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- Tasks: Lead teams to create engaging visitor experiences at Paignton Zoo.
- Company: Join Wild Planet Trust, a leading conservation charity with over 100 years of history.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, free zoo entry, discounts, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and conservation while working in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Education or biology qualifications and experience in managing educational activities required.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 40000 £ per year.
If you are passionate about developing and implementing an engaging education and visitor experience strategy we have the perfect role for you as our Visitor Services Manager. This is a permanent role working 37.5 hours a week, working hours will vary over a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays. The salary for this position is £33,325.50 per annum.
What will this role involve?
- You will lead the education, visitor experience and engagement teams, championing for the overall visitor experience throughout Paignton Zoo.
- The role will involve collaborating with teams across the organisation to enhance our offer and create a culture of excellent visitor experience and engagement.
- You will oversee the engagement team, working with them to develop and grow our informal and formal education activities as well as develop and implement a visitor engagement strategy to deliver visitor focused engagement and events.
- The role will also oversee the Visitor Experience team, working alongside the Head of Visitor Services to provide an efficient, reliable, visitor orientated service, undertake site audits as well as coaching team members to maximise gift aid and upselling opportunities.
What skills and experience are required?
- You will need education, biology and environmental qualifications as well as familiarity with safeguarding systems and procedures.
- The ideal candidate will have experience managing education courses and teaching a wide range of ages.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills are essential for the role as well as having a team-orientated mindset with a positive attitude, demonstrating cooperation and a willingness to work collaboratively with others.
About us:
Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in southwest England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff. Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Over 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also an award-winning botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.
Benefits of joining our team include:
- 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)
- Branded uniform provided (as required)
- Relevant internal and external training provided
- Free entry to our zoos for staff and family
- Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
- Free staff parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts Programme
Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date.
Visitor Experience (Education) Manager employer: Paignton Zoo
Contact Detail:
Paignton Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Experience (Education) Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the mission and values of Wild Planet Trust. Understanding their commitment to conservation and education will help you align your experience and passion with their goals during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Paignton Zoo or similar organisations. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and enhance visitor engagement. Being able to share these stories will showcase your skills effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends in visitor experience and education within the zoo and conservation sectors. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role and its responsibilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Experience (Education) Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and required skills. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Visitor Experience (Education) Manager.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your background in education, biology, and environmental sciences. Include specific examples of managing educational programmes or visitor engagement initiatives that demonstrate your capability for this position.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is essential for this role, ensure your application reflects your ability to convey ideas clearly. Use concise language and structure your CV and cover letter effectively to showcase your organisational skills.
Personalise Your Cover Letter: Craft a compelling cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for visitor engagement and education. Mention why you are excited about the opportunity at Wild Planet Trust and how you can contribute to their mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Paignton Zoo
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for developing engaging educational experiences. Share specific examples of how you've successfully implemented educational strategies in the past, especially those that resonate with a diverse audience.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration Skills
Highlight your experience working collaboratively with various teams. Discuss how you’ve fostered a culture of cooperation and how you plan to work with different departments to enhance visitor engagement at Paignton Zoo.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-life scenarios. Think about challenges you might face in managing visitor experiences and how you would address them effectively.
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Research Wild Planet Trust and Paignton Zoo thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and show that you are genuinely interested in the role.