Learning Officer

Zoological Society of London (ZSL); Whipsnade; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An international conservation charity in Whipsnade seeks a Learning Officer to support community engagement through educational programmes at their zoo. The role focuses on delivering and coordinating activities that foster inclusiveness and connect the community with nature. Ideal candidates should have experience in programme delivery and a commitment to safeguarding and diversity. The position offers flexible working and a generous benefits package.

Benefits

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

25 days annual leave

Access to wellbeing programmes

Complimentary zoo tickets

Cycle2Work scheme

Family friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience in formal or informal learning environments.
• Ability to adapt program delivery based on audience needs.
• Thrives in outdoor settings and adverse weather.

Responsibilities

• Support planning and delivery of inclusive activities.
• Manage administrative tasks and communications.
• Build positive relationships with community partners.
• Assist with ongoing evaluation and resource management.

Skills

Experience delivering programmes

Confidence in engaging diverse audiences

Knowledge of environmental issues

Commitment to safeguarding and diversity

Job description

Overview

Whipsnade Zoo engages with diverse communities through education and outreach programmes, helping to connect people with nature and inspire positive action for wildlife. We are currently seeking a Learning Officer who will play a key role in delivering inclusive and impactful community experiences at Whipsnade Zoo.

The primary focus of the role is to support our Supported Volunteering Programme, which works in partnership with local charities and councils to help individuals build employability skills through meaningful volunteering opportunities. This role supports both the delivery (approx. 70%) and coordination (approx. 30%) of a diverse range of activities designed to create positive, educational, and inclusive experiences for community visitors. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference by supporting inclusive programmes that both empowers and connects communities with nature.

This is a 1-year fixed-term contract, based on a 37.5 hour working week. The role requires occasional evening work and availability for weekend working on a monthly basis.

Key responsibilities

• Delivery & Engagement: Support the planning and delivery of inclusive activities, workshops, and training to ensure positive learning experiences for community groups and volunteers.
• Administration & Coordination: Manage administrative tasks including enquiries, stakeholder communication, rota creation, and overseeing the community bookings system.
• Relationship Building: Build and maintain positive relationships with community partners, volunteers, and advisory groups to support meaningful engagement and participation.
• Programme Support & Improvement: Assist with ongoing evaluation by collecting data, maintaining and preparing resources and spaces, and supporting improvements to the Zoo experience for community and general visitors.

About You

• Experience delivering programmes in either a formal or informal environment.
• Confidence in engaging with diverse audiences. Experience delivering presentations, talks and events would be beneficial.
• Able to ascertain the needs of their audience and adapt their delivery of a programme accordingly.
• Good knowledge of current environmental issues and sustainable actions that can be promoted to mitigate environmental impact.
• An understanding of the role that zoos, and other informal learning environments, can play in engaging the public in environmental issues.
• Thrives when working outside and able to work in all weather conditions.
• Strong commitment to creating a culture that lives ZSL values and commitment to safeguarding, equality and diversity (collaborative, inspiring, inclusive, innovative, impactful and ethical).

As the post involves working with children and vulnerable adults, an enhanced DBS check will be required.

This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK.

We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage. We are committed to ensuring our teams can bring their authentic selves to work without fear of discrimination. ZSL has active equality networks for our staff with lived experience and those who provide active allyship in Race and Culture, Team Pride, Disability Network, and Menopause Network, complemented by our strategic EDI Steering Group.

About Us

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. 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.

What do we offer?

At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:

• Our vision and purpose - you’ll work alongside colleagues who are passionate about science-led conservation, knowing that you will help us to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wildlife going extinct
• Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension
• Flexible working - talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you
• Holidays - 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays Wellbeing - access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Life assurance - eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day
• Complimentary tickets - annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops
• Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle
• Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligibly London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work
• Family friendly policies - we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages

NB: We reserve the right to close our advertisement early or extend the advertising date until a suitable candidate has been found.