Assistant Education Officer - Belfast Zoo

Main purpose of job: Responsible to the Education Officer for providing public education in relation to Belfast Zoo and its role in wildlife conservation, breeding programmes and scientific study. Assist the Education Officer in carrying out an annual work programme of public education initiatives and community engagement activities, and subsequently delivering it to agreed quality, time and budget targets.

Summary of responsibilities and personal duties:

• Assist the Education Officer in implementing and monitoring Belfast Zoo’s education strategy in line with relevant legislation, industry standards and curriculum requirements. Assist with driving income generation through delivering the education programme in line with agreed budgets and targets.
• Deliver Belfast Zoo’s education programmes concerning wildlife, conservation and other curricular-based topics, and organise and deliver educational activities, talks, and tours for visitors.
• Visit external organisations including schools, nursing homes, hospitals, etc., to deliver educational talks and generally promote Belfast Zoo and its conservation and education programmes.
• Participate in courses for teachers and other external organisations promoting the zoo as a facility for attaining targets set up by the national curriculum.
• Assist in the preparation, upgrading and distribution of all educational material including worksheets, on-site information signs, display materials for exhibitions and events.
• Assist in maintaining and expanding a library of relevant visual aids, including books and artefacts and assist in storing this material on computer.
• Help maintain a collection of small animals specifically for educational uses. Ensure high standards of animal welfare through educational activity following husbandry guidelines and protocols for animals used for educational purposes and keep appropriate records.
• Participate in media work including radio broadcasting and television in line with departmental and corporate guidelines.
• Assist and take part in the organisation of promotional events, activities and exhibitions. Attend such events as required.
• Keep detailed records of own work and time for budget and performance monitoring purposes.

Qualifications and experience:

Applicants must at the closing date possess a full current driving licence which enables them to drive in Northern Ireland, and a car available for official business, or, have access to a form of transport which will enable them to meet the requirements of the post in full and possess at least 5 GCSE’s (Grades A-C) or equivalent.

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate providing specific and personal examples of:

• At least 2 years’ recent experience in a teaching or education officer role, or similar, teaching a broad range of people from pre-school children to adults.
• At least one of the following:

• One year’s experience in the organisation of exhibitions/events and/or education activities, i.e. education talks at schools, nursing homes, hospitals, zoo etc.
• One year’s experience in research and preparation of display material for exhibitions/events and education projects.

Belfast City Council reserves the right to shortlist applicants with either: A recognised teaching qualification OR third level qualification in Zoology, Biology, Environmental Studies or related subjects.

Special skills and attributes:

Applicants should demonstrate evidence of:

• Diplomacy in dealing with outside groups and organisations
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Confidence in dealing with the public.
• Ability to work as part of a small team
• Ability to use initiative and responsibility when required
• Proven ability to work unsupervised
• Ability to keep and maintain accurate records
• Knowledge and understanding of health and safety issues.

Please note that the role requires the post holder to be comfortable handling small animals such as snakes and rabbits etc.

Job closes on the 12 February 2026

Other Information:

Location: Belfast Zoo Antrim Road Belfast
Hours: 37 per week 9.00-5.30 pm
Start: 2nd March 2026
Salary: £14.35 per hour plus holiday pay

To Apply: If you would like to apply for this role, send us your CV via the link provided or if you would like to discuss this position, please contact our office to speak to one of our consultants at: Task Recruitment on 02890 421047 or 07812017416.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.