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- Tasks: Lead play activities and support children with Additional Support Needs at our summer school.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a wildlife conservation charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, healthcare plan, and free entry to zoos for you and your friends.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while promoting wildlife conservation.
- Qualifications: Experience working with children, especially those with additional support needs.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 23868 - 29868 £ per year.
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.
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 100 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 Licencing 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 £23,868 (offer based on experience).
- 34 days annual leave (pro rata).
- Discount in both retail/catering.
- Access to a healthcare plan.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provide 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 6 February 2026 at midnight with interviews taking place Tuesday 17-18 February 2026.
In addition to the 32.5 hrs per week, individuals will be required to attend an induction day on Sunday 8 March, a further half day training on 11 April 2026 and set-up day on Sunday 28 June 2026 (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 2010.
We offer a range of great benefits which you can read about here.
ASN and Play Specialist (Discovery and Learning Associate) in Edinburgh employer: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
Contact Detail:
Royal Zoological Society of Scotland 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! Research their conservation efforts and educational programmes. This will help you connect your passion for wildlife and education during interviews, showing them 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 those group activities! Think of creative ways to engage children with additional support needs. Practise leading fun, educational sessions that align with RZSS’s values. Show them you can make learning outside the classroom exciting!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the RZSS team. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the role!
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 Conservation: 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 or projects that highlight your commitment to protecting 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 jargon.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an ASN and Play Specialist inside out. Familiarise yourself with RZSS’s mission and how your role contributes to wildlife conservation. Be ready to discuss specific educational activities you’ve led, especially those involving children with additional support needs.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work that highlight your experience with children, particularly in educational settings. Think about times when you’ve successfully engaged a group or adapted activities for different learning needs. This will demonstrate your ability to lead sessions effectively.
✨Emphasise Teamwork
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to talk about how you’ve worked with colleagues in the past. Share instances where you’ve built strong relationships to ensure smooth delivery of programmes. Highlight your communication skills and how they contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenges. Think about potential situations you might face while working with children at the summer school and how you would address them. This shows your proactive approach and readiness for the role.
