ZSL is seeking a Senior Learning Officer who will play a key role in developing and delivering ZSL’s learning programme at Whipsnade Zoo.

Position: Senior Learning Officer
Job type: Permanent Full-Time
Salary: £27,955 per annum (plus benefits)
Location: ZSLWhipsnade Zoo – LU6

About Us:

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction. Through the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists and our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos, we guide and enable others in the UK and all across the world. Inspiring, informing, empowering – working for wildlife.

Overview of Role:

Reporting to the WZ Learning Programme Manager the successful candidate will ensure the delivery of the programme is in-line with different curricula requirements, is aligned to the Zoo Proposition and ZSL 200 Strategy and meets the BIAZA / EAZA conservation education standards. The Senior Learning Officer will achieve this through the development and delivery of a range of learning activities and events, for a variety of audiences.

As part of the People line of the triple bottom line evaluation for the Zoo, it is essential reports on the reach and impact of our learning programme are completed and monitored so we’re able to continually improve the offer of the Zoo. The role holder will therefore need to be able to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders, have excellent written skills and ideally have previous experience of developing engaging learning programmes.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Establishing & maintaining links with schools and teachers for their target audience, with a particular focus within the Bedfordshire areas.
• Understanding how their target audience uses Whipsnade Zoo and products available in our learning programme.
• Identifying ways to improve the visitor journey & experience for target audience before, during and after any interactions with the Zoo.
• Ensuring all educational workshops and other engagement products for their lead audience are up-to-date and resources are well maintained.
• Overseeing evaluation of any engagement opportunities for lead audiences and/or learning programmes.
• Training colleagues to deliver educational workshops and other engagement products for their lead audience and/or learning programmes.
• Working with Learning Programme Manager to identify impact measures and KPIs for their lead engagement products.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in education / social or biological sciences.
• PGCE or equivalent Master’s or equivalent experience teaching in formal or informal setting experience.
• Extensive experience working with children of a variety of ages and abilities.
• Proven experience delivering learning programmes in either a formal or informal environment.
• Experience of delivering practical programmes in an outdoor environment.
• Prior knowledge of the education in zoos and aquariums – including BIAZA, EAZA networks.
• A proven understanding of learning outcomes, measuring impact and implementing learning strategies.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and writing).
• Thorough knowledge of the UK National Curriculum.
• Have a strong personal commitment and belief in the conservation, science and education mission of zoos and will have a good knowledge of wildlife conservation issues and of conservation education

Please note: This is predominantly a Monday to Friday role, with a requirement to be flexible on hours due to the 7 day a week nature of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. The role is based at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Dunstable however, may include some travel to ZSL London Zoo for team meetings and to support event activities.

Benefit Package:

This role offers a competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days holiday, stakeholder pension where the employer minimum contribution is 7%, complimentary zoo tickets and more.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) Sunday 15th September 2019.
Anticipated interview date: W/c. 30th Sept

To Apply and for More Information:

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.

No agencies please.