At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engaging learning and community programmes at Highland Wildlife Park.
- Company: Join the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, a leader in wildlife conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare plan, and free entry to zoos.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on conservation and community engagement while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in education, project management, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 46634 - 51979 £ per year.
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. This role will be based at Highland Wildlife Park.
How you’ll contribute to our mission
The Discovery and Learning Manager will manage the discovery, learning, community, nature accessibility, daily onsite engagement activity and volunteering functions at Highland Wildlife Park, with input into these activities across the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS). They will support our charity’s strategic goals, position our parks as world-class visitor destinations and strengthen our reputation as a global leader in conservation, science and community engagement.
Some of the things you’ll do:
- Support the development and delivery of the learning, community and discovery strategies aligned with RZSS’ mission and long-term goals, national priorities and curriculum outcomes.
- Identify and develop income-generating opportunities, including grants, sponsorship, partnerships, commercial education products and fundraising initiatives, to support programme sustainability.
- Develop and oversee education, learning, discovery and community programmes that align with national priorities, curriculum outcomes and organisational objectives and broaden participation, particularly for under-represented audiences.
- Embed approaches to accessibility, inclusion and lifelong learning into programming, ensuring RZSS is recognised as a best-practice exemplar.
- Support teams to secure external funding, ensuring programme sustainability and growth.
- Foster partnerships with schools, universities, local authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations and community partners to expand RZSS’ reach and influence.
- Engage in continuous professional development in conservation education, leadership, accessibility and inclusion practices.
- Contribute to and learn from national and international research in conservation, learning and community engagement.
What we’re looking for:
- Excellent understanding and knowledge of adaptable communication with diverse audiences.
- Excellent knowledge of learning and education outside of traditional education settings, lifelong learning, outdoor learning and accessibility and inclusion.
- Managing budgets, including restricted project funding.
- Strong project and change management capability, with evidence of delivering transformational outcomes.
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines.
- Building relationships with and managing stakeholders, including internal colleagues and external partners.
What you’ll get in return:
- Starting pro-rated salary of £46,634 or £47,800 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £51,979 per annum.
- 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.
If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now. This is a full time, fixed term post for 2 years. The closing date for this role is Wednesday 18 March 2026 at 10am. Interviews will take place in person at Highland Wildlife Park, Kincraig, on Monday 23 March 2026. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and PVG Check. Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications, as soon as possible.
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.
Discovery and Learning Manager - Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie employer: The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
Contact Detail:
The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Discovery and Learning Manager - Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland inside out! Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, especially around conservation and community engagement. This will help you connect your experience to their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insights about the culture and expectations at Highland Wildlife Park. A friendly chat can give you an edge and show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can contribute to their learning and community strategies. Have specific examples ready that showcase your project management skills and how you've engaged diverse audiences in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and supporting their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Discovery and Learning Manager - Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie
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 Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Discovery and Learning Manager role. Highlight your experience in education, community engagement, and project management, and connect them directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. Make your points easy to understand, and ensure your application flows well. This will help us see your communication skills in action, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our organisation and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Royal Zoological Society Of Scotland
✨Know Your Audience
Before the interview, research the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and their mission. Understand their focus on conservation, education, and community engagement. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in terms of adaptable communication with diverse audiences.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of projects you've managed, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to deliver transformational outcomes. Highlight your experience with managing budgets and securing funding, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Accessibility and Inclusion
Given the importance of accessibility and inclusion in this role, come ready to share your thoughts on best practices in these areas. Discuss any relevant programmes you've developed or been involved with that broaden participation for under-represented audiences.
✨Build Connections
Think about how you can foster partnerships with schools, universities, and community organisations. Prepare to discuss your strategies for building relationships and managing stakeholders, as this will be key to expanding RZSS's reach and influence.