs are delivered onsite, via outreach, online, video conferencing and through a variety of environmental field-trips. Ecolinc also provides a range of specialised student programs and teacher professional learning. Ecolinc is continuously reflecting on good practice and enhancing its range of programs to meet the diverse needs of students state-wide with a particular focus on access and equity.

Established in 2005, Ecolinc was one of the original three state-wide specialist science centres. Participation rates have grown considerably over the years with approximately 35,000 P-12 students from across Victoria participating in an Ecolinc program annually.

Ecolinc is a unique ESD (ecologically sustainable designed) educational facility for students and teachers, incorporating a range of technologies and resources to support innovation and excellence in sustainable environmental education. All of Ecolinc's programs are aligned to the Victorian Curriculum/VCE.

Ecolinc is located within walking distance (approximately 200m) to the Bacchus Marsh Railway Station (Ballarat / Melbourne line), thus providing easy access to the facility via public transport. Ecolinc has a wetland onsite, glasshouse and propagation facilities, a habitat garden and a range of specialised equipment that students use as part of their programs.

Selection Criteria

SC1 Demonstrated capacity to undertake general routine tasks across a range of functions in one or more work areas within a school environment.

SC2 Ability to use and maintain plant and equipment, follow school procedures and adhere to OHS safe work practices.

SC3 Demonstrated capacity to communicate effectively with all members of the school community including students and the capacity to provide support to students where necessary.

SC4 Demonstrated ability to work as a productive member of a team, to follow instructions and to work independently with confidence and initiative.

SC5 A commitment to professional learning and growth.

Role

The Horticultural/Animal/Admin & Laboratory Assistant will:

• Assist with the general maintenance and up keep of Ecolinc's wetland, grassland & gardens, as well as the designing and building of any garden projects.
• Assist with the care, maintenance and welfare of the Ecolinc animals. Please note that this may require time spent outside of normal school hours at times. Time in lieu is available to compensate for any time spent over weekends and school holidays.
• Assist with the set up and pack up of education program materials and equipment as well as the general maintenance of the science laboratories and prep rooms.

Responsibilities

Horticultural Duties:

• Assist with the general maintenance and upkeep of Ecolinc's wetland, grassland and gardens
• Undertake minor plumbing, carpentry, gardening and landscaping works as required
• Assist with the designing and building of garden projects when needed
• Ensure the maintenance of tools/equipment as required
• Ability to work with trades and contractors to achieve optimum outcomes
• Comply with OHS and Work Safe standards

Animal Duties:

• Assist with the general care, maintenance and welfare of the Ecolinc animals
• Keep appropriate animal care records
• Assist with the care of animals over school holiday periods as required

Science Lab Duties:

• Assist with the preparation of practical lab activities including set-up and pack down of equipment
• Assist with the maintenance, cleaning and storage of program equipment
• Follow all safe storage and disposal practices of harmful chemicals and equipment
• Assist with the ordering of equipment and materials when required
• Maintain knowledge of and follow the correct procedures for handling all biological, chemical and physical materials used at Ecolinc
• Assist with the general running of the science laboratory at Ecolinc

Administration Assistant Duties:

• Assist with everyday clerical and administrative tasks associated with Ecolinc¿s diverse onsite, outreach, video conference and online learning system programs
• Provide administrative assistance to the Ecolinc Project Officer and Administration Officer where needed
• Undertake reception duties including answering of phones, processing orders, and other administrative duties as required

Other Duties

• Attend staff meetings as appropriate
• Participate in curriculum and staff development opportunities as required
• Undertake duties in a professional manner
• Assist in the classroom and/or on field trips as required
• Any other duties as required by the Ecolinc Director.

Who May Apply

Qualifications:

The successful applicant must acquire a current Working with Children Check (WWCC).

Experience using small tools and machinery such as drills, whipper snippers, etc is preferable.

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Experience or a genuine desire to work with animals
• Experience or willingness to do garden maintenance and upkeep
• Genuine desire to work with school aged children
• Willingness to learn and grow under instruction from Ecolinc¿s ES and teaching staff
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong computer literacy skills including the use of Word, Excel, etc.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Organised, reliable and dependable
• Ability to maintain professional and personal integrity
• Proactive and innovative

EEO AND OHS Commitment

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.

The Department of Education is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, and diversity and inclusion for all. We value diversity and inclusion in all forms - gender, religion, ethnicity, LGBTIQ+, 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 family friendly, supportive, safe and harassment free workplaces is essential to high performance and promotes flexible work, diversity and safety across all schools and Department workplaces. It is our policy to provide reasonable adjustments for persons with a disability (see Workplace adjustment guidelines).

Additional support and advice on the recruitment process is available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders from the Koorie Outcomes Division (KOD) via marrung@education.vic.gov.au

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:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/child-safe-standards/policy

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:

https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/values-department-vps-school-employees/overview

Other Information

Applications must include:

1. A cover sheet providing contact information including home address, email and phone number.

2. A CV with a summary of experience and qualifications.

3. Specific Key Selection Criteria responses.

4. The names, email addresses and contact details for three referees.

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 http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx