At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Flexible hours with a 7-day rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
- 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.
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 in Paignton employer: Paignton Zoo
At Wild Planet Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a collaborative and engaging work environment. As the Visitor Experience (Education) Manager at Paignton Zoo, you will not only lead a passionate team but also benefit from generous holiday allowances, comprehensive training opportunities, and unique perks such as free zoo entry for you and your family. Join us in our mission to inspire conservation and create memorable experiences for our visitors in the beautiful setting of Devon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Visitor Experience (Education) Manager in Paignton
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Paignton Zoo just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Paignton Zoo. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Visitor Experience (Education) Manager in Paignton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Visitor Experience (Education) Manager role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Paignton Zoo, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paignton Zoo
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Paignton Zoo, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Paignton Zoo, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
