Zoo and Education Officer

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA); Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Plantasia Zoo in Swansea is seeking an Education Officer to lead and develop the education and exhibition programme, delivering tours, workshops and events for schools, FE and the public. You will train staff, coordinate outreach, and create Welsh-language educational activities while ensuring safety and compliance.

The role also involves animal care, exhibit maintenance, and building partnerships with external organisations to provide high-quality educational experiences at Plantasia.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in Zoology / Animal Science / related subject.
• Full UK Driving Licence is essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver all aspects of education services for schools, FE, adult groups and the public.
• Conduct tours, establish workshops and exhibitions with risk assessments.
• Train, coordinate and oversee staff involved with educational tours and programmes.
• Develop the educational role with English and Welsh-language activities.
• Develop outreach programmes and promote long-term links for Plantasia.
• Collaborate with marketing to prepare educational literature and signage.
• Seek and promote exhibitions and events relevant to Plantasia.
• Develop partnerships to enhance visitor experience.
• Provide animal care and husbandry in compliance with Zoo Licence Act.
• Maintain high standards of presentation, safety, and cleanliness.
• Undertake maintenance and improvements to animals and enclosures.
• Implement safety and quality standards per HSE guidelines.
• Flexibility to work in other units and hours as required.
• Carry out mechanical plant and environmental system checks.

Education

Degree-level qualification in Zoology / Animal Science / related subject

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

Plantasia

South Wales (SW) Closing date for applications is: 15th Oct 2026

Contact: Lucy Williamson ([e-mail]) Sector: Education Type: Paid Contract type: Full-time Salary: £26,538.48

Plantasia Zoo and Education Officer

Background, Company Information And Job Description

Parkwood Leisure operates 80 facilities nationwide employing in excess of 4200 employees. Aiming to deliver high quality services to our customers, the Company also prides itself on its exemplary health and safety record and commitment to staff.

Parkwood Leisure’s facilities and services provide a diverse range of health, fitness, sport, leisure, tourism and visitor attraction services for the communities that we serve.

The role of Plantasia Zoo and Education Officer is a good position to be able to carry out and be involved in the development of the animal collection and education program. Continually customer facing, the role provides rewarding opportunities. Meeting new people, variation in both activities and learning provides an exciting and motivating experience on a daily basis.

Job Description

Primary Objectives for the Plantasia Zoo and Education Officer Position will be:

• To deliver all aspects of the education service for schools / further education / adult groups and the general public, regarding bookings, payments and information
• To conduct tours, establish workshops and exhibitions ensuring risk assessments are carried out and safety elements are adhered to
• To train, coordinate and oversee staff involved with educational tours and programmes at Plantasia
• To develop the educational role at Plantasia by providing a diverse programme of tours and workshops in both the English and Welsh language
• To further develop the outreach programme for schools / organisations and promote long term links for Plantasia
• To liaise with the marketing section to produce educational literature for schools and visitors to Plantasia including signage and information to improve knowledge
• To seek and promote exhibitions and events relevant to Plantasia
• To develop partnerships with internal / external organisations with the intention of improving the quality of experience and usage at Plantasia
• To provide all aspects of animal care and husbandry in compliance with the Zoo Licence Act.
• To ensure the highest standards of presentation, safety, maintenance and cleanliness is adhered to at all times
• To undertake cleaning, maintenance and improvements to all animals and their enclosures and areas
• Implement quality and standards as appropriate including to the achievement of sector best practice, Investors in People and to cooperate with external bodies to enhance services in Swansea
• To ensure that safe systems of work are complied with and in accordance with the department’s Health and Safety Strategy and the Health and Safety at Work Act
• You may be required to undertake other duties that can reasonably be assigned within capability and grade including working where necessary in other units within the Department and a degree of flexibility will be required in relation to hours of work.
• To carry out mechanical plant and equipment checks, upkeep and monitoring of environmental systems and report as necessary.
• Other duties consistent with the level of post as agreed with the Operations Manager / Plantasia Manager. Including covering for the Manager in their absence

THE CANDIDATE

Qualifications

The post holder will assist the Manager with the efficient and effective development and operation of education, exhibition and event services at Plantasia. They will endeavour to provide a positive and progressive relationship with Educational Services, private hirers and members of the public, also, to ensure high standards of service and customer care for all users.

[Desirable] Degree-level qualification in Zoology / Animal Science / related subject. Relevant experience will be considered.

[Essential] Full UK Driving License

Personal

Among The Personal Characteristics Sought The Applicant

• Will be able to gain acceptance and respect from clients and the teams involved
• Will be able to communicate throughout the organisation.
• Will be able to meet the demands of the role by working additional hours when required.
• Will be able to demonstrate clear identification with all customer requirements
• Will be a team player.
• Will be able to develop the role on your own initiative.