Education Officer - part time

Northumberland Zoo is a major animal attraction and wildlife conservation centre, in the Northeast of England, with conservation, education and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. We are a family-run, not-for-profit zoo and we are looking for a like-minded team player to join our education team 3 days per week (weekdays only but may include occasional events outside of normal working hours).

Within our Education Policy, we are aiming to change the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the public to ensure that everyone shares the same message of sustainability and conservation. We follow the national curriculum for science and work with educators to ensure our workshops meet curricular aims including SEND provision.

The Education Officer will report to the Education Manager, supporting them in the development and delivery of the conservation education mission and goals.

Main Duties & Job Responsibilities

• Working closely with our Education Manager to achieve the following:
• Following our education strategy that is in-line with our zoo’s mission and education curricular aims.
• Designing, planning and delivering education activities to a range of audiences matching lesson objectives and plans to curricular aims, liaising with educators and adapting as required to meet the needs of the audience.
• Assisting in the designing and creating of bespoke high-quality resources that are aligned to the learning outcomes for the school/organisation.
• Liaising with educators providing advice and guidance on workshop content, pricing structure and logistics for their visit.
• Assisting with education administration (invoices, tracking metrics, payments, visit and student numbers) as well as evaluation of education programmes.
• Meeting and greeting schools on arrival and being the key point of contact during the day of their visit.
• Maintaining and developing the on-site education facilities.
• Working alongside the Visitor Engagement Volunteers to further increase the zoo’s education output.
• Strict adherence to risk assessments, bio security, safe working practices and maintain up to date knowledge of safeguarding.
• Annual CPD to include keeping up to date with policies, curriculum changes, BIAZA regional education activities and EAZA education resources.
• Representing the zoo during all educational activities and external conferences.

Skills and Experience

• At least 2 years’ experience of working with and supporting children in an education capacity inclusive of all learning and communication needs.
• Professional education work experience, working within a zoo environment would be advantageous.
• Must have a keen interest in conservation of biodiversity with a focus on conservation education.
• Be qualified in an appropriate education or zoo related discipline.
• Able to work as part of a small team and independently.
• Must be confident, inclusive and approachable when communicating with people and have excellent presentation skills for a variety of audiences.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction both within the working team and with visitors and external partners.
• Excellent planning skills and the ability to manage and be flexible with a variety of work.
• An enthusiastic and driven approach to conservation education with a keen interest and strong understanding of wildlife conservation, biodiversity and sustainability.
• Be IT literate and have the ability to organise, prioritise and develop education programmes with a good working knowledge of digital resources.
• Experience in fundraising, grant finding and engagement with donors would be an advantage.
• Ability to obtain a DBS check.
• Full driver's license and access to vehicle required due to rural setting of zoo.
• Be willing to work outdoors in a range of conditions.

Salary and Benefits

• £12.52 per hour (subject to pay increase in April).
• 24 hrs per week across 3 days out of 5 (Monday – Friday and must include Wednesdays).
• 28 days holiday per annum pro rata (includes Bank Holidays) increasing by 1 day each year after 12 months employment to a maximum of 33 days pro rata.
• Enrolment in pension scheme with employer contributions of 3%.
• £5 daily food allowance in the zoo café and discount in zoo shop.
• Complimentary Zoo admission tickets for family and friends.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter describing how you will be suitable to the role to Lucy Edwards by Sunday 15th Feb 2025.