JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Discovery & Learning Officer (permanent)

SECTION:

DEPARTMENT: Discovery and Learning

DIVISION: Zoological

RESPONSIBLE TO:Learning Manager – ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

PARTICIPATING JOB HOLDER(S):

APPROVED BY:

JOB HOLDER(S):

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT OR DIRECTOR: Head of Discovery and Learning

JOB DESCRIPTION REFERENCE NUMBER:

GRADE ALLOCATED: 5

JOB EVALUATION REVIEW HISTORY AND EXPLANATORY NOTES:

Job Overview

The Discovery & Learning Officer (D&LO) will join the team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo and play a key role in delivering ZSL’s learning strategy. In doing so, they will help achieve the Society’s mission to raise awareness and inform visitors and other audiences about animals, their habitats and associated conservation issues. The D&LO will achieve this through the development and delivery of a range of learning programmes and events, for a variety of audiences, the principal ones being schools. There could be additional project work which will link into all aspects of the D&L strategy including facilitating the schools experience in the Zoo including entry into the Zoo, carrying out evaluation and visitor studies, and actively contributing to the Social Dimensions of ZSL conservation projects, which link to ZSL Conservation Programmes.

Main Duties

  • Assist with creation, development, delivery and evaluation of a wide range of innovative programmes within the Discovery and Learning (D&L) department
  • Assist with the welcoming and entry of school groups into the Zoo
  • Support the D&L team to identify new projects working with external parties on all aspects of the D&L strategy
  • Under the guidance of the Learning Manager, foster positive relationships with schools and community groups in relation to D&L programmes
  • Collaboratively work on projects with D&L colleagues at both sites, with colleagues in other ZSL departments and other BIAZA/EAZA collections
  • Support the ZSL Evaluation Coordinator in the collection of research data connected to D&L programmes
  • Work to improve all aspects of the zoo visit experience for schools and other educational groups
  • Assist the Learning Manager to ensure all activities are within the parameters of the delegated Discovery & Learning budgets
  • Attend and actively contribute to internal and external meetings and conferences as required
  • Undertake such other duties as may be required by the Learning Manager, Senior Learning Managerand the Head of Discovery and Learning

Key Accountabilities

Human Resource Management

  • The post holder will support and work collaboratively with all members of the ZSL Discovery and Learning department at both Whipsnade and London Zoo.
  • Responsible for day to day activities, managing their PDR process and annual work plan productions

Physical Resource Management

  • Support the Learning Manager in monitoring and acting on maintenance needs for all equipment and resources associated with the Discovery and Learning department
  • Under the guidance of the Learning Manager , work within the budget to cover resources and equipment for a range of learning programmes
  • Participate in the day to day care of D&L animals ( invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles) and to liaise with the vets and keeper department as required

Communication

  • Excellent communication with all departments regarding school visits, practical activities and other special events is vital to ensure the smooth running of these programmes
  • Processing information and requests from other departments relating to Discovery and Learning and other special events
  • Communicate to all level of ZSL staff to promote Discovery and Learning programmes

Liaison

  • Effectiveness in this post will ensure the effective and efficient running of various learning activities and programmes that meets the audience’s needs and expectations.
  • Liaison with D&L colleagues to collaborate and strengthen existing programmes and to provide innovative new programmes

Mental Demands

A)Judgement and Decision Making

  • Work to the D&L strategy as directed by the Learning Manager and make judgements and decisions that align these aims and objectives
  • Daily decisions will include task allocation and problem solving

B)Original Thought and Problem Solving

  • Responsible for generating ideas and catalysing the development of original, creative concepts for D&L programmes
  • Required to support the Learning Manager to ensure the smooth operation of a 7/7 department, involving daily problem solving (rostering, equipment, content decisions – and an annual cycle of development decisions on the daily programme)

C)Concentration

  • Creative development work, planning work and presentation work all require intense concentration; these are required several times each week

D)Flexibility

  • High levels of flexibility required in order to respond to daily problems across a range of areas (staff, schools, events in the zoo, equipment, visitors)
  • Tasks vary throughout the year and can be interrupted at any time by unplanned requirements.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

  • Honours degree level in biological/environmental science or social science
  • PGCE or equivalent teaching 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
  • Recognised excellence in presenting public talks/shows/events to a range of different audiences
  • Experience of delivering practical programmes in an outdoor environment
  • Demonstrable knowledge of working in a zoo or animal related environment
  • Acknowledged excellence in communicating conservation and environmental messages to a wide range of audiences
  • Experience of conducting conservation field work (either biological or social research)
  • Knowledgeableof the work of ZSL, BIAZA, EAZA and the wider zoo community
  • Recognised experience in learning new skills and information within a strict time limit e.g. performance skills, handling different animals, working with different work departments
  • Documented ability in producing creative, innovative and dynamic ideas and outputs for a range of different scenarios and projects.

Interpersonal Skills

  • An excellent, supportive team player with the ability to work collegially and dynamically with a wide range of people and departments.
  • Self-motivated and uses initiative to seek opportunitiesto produce innovative ideas about learning in zoos
  • An experienced communicator with the confidence to communicate openly and with sensitivityto a wide range of levels and audiences
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills to manage own work
  • Ability to create, implement and evaluate strategic SMART action plans
  • Have a good record of attendance and an excellent reference from previous employer
  • Available to work some weekends, evenings and some Bank Holidays as required

Working Conditions

  • Some D&L programmes will involve spending prolonged time outside, even in inclement weather
  • Occasional early and late working will be required to accommodate deadlines or special events
  • Flexibility to work weekends, evenings and Bank holidays as required
  • We have a non-smoking working environment

Appendix I

ZSL Discovery & Learning Officers should work towards the goals of the Discovery and Learning Strategy. ZSL Discovery & Learning Officers should be prepared to actively contribute to all aspects of the learning at ZSL.

The Discovery & Learning Officer will work with the Learning Manager in Whipsnade, and other colleagues in ZSL to fulfill the following areas of work.

Schools Programme and Events

  • Develop and write the learning programme for schools in accordance with the National Curriculum, current programmes of study and relevant syllabi
  • Deliver a range of learning activities to school groups, age 3 – 16 years (up to 35 pupils per session).
  • Deliver a range of learning activities to post-16 students, FE and HE groups (10-90 pupils per session).
  • Research and write resource material for visiting educational groups and teachers, to include pre-visit information and materials to support self-guided exploration of the Zoo.
  • Help organise, set-up and deliver bespoke events for children such as the London Christmas events etc.
  • Organise and deliver other events for schools and teachers e.g. Continuing Professional Development, INSET days and conferences.
  • Liaise with ZSL Conservation Programmes and Institute of Zoology scientists to develop and deliver the schools programme and other events.
  • Liaise with external partners to develop new schools sessions and events.
  • Develop, purchase and maintain resources for the school sessions.
  • Liaise with the Supporter Services as required to ensure the smooth running of school visits and learning programmes
  • Work with your line manager, Head of D&L and Marketing to seek out and develop business from new educational audiences e.g. scouts/guides

Family Learning

  • Assist in the design, development, organisation and staffing of special events with educational content for families, e.g. Special Children’s Day, The Big Draw, Climate Week and National Insect Week.
  • Work with D&L Practical Learning officer on practical programmes as required.

Training

  • Coordinate and oversee PGCE students (trainee teachers) on work placements.
  • Provide INSET (in-service training) and CPD (continuing professional development) days for teachers.
  • Liaise with external partners to develop new events and training.
  • Deliver training for external organisations, e.g. the London Environmental Education Forum (LEEF) and Bedfordshire Environmental Educators Forum

Practical Courses (working with Whipsnade Practical Learning Officer)

  • Support in the delivery of theoretical and practical sessions for ZSL Practical Programmes and Careers Days on both week days and on some weekends (to be agreed with your line Manager)
  • On some occasions, deliver practical learning courses to pupils with specific learning needs and disabilities, e.g. young people from Pupil Referral Units and SEN schools.
  • Support seasonal staff and Volunteers for the delivery of practical learning courses
  • Help to develop new practical events and programmes as required

Discovery and Learning marketing, bookings and web resources

  • Contribute to the production and distribution of marketing materials for Discovery and Learning (brochures, flyers, etc.).
  • Liaise with the Supporter Services to ensure that school booking information is up-to-date and correct at all times.
  • Liaise with the web team to ensure Discovery and Learning web text and schools web resources are up to date.
  • Communicate regularly with Marketing Executive about promoting school visits and other educational groups.

Evaluation (working with the Evaluation Coordinator)

  • Write, distribute and collate feedback forms for the evaluation of a range of D&L activities.
  • Produce evaluation reports for internal ZSL staff and external interested parties.
  • Carry out self and peer observations and evaluation of educational activities.
  • Work with colleagues across both sites to develop quality framework for formal learning at ZSL
  • Assist the Learning Manager, Senior Learning Manager and Head of Discovery and Learning with the expansion of visitor studies and evaluation of learning at ZSL

CEPA (Communication Education and Public Awareness)

  • Liaise with Conservation Programmes and the Institute of Zoology scientists to assist with current and new CEPA projects.
  • Assist Head of Discovery and Learning and Senior Learning Manager with development of CEPA across ZSL
  • Actively participate in CEPA projects ( both in the UK and in other countries) and deliver training as required

Other Duties

  • Complete annual PDR with the Learning Manager and produce individual priority work plans.
  • Adapt to the needs of the business through the ability to work some weekends and evenings as agreed with your line manager.
  • Develop departmental policies and procedures e.g. risk assessments, animal care guidelines.
  • Present the D&L animals (e.g. reptiles, invertebrates) during sessions, and contribute to their care and husbandry (training provided).
  • Develop and deliver new learning events and activities as required by the Learning Manager
  • Work with volunteers during the management of events.
  • Attend internal meetings and participate in internal working groups e.g. Operations meetings etc.
  • Attend and contribute to external meetings and conferences, e.g. BIAZA regional meetings and the annual ACE conference.
  • Assist in the recruitment of event staff and seasonal education staff as needed.