Teacher Aide (Design Technology And Stem) And Kayaking Maintenance Assistant

Title of Position: Teacher Aide (Design Technology and STEM) and Kayaking Maintenance Assistant

Type of Appointment: Term Time 38 hours week (Design Technology 26 hours, STEM 6 hours, Kayaking Maintenance 6 hours)

Commencing Term 2, 2024

 1. CONDITIONS

Established in 2001 in a picturesque setting in Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast, Pacific Lutheran College is a leading K-12 learning community that is innovative, dynamic, and progressive. Firmly underpinned by the values and traditions of excellence of Lutheran Education in Australia, students have achieved outstanding success in the academic, sporting, and cultural dimensions of their lives. Enrichment programs in all three areas have enabled students to explore their potential.

Pacific has established a strong academic culture, which promotes thinking, deep understandings and creativity based on the learnings of Harvard’s Teaching for Understanding and Visible Thinking frameworks. The synergy of these programs, with the research of positive psychology and Lutheran theology, provides for a rich whole of life learning culture.

Unique experiences provided through the College’s excellent outdoor education, pastoral care and personal development programs, and the opportunities provided through academic, sporting, and cultural learning, support an enriching whole of life education. Active involvement in local and international community service projects broaden young people’s world view and sense of efficacy.

Our staff take advantage of flexibility in physical and virtual spaces to support an increasingly personalised approach to learning for our young people. Pacific has a seamless curriculum across Kindergarten to Year 12 with teams of teachers working across the four subgroups of the College. Staff are expected to learn collaboratively to contribute to a whole school approach as they lead learning in the Foundation College (Kindergarten-Year 2), Junior College (Years 3-5), Middle College (Years 6-9) and Senior College (Years 10-12).

Salary and related conditions are as per the Queensland Lutheran Schools Enterprise Agreement 2020.

2. ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Teacher Aide (Design Technology and STEM) and Kayaking Maintenance Assistant will perform a range of related duties in the Design Technology, STEM and Kayaking Maintenance area.  As a staff member within a Christian school, this position will be expected to support and contribute to the growth of a strong Christian faith community through personal example and professional leadership.  The Teacher Aide (Design Technology and STEM) and Kayaking Maintenance Officer is directly responsible to the Heads of Department (Industrial Technology & Design and STEM) and the Kayaking Coordinator.

The position is expected to:

2.1. Strengthen Lutheran Identity Through:

• Support the Lutheran ethos of the College.

2.2     Enhance Excellence in Teaching and Learning:

• Collaborate with the classroom teachers to develop resources when required and provide input on the selection of appropriate equipment and technology for projects. 
• Support students during practical lessons in STEM or Design Technology: offering guidance and supervision while fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
• Monitor facilities, equipment and services required to ensure that all students, including those with additional needs, receive a high-quality education in a safe, caring environment in the Industrial Technology, STEM and Kayaking areas.  
• Assist teachers in demonstrations, and hands-on activities in the Design Technology and STEM learning environment. 
• Ensure that all equipment is in good working condition, conduct routine inspections, and coordinate repairs or replacements, as necessary.
• Possess a strong understanding of the various equipment used in Industrial Technology and STEM areas, particularly 3D printers, laser cutting, CNC machinery and soldering. 
• Troubleshoot technical issues that arise during the operation of equipment, assisting both teachers and students in resolving problems efficiently.

2.3 Engage in Ongoing Improvement and Innovation

• Engage in ongoing Professional Learning and support the ongoing innovation and improvements in the Design Technology, STEM and Kayaking areas. 
• Develop skills in emerging Technologies. 

2.4 Enhance Community Building

• Work in partnership with the Heads of Department and Kayaking Coordinator to provide ongoing assistance and administrative support where required.
• Develop and maintain positive partnerships with staff, students, parents, carers, and the wider community.
• Maintain open lines of communication to address equipment-related issues, safety concerns, and provide timely updates on maintenance tasks. 
• Collaborate with teachers to evaluate the effectiveness of equipment and propose recommendations for improvements or upgrades

2.5 Lead Effective Organisation and Management 

• Support the Heads of Department, the Kayaking Coordinator and other teaching staff to maintain a safe environment for students during practical activities. 
• Regularly inspect the Design Technology and STEM classrooms, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and protocols. 
• Work with the classroom teacher and Kayaking Coordinator to monitor the student learning environment for the safe handling of equipment, proper usage of tools/ equipment, and adherence to safety procedures. 
• Actively promote a culture of safety and assist the Heads of Department and Kayaking Coordinator to develop safety training materials as needed.
• Maintain relevant qualifications for this position (outlined in the CARA documentation for Kayaking).
• Be responsible for own health and safety and for the health and safety of persons under their direction. Comply with all statutory health and safety rules applying to this position.
• Undertake other duties as appropriate for this role.

3. WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

Effective implementation of the School’s Workplace Health and Safety Manual requires the active involvement of all employees.  All employees have an obligation to comply with statutory and organisational requirements, procedures and rules that are intended to protect the health and safety of persons at the workplace including the general public.

All academic and ancillary staff must:

• Perform work safely in accordance with the training (induction and annual) they have received and report substandard work conditions or practices.
• Follow lawful written and verbal workplace health and safety instructions issued by managers and supervisors and observe all warning signs and notices.
• Report all personal injuries immediately to the supervisor and appropriate School delegate.
• Co-operate with and participate in all activities to make the work environment safer and healthier.
• Maintain good housekeeping standards at all times.
• Observe all warning signs and notices.
• Ask for specific instruction regarding the hazards associated with performing tasks which may not be completely familiar.
• Wear clothing and footwear appropriate to their job and use all personal protective devices specified and/or routinely expected for that job.
• Operate specified plant and equipment, e.g. motor vehicles, cranes, etc, only if properly trained and authorised to do so.
• Not wilfully or recklessly interfere with anything that might harm the health and safety of themselves and others.
• Not attend work under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.  Employees taking any medication must follow the directions of use and report to their Supervisor if this substance may interfere with their performance at work.
• Assist with Risk Assessments and Accident Investigation Reports when requested to do so.

4. SELECTION CRITERIA

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate or have the demonstrated capacity to develop the capabilities described below:

SC1. Relevant trade qualification or demonstrated work experience related to the role and its responsibilities.

SC2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the use of tools and machines for maintenance and general operation including, but not limited to metal, wood, plastics, composites and electronics.

SC3. Demonstrated competence and confidence in using computer software packages including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.  Knowledge of school based administrative systems is an advantage.

SC4. General understanding of school systems and curriculum requirements is highly desirable. 

SC5. Current First Aid qualification or the willingness to obtain.

SC6. Current Blue Card or eligibility to acquire Working with Children accreditation. 

5. KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS AND APPLICATION PROCESS

A relevant trade certificate or demonstrated equivalence through work experience related to the key roles and responsibilities is required for this position. 

Applicants must also have or be eligible to acquire a Blue Card and maintain their Suitability to Work with Children requirements.   

Please feel free to contact the Principal in relation to any queries regarding your application.

Applicants must address the selection criteria and email their application to *********@pacluth.qld.edu.au attention Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal, Pacific Lutheran College, by 2:00pm Friday 15th March 2024.