Education & Engagement Manager

Orana Wildlife Park; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization in Christchurch is seeking an experienced Education & Engagement Manager to lead educational initiatives and engage visitors in wildlife conservation. Candidates should have a strong background in education, team management, and conservation knowledge. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to shape impactful programs that support the organization's mission.

Benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Opportunities for personal growth

Free parking on site

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in education programme development and delivery.
• 5+ years’ experience in team leadership and staff management.
• Strong understanding of conservation issues and audience engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of all education programmes.
• Manage staff and volunteers in the Education & Engagement Team.
• Develop strategic partnerships with schools and community organizations.

Skills

Leadership

Conservation knowledge

Communication skills

Programme evaluation

Understanding of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori

Education

Teaching qualification or degree in Education, Biology, Environmental Science

Tools

Canva

SurveyMonkey

Job description

Overview

Permanent, full-time position to lead our Education & Engagement Team. Member of Orana Wildlife Park’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT).

Monday to Friday roster (but may include some weekends and public holidays as part of a SLT duty roster supporting the wider team).

$95,000-$105,000 per annum.

Orana is owned and operated by Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charitable trust and not-for-profit organisation. Conservation is a core part of our mission and the key reason Orana exists. Our on-site habitat restoration and predator pest control programmes provide a connecting wildlife corridor and safe haven for some of Canterbury’s most threatened species. Orana Wildlife Park participates in many zoo-based breeding programmes in partnership with the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA), the Zoo & Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA), DOC and others. We are committed to continuing our efforts towards these breeding programmes into the future.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate, pragmatic and experienced Education & Engagement Manager to lead the direction, development and delivery of our conservation, education and visitor engagement programmes. This is a key leadership role responsible for creating fun, informative and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences that advocate for wildlife, nature and the species in our care. You will manage a team of educators, casual staff, volunteer coordinators and volunteers, and work collaboratively across departments to ensure alignment with Orana’s conservation goals and strategic direction. This role is pivotal in shaping how Orana Wildlife Park communicates its mission and engages the public.

This Position Will

• Lead the development and implementation of all education programmes and public engagement activities.
• Manage staff and volunteers within the Education & Engagement Team.
• Develop strategic partnerships with schools, community organisations, conservation stakeholders and more.
• Oversee interpretation planning, visitor talks, special tours, and events.
• Evaluate programme effectiveness and ensure alignment with global best practices (e.g. WAZA, NZ Curriculum).
• Champion the integration of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Māori into education and engagement activities.
• Contribute to Orana’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and broader strategic planning.

About you

You are a communicative, empathetic, fun and confident leader, and educator with a strong background in conservation, education, and/or visitor engagement. You will bring creativity, strategic thinking and a collaborative, growth mindset to your work.

You Will Have

• A teaching qualification and/or a degree in Education, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years’ experience in education programme development and delivery, preferably including the zoo and aquarium industry or cultural/heritage sector.
• 5+ years’ experience in team leadership and staff management.
• Strong understanding of conservation issues, educational pedagogy and audience engagement.
• Excellent communication, planning and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with programme evaluation and digital tools (e.g. Canva, SurveyMonkey).
• A working understanding of Te Reo and Tikanga Māori.

What we offer

You will join an incredibly passionate team who are committed to their animals and the Trust’s conservation goals.

This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours per week. The working roster will primarily be Monday to Friday but may include weekends and public holidays as part of a SLT duty roster supporting the wider team.

As a member of our team we are able to offer you:

• A workplace dedicated to fostering positive team culture through our four core values: Care, Empathy, Engage and Courage.
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including numerous helpful resources and webinars.
• Opportunities for involvement through staff forums such as our Health and Safety Committee and Culture Committee.
• Pathways for personal growth and development.
• A full uniform supplied plus a non-taxable allowance paid weekly to cover footwear and a basic tool kit.
• Annual flu vaccination.
• Ample free parking on site.

If you are adaptable and open-minded, with experience in leadership and a desire to push yourself to benefit conservation and animal welfare, APPLY NOW!

Get in quick as applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Applications for this position close on Sunday 2nd November, 5pm.