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- Tasks: Lead play sessions and support children with Additional Support Needs at our summer school.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a wildlife conservation charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 34 days leave, discounts, and healthcare support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a fun, nature-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, especially those with additional support needs, is essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and a chance to work at Edinburgh Zoo.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 23000 £ per year.
About us
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature. We have 1 vacancy at 32.5 hours per week for this fixed term role at Edinburgh Zoo.
The Role
To provide specialist ASN support and play work for the Society’s summer school activity. Within the RZSS Discovery & Learning team, lead on play, support learners with Additional Support Needs and provide pastoral support for children attending the summer school programme. Lead on whole group sessions and activities with children.
Some of the things you'll be doing:
- Deliver all aspects of a defined range of Discovery & Learning’s educational and learning activities for agreed target participants, to agreed Discovery & Learning Department standards in support of RZSS’ Vision and mission, ensuring all activities deliver value for money and impact for conservation.
- Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with colleagues to ensure programmes are administered, delivered and the logistics managed effectively as part of the wider D&L education programme.
- Ensure compliance with RZSS’s policies, procedures and guidelines, together with all relevant regulatory and statutory requirements (e.g. Child Welfare; HR; H&S; Zoo Licensing Act).
What we’re looking for:
- Experience working with children in an educational background.
- Good understanding of learning outside the classroom.
- Experience working with children with additional support needs.
- Track record of providing first-class customer care and service in relation to educational delivery.
- Experience of teaching or working in a teaching-related environment with particular emphasis upon science communication.
What you’ll get in return:
- Starting pro-rated salary of £23,000 (offer based on experience).
- 37.5hr working week (may require some weekend working).
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata).
- Discount in both retail/catering.
- Access to a healthcare plan.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provides 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
- Employer contributory pension scheme.
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoos across the UK.
Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria. If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now. The position will close 11 March at 10pm with interviews taking place Tuesday 17 March. In addition to the 32.5 hrs per week, individuals will be required to attend an induction meeting, a half day training on 11 April and set-up day on Sunday 28 June (these additional days are paid). The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act.
ASN and Play Specialist (Discovery and Learning Associate) in Edinburgh employer: Edinburgh Zoo
Contact Detail:
Edinburgh Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land ASN and Play Specialist (Discovery and Learning Associate) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the RZSS and their mission! Dive into their website and social media to understand their values and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the ASN and Play Specialist role. Personal connections can give you an edge!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to working with children and additional support needs. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills and passion for education and conservation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the RZSS team and contributing to their amazing work in wildlife conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace ASN and Play Specialist (Discovery and Learning Associate) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Nature: When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at RZSS, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to protecting and valuing nature.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your experience working with children, especially those with Additional Support Needs. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve supported learners in an educational setting, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so use simple language and structure your thoughts well. This will help us understand your qualifications and enthusiasm without getting lost in lengthy paragraphs.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so go ahead and click that APPLY button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Edinburgh Zoo
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an ASN and Play Specialist inside out. Familiarise yourself with the RZSS mission and how your experience aligns with their vision for wildlife conservation and education. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past that demonstrate your ability to support children with additional support needs.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm for working with children and nature shine through. Share stories that highlight your love for educational activities outside the classroom and how you’ve made learning fun and engaging for kids. This will help the interviewers see your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations, especially related to supporting children with additional needs. Think of scenarios where you successfully managed group dynamics or adapted activities to meet diverse learning requirements. Practising these responses can help you feel more confident.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show you’re invested in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the types of activities you’ll be leading or how the team collaborates on educational programmes. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.