LZ Learning Officer (Part-Time / Seasonal)

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. 

ZSL is seeking seasonal Learning Officers to work within our Community & Learning Department. The Learning Officers will report to the Learning Team Leader and will play a key role in helping to deliver ZSL’s learning programme at London Zoo. A trip to the zoo is a really exciting experience for school-aged learners and offers them the opportunity understand how real-life conservation links to their studies. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about wildlife and engaging with young people. You will receive full support to learn new material. 

• Supporting and delivering educational activities to ensure that school groups have positive learning experiences during their trip to the Zoo. This includes (but is not limited to): 

• Delivery of educational workshops 
• Delivery of vocational programmes (eg. Junior Zoo Academy, Careers Days) 
• Delivery of activities during special events (e.g. Living Nativity, British Science Week) 
• Assisting with welcoming schools into the zoo 
• Supporting engagement with school groups on-site 

• Assisting in the collection of evaluation data  
• Maintaining educational spaces and resources  
• Presentation of handling animals (e.g. snakes, rats, invertebrates) & assist with animal husbandry (full training provided) 
• Support Senior Learning Officers & Vocational Learning team on other projects  
• Work to improve the zoo visit experience for schools and other educational groups  

• Assist in the administration and organisation of school and vocational activities 

• Experience delivering learning programmes in either a formal or informal environment is essential (experience of both an advantage) 
• Experience working with young people of a variety of ages and abilities is essential 

• Experience in delivering presentations/talks/events to a range of different audiences would be beneficial 
• Experience working in zoos or other informal learning environments would be an advantage 
• PGCE or equivalent is an advantage 
• Experience of delivering vocational programmes in an outdoor environment is desirable 
• Experience of working practically with animals and an understanding of animal husbandry and welfare is desirable 

Other Requirements  

• As the post involves working with children a DBS check will be required 

Please note: This is a seasonal position with a one year contract, and hours will vary according to bookings for educational activities.  

During peak time (April-September) the hours will likely be 10am till 3pm and will mostly be 2-3 days a week but this will vary. After peak period (from September-March) it is likely the hours will decrease significantly but there will be some opportunity based on bookings.  

Whilst the majority of working hours will be Monday-Friday, there is a requirement to be flexible on hours due to the 7 day a week nature of ZSL London Zoo and some weekend work may be required.  

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 ZSL website. If you have any queries regarding this position or when applying through the system please contact Human Resources.

? Closing date for applications: 8th March 2020 

Interview date: Thursday 19th March 2020 

Ideal start date: Week commencing 23rd March 2020 

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