Laboratory Assistant (Learning School Support Officer) - Mount St Bernard College, Herberton

Commencement Date: Monday 27 July 2026

Employment Type: Term Time, Permanent (30 hrs per school week)

Salary Range: SOF Level 4 - $36.98 to $38.14 Gross per hour

Closing Date for Applications: 5:00pm, 17 July 2026

Mount St Bernard College is located at Herberton on the Atherton Tablelands. Established in 1921 by the Sisters of Mercy as a day and boarding school, the College enjoys a proud history and a rich tradition.

The Sisters of Mercy began their educational ministry in the Herberton district over 100 years ago with the opening of St Patrick’s Parish Catholic Primary School in 1910. Responding to the changing educational needs in Far North Queensland, the original Sisters of Mercy Boarding School, St Mary’s Cooktown, was moved to Herberton in 1921. The Sisters of Mercy gifted the college to the Diocese of Cairns in February 2006 and it is now administered by Cairns Catholic Education Services.

The Catholic Education Community – Diocese of Cairns, is a partnership between Catholic Education Services and twenty-nine schools. The Bishop of Cairns delegates responsibility for the leadership and strategic management of this system of 29 schools to the Executive Director of Catholic Education.

The college has approximately 140 students with a combination of boarders and day students.

The laboratory technician provides technical, practical and administrative support to the science teaching programs at the College. The role holder is involved in a range of tasks in the science laboratories under the supervision of the teacher/s including but not limited to;

• Under the direction of teaching staff, prepare, maintain and operate specialised scientific equipment and materials; support the design and delivery of experiments; develop and maintain laboratory safety procedures and documentation; and provide advice on safe laboratory practices and hazardous chemical management.

• Assist student learning, either individually or in groups, under the direct supervision of a teaching staff member.

• Maintain science laboratories, equipment, facilities and shared resources in a safe, organised and operational condition.
• Support teachers in delivering practical science programs, including instructing students in the safe use of specialised equipment.
• Promote student engagement and appropriate behaviour in accordance with school expectations and behaviour management plans.
• Conduct basic equipment repairs and maintenance, safety audits and risk assessments.
• Manage inventory, purchasing and budget resources for science materials and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with relevant policies, procedures, legislation and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Maintain current scientific knowledge and undertake professional learning and research.
• Perform administrative duties for the science department, supervise students as required and undertake other duties as directed by the Principal or delegate.

• Hold a Working with Children Blue Card
• Be fully supportive of the ethos of Catholic Education

• Annual Leave with 17.5% leave loading 
• Access to salary packaging options to maximise your salary 
• 12.75% Employer Superannuation Contributions
• Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
• 14 Weeks’ paid parental leave 
• Access to Employee Assistance Program

For further information about the role, please download the position description -  Laboratory Technician Position Description - Level 4

Intending applicants must be fully committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation.

Catholic Education is an equal opportunity employer.