Art & Design Technician

About the role

We are looking for a full-time or part-time Art & Design Technician to provide technical and general support in the maintenance, development and delivery of the school’s learning resources and equipment within the Art and Design Department, this includes 3D design, graphics, textiles and art craft and design.

This role is offered part-time or full-time (with an appropriate additional area of responsibility)

Main duties and responsibilities

• To provide support in the maintenance and development of materials and resources.
• To carry out appropriate duties when requested by the Head of Department.
• To load and empty the kiln (training will be provided).
• To assist in the setting up and operation of machinery and equipment.
• To provide support and guidance to staff and students using technical equipment and to train where necessary in its correct and safe use, especially in 3D design.
• To make a significant contribution in the preparation for, and setting up of, exhibitions, framing and displays as directed by the Head of the Department.
• To establish and maintain effective documentation systems including operating procedures, manuals, records and problems encountered and action taken, inventories etc. in relation to area resources.
• To assist in the provision of an effective portage facility, including the receipt, checking and secure storage of deliveries to Art and Design.
• To ensure that all Health and Safety documentation is visible and up to date for each item of potentially dangerous equipment within the department.
• To undertake, in consultation with the Finance Manager and teaching staff, stock checks on equipment and consumables, order consumable items and keep appropriate records.
• To undertake general maintenance of equipment within the Art and Design Department.
• To undertake appropriate training and subsequent updating in order to act as the department’s First Aider.                                  
• To promote and operate a healthy and safe working environment in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, including Risk Assessments where appropriate and to ensure that agreed College policies are adhered to.
• To ensure the department recycles where possible.

About the School  

Townsend is a relatively small and very friendly school with a great atmosphere, circa 800 on roll, including a Sixth Form. Townsend is rated good in all areas by Ofsted, which was confirmed during a short inspection in January 2024. In May 2024 the SIAMS (Statutory Inspection of Anglican and Methodist School) inspection report found that we continue to live up to our foundation as a Church school.  

Townsend Church of England School is situated on a large, green site between St Albans and Harpenden, and welcomes applicants from families of all faiths and of no faith. Children who attend Townsend live in St Albans and Harpenden, as well as other towns in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, including Welwyn Garden City, Hemel Hempstead and Luton. 

Townsend believes that educating the whole child is key to a successful education. The Bible-based vision of Love Your Neighbour underpins all we do. Students are taught to respect and care for themselves and each other, and Townsend’s supportive environment encourages them to make the most out of their journey through secondary school.  

Although this is a Church School you do not have to adhere to the Christian faith to work here, but you must be in sympathy with our work and be able to support the aspects that give us our distinctive character as a Church of England School.  

Friendly and welcoming, Townsend impresses with its calm learning environment and caring staff.  Please read more about our school, including our 2024 Ofsted and SIAMS inspections on our website. You are more than welcome to have a tour of the school before applying.   

We reserve the right to move to shortlisting and interviews when we have viable applications. 

If you would like additional information or to discuss this vacancy – please email the school (recruitment@townsend.herts.sch.uk) for the attention of Mr Flack (Headteacher), or Mrs Llewellyn (Senior Deputy Headteacher), and we can either email a reply or telephone you if you leave a contact number.

To apply for this vacancy, please send a cover letter and an application form to Mr Flack, Headteacher, Townsend CofE School, High Oaks, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DR or email to recruitment@townsend.herts.sch.uk  

Townsend Church of England School is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS check), two satisfactory references, confirmation of identity, and qualifications.