ASN and Play Specialist (Discovery and Learning Associate) in Edinburgh

About us

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. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.

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:

• The Summer School ASN & Play Specialist is primarily based at Edinburgh Zoo and work may include weekend and evenings.
• The Summer School ASN & Play Specialist does not directly line manage staff but may have supervisory duties for placement students and volunteers.
• The Summer School ASN & Play Specialist spreads the conservation message of RZSS to students and teachers each year and encourages repeat visits to the zoo.
• 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).
• 37.5hr working week (may require some weekend working).
• 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.