Position: Laboratory Assistant
Commencement Date: Term 1, 2027 (18th January 2027)
Employment Status: Term-Time continuing
Hours per week: 38 hpw
Hourly Rate: $37.01 to $38.17 per hour (pending experience)
Applications Close: Friday, 6 November 2026

About us

Catherine McAuley College opened in 2022 to meet the growing demand for high-quality Catholic secondary education in the Mackay region. Commencing with its inaugural cohort of Year 7 students, the College has been strategically growing one year level at a time and will complete its full Years 7-12 profile by 2027.

Built on the former site of the historic Mackay Sugar Research Institute, Catherine McAuley College offers first class facilities to ensure the delivery of quality teaching and learning practices.

Underpinned by the College values of Learning, Courage, Faith & Mercy, Catherine McAuley College is committed to providing a quality Catholic education in a welcoming, safe and secure learning environment. The Charism of the Sisters of Mercy inspires the College's educational mission and helps to shape the College's identity

Your Role

An exciting opportunity exists to join the team at Catherine McAuley College, Mackay, in the position of Laboratory Assistant. This is a term-time continuing position for 38hpw, commencing from Term 1, 2027 (18th January 2027).

We are seeking applicants who have the knowledge and practical skills to support the effective operation of a science laboratory setting, with the ability to safely manage chemicals, laboratory equipment and resources while maintaining compliance with workplace health, safety and environmental requirements. The successful applicant will have strong organisational and administrative skills,



with the capacity to support engaging science learning experiences through the preparation of practical activities, laboratory resources and fieldwork materials.

In this role, the successful applicant will provide a variety of support services with a depth of knowledge and broad range of skills in order to serve the educational function of the College.

For more information, please review Position Description.

About you

The successful applicant should be able to demonstrate:

- An understanding of, and a commitment to, the values of Catholic education.
- Excellent communication skills and organisational ability.
- Excellent attention to detail and time management skills.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills and a high proficiency of computer skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and work collaboratively with others to meet timelines
- High level of initiative and process thinking to ensure continuous improvement of processes.
- Ability to respond and adapt to changing priorities, whilst maintaining a positive solution focused outlook.
- Effective communication skills in order to speak with staff, students, parents, and visitors to the College
- A capacity for tact and discretion and an ability to maintain confidentiality

What we offer

- Competitive salary range - School Officer Level 4 - $37.01 to $38.17 per hour (pending experience)
- Superannuation of 12.75% contribution
- Option for term-time staff to annualise salary




- Access to long service leave after 7 years of continuous service (portability of Long Service Leave may also be applicable)
- Access to corporate health discounts with either Bupa or Westfund Health Insurance
- Access to Fitness Passport
- Excellent leave entitlements to suit various situations
- Induction, professional development and learning opportunities
- Modern facilities and resources

Mandatory Requirements

- A current valid Blue Card under the Working with Children (Risk Management and Screening) Act 2000 (WWC Act) and valid Suitability Notice is a requirement of the position.
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role in a safe manner.
- Australian work rights

How to Apply

- Complete the application below
- Applicants must read, understand and accept, as an explicit term of contract, the requirements of the Statement of Principles for employment in Catholic Schools
- Upload a current resume and cover letter including contact details (phone and email) of three (3) professional referees
- Please ensure files are in Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx), PDF (.pdf) or photo (.jpg, .jpeg, .png) file formats.

Further information

- For a confidential conversation please contact Rachel Coppin, Principal's Secretary, Catherine McAuley College, Mackay on 07 4994 9200.
- For further information regarding the remuneration package, please contact Employee Support Services [email protected]
- Applications during the shortlisting phase will be kept confidential.

Applications Close: Friday, 6 November 2026.

Catholic Education is committed to best practice in student protection policies and procedures and is an equal opportunity employer. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

# bethedifference

📌 Laboratory Assistant - Catherine McAuley College (Mackay)
🏢 Catholic Education - Diocese of Rockhampton
📍 Mackay