At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver fun and interactive workshops to school groups at Whipsnade Zoo.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to saving wildlife from extinction.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous leave, and complimentary zoo tickets.
- Other info: Flexible term-time or part-time options available; join a diverse and inclusive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young minds while promoting wildlife conservation in an engaging environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with educational programmes and a passion for environmental issues are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 € per year.
As a Learning Officer at Whipsnade Zoo, you will be delivering interactive and engaging workshops to our school visitors, playing a key role in supporting ZSL's purpose to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals from going extinct. This role sits within the conservation education team who work with young people to support ZSL's purpose by delivering national curriculum education and career pathway programmes as well as forming partnerships with local education and training providers. The Learning Officer's role predominantly will be the delivery of our school programme, and there may be opportunities to support the development and delivery of other engagement projects. This post is based at Whipsnade Zoo with learning spaces both inside and outdoors. Our core teaching hours are 9.30am to 2.30pm. If the candidate prefers, there is flexibility to make this position term-time only or part-time with flexibility in start times and the number of hours per day / days per week worked. Due to the 7-day a week nature of the zoo, very limited weekend work may be required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver educational workshops to school groups and ensure visitors have a positive learning experience during their trip to the Zoo.
- Support Senior Learning Officers by developing activities and resources for a range of education audiences.
- Assist in the administration and organisation of school visits including responding to school enquiries, making school bookings, and welcoming schools into the zoo to ensure a smooth and positive experience.
- Maintain educational spaces and resources - updating/repairing/replacing resources.
Minimum Requirements:
- Experience delivering learning programmes in either a formal or informal environment is essential.
- Experience working with young people of a variety of ages and abilities is essential.
- Experience working in zoos, other informal learning environments or outdoors would be desirable.
- Knowledge of current environmental issues and sustainable actions that can be promoted to mitigate environmental impacts is essential.
- Confident to proactively engage with a variety of audiences effectively by ascertaining their needs and adapting delivery is essential.
- Strong facilitation and outstanding written and verbal communication ability is essential.
- Experience with using IT programmes to communicate and engage with audiences.
- An Enhanced DBS check is required as part of the role.
- This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.
We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination.
About ZSL
We're ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, and our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we're working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
What do we offer?
- Our vision and purpose - you'll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct.
- Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
- Flexible working - talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
- Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays.
- Wellbeing - access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life assurance - eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL's life assurance scheme from their first day.
- Complimentary tickets - annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
- Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
- Season ticket loan - we offer an interest-free loan for eligible London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
- Family friendly policies - we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.
Schools Learning Officer employer: jobs24.co.uk
At ZSL, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Schools Learning Officer role at Whipsnade Zoo. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to engage with passionate colleagues dedicated to conservation education. With flexible working options, generous leave, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide a supportive environment where you can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact on wildlife conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Schools Learning Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with ZSL's mission and current conservation projects. Understanding their goals will help you connect your passion for education and wildlife to the role, making you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with local schools and educational institutions before applying. Building relationships with educators can provide insights into their needs and expectations, which you can reference in your discussions during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your facilitation skills through mock workshops or presentations. Practising how you would engage different age groups will showcase your ability to adapt and connect with diverse audiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current environmental issues and educational trends. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only enhance your discussions but also show your commitment to the role and its responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Schools Learning Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in delivering educational programmes, especially with young people. Include specific examples of workshops or activities you've led that align with the role's responsibilities.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for conservation education and how it aligns with ZSL's mission. Mention any experience you have with environmental issues and how you can engage diverse audiences effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since strong written and verbal communication is essential for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to communicate clearly and engagingly. Use concise language and avoid jargon to make your points easily understandable.
Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability:Given the flexible nature of the position, mention your willingness to adapt to different working hours and environments. Provide examples of how you've successfully adjusted your approach in previous roles to meet varying needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at jobs24.co.uk
✨Show Your Passion for Conservation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for wildlife conservation and education during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to these causes, as this role is all about inspiring others.
✨Prepare Engaging Workshop Ideas
Think of a few interactive workshop ideas you could deliver to school groups. Be ready to discuss how you would make learning fun and engaging, as well as how you would adapt your approach for different age groups and abilities.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since the role requires outstanding verbal and written communication, practice explaining complex topics in simple terms. You might be asked to present a brief lesson or activity, so be prepared to showcase your facilitation skills.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Current Environmental Issues
Research current environmental challenges and sustainable practices that can be promoted in educational settings. Being knowledgeable about these topics will show your commitment to the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
