Senior Learning Officer (maternity cover)

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 a Senior Learning Officer who will play a key role in developing and delivering ZSL’s learning programme at Whipsnade Zoo. 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 (For more information please click on the following link https://www.zsl.org/about-us). 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

• 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

• 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 secondary students is desired and experience with primary students is an advantage.
• Proven experience delivering learning programmes in either a formal or informal environment.
• Experience of delivering practical programmes with secondary students 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).
• Confidence with the use of social media and video editing is not required but would be an advantage
• 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, but Flexibility to work some weekends throughout the year will be required 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 (pro-rata), stakeholder pension with the employer minimum contribution plus complimentary zoo tickets and more.

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. 

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) 24th August 2021. 

Interviews to be held early September

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