WZ Discovery & Learning Officer (Seasonal / Part-Time)

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), a charity founded in 1826, is a leading international conservation, science and education charity. ZSL’s mission is to promote and achieve the worldwide conservation of animals and their habitats. This is realised by carrying out field conservation and research in over 50 countries around the world and through education and engagement at our two zoos, ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, inspiring people to take conservation action.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s Discovery and Learning department are looking for a Discovery & Learning Officer to join our team on a seasonal, part-time basis.  The Discovery & Learning Officer will play a key role in delivering ZSL’s learning strategy and in doing so achieve the Society’s mission to raise awareness and inform visitors and other audiences about the natural world and associated conservation issues. 

 This role will assist in the planning, organising and delivery of practical learning courses, such as Zoo Academy(http://www.zsl.org/education/careers-and-courses/zoo-academy-15-17-year-olds) and Field Academy(https://www.zsl.org/experiences/field-academy-11-14-year-olds) Junior Zoo Academy(http://www.zsl.org/experiences/junior-zoo-academy-8-11-year-olds-whipsnade) and Zoo Explorers(https://www.zsl.org/experiences/zoo-explorers-at-zsl-whipsnade-zoo-5-7-year-olds) in term time and holiday periods. 

The role will also have responsibility for delivering of a range of learning activity to schools and colleges including FE during UK term time. The end date of this role is dependent on the recruitment of the practical programmes.

• Deliver sessions to booked school groups, age 3 – 16 years.
• Assist in the planning, development and organisation of the ZSL Practical Courses  including Zoo Academy, Field Academy, Junior Zoo Academy and Zoo Explorers.
• Deliver theoretical and practical sessions for ZSL Practical Courses  including Zoo Academy, Field Academy, Junior Zoo Academy and Zoo Explorers.
• Assist in the delivery of other practical learning programmes where required, including bespoke courses and Careers Days.
• On some occasions, may support delivery of practical programmes to pupils with specific learning and support needs, e.g. teenagers from Pupil Referral Units and SEN schools where required.
• Assist in the administration that is required to organise the practical learning programmes.
• Assist in the development of the Discovery & Learning programme for schools in accordance with the National Curriculum, current programmes of study and relevant syllabuses.
• Research and write resource material for visiting education groups and teachers, to include pre-visit information and materials to support self-guided exploration of the Zoo.
• Support the ZSL Evaluation Coordinator in the collection of research data connected to D&L programmes.
• Attend and actively contribute to internal and external meetings and conferences as required.
• Undertake such other duties as may be required by the Practical Learning Officer, Senior Learning Manager and the Head of Discovery and Learning.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate the following criteria:

• Experience of teaching in either a formal or informal education setting, including the delivery or practical or vocational courses or activity.
• Experience of developing high quality, innovative learning activities/events to meet specific learning outcomes and audience needs.
• Experience of working with children and communicating to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience working in a zoo, aquarium, museum or other animal related environment.
• Ability to carry out and demonstrate to others correct animal husbandry and management skills for handling collections.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to learning new skills and information within a strict time limit e.g. performance skills, handling different animals, working with different departments in ZSL.
• Available to work some evenings and weekends and Bank Holidays.
• Able to work in an outdoor environment and in all weather conditions.

Please note: The working schedule would be: 0.8 FTE each week (30 hours a week – hours worked per day are flexible and based on working schedule of activities)

To Apply:

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button on the following link. If you have any queries when applying through the system please contact Human Resources at hr@zsl.org.

Applications for this position close at 5pm on the 26th of February 2017

Interviews will be on Tuesday the 7th of March 2017

Preferred start date Monday 26th March 2017

Contract end date Friday 21st July

Possible extension to Friday 1st September dependent on recruitment for Practical Learning courses.