Learning and Engagement Education Officer

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); London; On-site; GBP 26,000; Full time

Job description

Blackpool Zoo

North West Closing date for applications is: 4th May 2025

Contact: Rebecca Reynolds ([e-mail]) Sector: Education Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £25,493.00

Blackpool Zoo is an award-winning family-friendly attraction with over 1500 rare and exotic animals. Blackpool Zoo is part of Parques Reunidos, an international entertainment operator based in Madrid, Spain. The group operates over 60 parks around the world. The objective of Parques Reunidos (and Blackpool Zoo) is to provide unforgettable moments of fun and entertainment for all guests, offering unique and safe experiences.

Blackpool Zoo Education is a vibrant, exciting, and energetic department focused on ensuring positive visitor experiences are accompanied with lasting learning interactions and memorable conservation messages. At the core of the department is a team of dedicated, dynamic, and charismatic Education Officers who creatively collaborate to host multi-dimensional programs to visitors of all ages and demographics.

We are seeking a Learning and Engagement Education Officer who will be focused on engaging and inspiring visitors with animal and natural history information, key conservation, and sustainability messages. The role will include ensuring that education talks, workshops and programmes are relevant, inspiring and in the case of school workshop are relevant to the curriculum. As a key member of the education team the role includes the delivery of the Wildlife Learning offering and animal interactions.

To be suitable for this role you will need to:

• have relevant education experience
• have an interest and enthusiasm for animals, the natural world and a genuine commitment to conservation
• enjoy talking to and meeting people
• be an effective team member and be able to use initiative to work independently
• be happy to adjust and take-on any role or responsibility positively and with enthusiasm
• thrive working under pressure and in a busy environment
• be able to think spontaneously and adapt to challenging situations easily
• feel comfortable presenting education messages in a variety of formats
• be confident delivering talks and commentary to arena audiences
• respect health and safety in at all times
• appreciate the importance of customer service and become an ambassador for Blackpool Zoo
• have the highest standard of personal organisation including presentation, timekeeping and communication
• be willing to work unsocial and additional hours
  
  

Core responsibility – To coordinate a comprehensive learning and engagement programme at Blackpool Zoo including creating and presenting new talks, workshops, and keeper courses.

• Assist the department in all areas including conservation, research, and sustainability
• Deliver preschool, key stage 1-4, and FE/HE sessions to colleges and universities when requested
• Assist with the promotion, development and delivery of the Keeper Academy courses and Learning Programmes
• Work closely with the Animal Interaction Coordinator to become proficient in supporting animal interactions
• Assist in overseeing the zoo’s public talks and displays programme, with particular emphasis on its educational and conservation content
• Deliver public talks when necessary, both within the zoo and to external audiences at various levels promoting the educational and conservation work of the zoo
• Coordinate any education and conservation activities held at the zoo including fund raising campaigns and other associated events and functions
• Support the Zoo School administration including school and group bookings
• Evaluate and report on all activities
• Liaise with management and the relevant departments with regards to events that have been organised
• Assist the Marketing/PR officer in relation to media enquires ensuring a positive educational and conservation message is portrayed
• Represent Blackpool Zoo at relevant meetings and conferences as directed by the departmental line manager
• Assist the Education Managers in inducting and training new education staff and students
• Be aware of health and safety regulations
  
  

Individual Specification

• Relevant qualifications and experience
• A strong and appropriate knowledge of natural history, the role of zoos and current conservation and environmental issues
• Confident and outgoing personality, excellent communication skills and attention to detail
• Trustworthy and able to work as an individual or part of a team always using honest and open communication
• Ability to work methodically and meet deadlines
• Use of Microsoft Office for producing reports, letters, spreadsheets, and presentations
• Ability to plan and evaluate own work
• Excellent organisation and planning skills including the ability to prioritise effectively, adapt to changing demands, overcome obstacles and remain calm under pressure
• Ability to produce work that is scientifically accurate
• Well organised, responsible, and dedicated with the ability to work on multiple projects
  
  

Apply For This Job

If you are enthusiastic about conservation, sustainability, and connecting people with nature, we would love to hear from you. Apply now by sending a cover letter and your CV to [e-mail], with Learning and Engagement Education Officer Vacancy in the subject.