Permanent – 40 hours
We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.
We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to keep the zoo going, from feeding the animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our 1.9 million visitors an inspirational day out.
We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and we want to be the best zoo in the world!
If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Learning Manager to join our Discovery and Learning team on a permanent basis to oversee the development and delivery of all of our zoo-based learning programmes.
The Role:
• To oversee the development and delivery of all of the zoo-based participatory learning programmes at Chester Zoo, including daily activities, public workshops and events, some project work and our schools programme.
• To manage a budget to ensure that all programmes and projects deliver maximum value for money/effort and serve the strategic objectives of the organisation and its Learning and Engagement Strategy.
• To work collaboratively and influence colleagues across the organisation and externally to achieve the objectives outlined in the Learning and Engagement Strategy, including maintaining and developing partnerships with schools networks, creative practitioners, science festivals, universities and a variety of other partners.
• In consultation with the Discovery and Learning team and leading from the front, ensure all learning activities reflect zoo mission, enhance the visitor experience and promote understanding of the animal and plant collections, as well as meeting curriculum requirements where appropriate.
• To practically lead the day to day management of all operational aspects of learning delivery, responding efficiently to visitor needs and responding quickly to changes in the operation of the zoo., whilst also ensuring that all activities are safe and appropriately risk assessed.
• To actively line manage team members to achieve high quality team performance that contributes to organisation goals and deputise for the General Discovery and Learning Manager and Head of Discovery and Learning when needed.
• Utilise specialist knowledge, understanding of audio-visual equipment and the latest developments in the field of zoo education, ensuring that professional standards are maintained to guarantee that quality products are delivered.
To proactively develop the reach and impact of our in-zoo learning programmes, ensuring there is a robust approach to evaluation and KPI reporting in place across all activities.
• In consultation with the Head of Discovery and Learning and General Discovery and Learning Manager, support the ongoing development and evaluation of the Learning and Engagement Strategy.
The successful candidate will have:
• A working knowledge of conservation and zoology, including good working knowledge of animal husbandry routines and welfare considerations. This will most likely be demonstrated by a zoology or biological science degree and/or extensive experience of working within a zoo, conservation organisation or similar environment.
• Evidence of a high level of public engagement skills and the ability to devise and develop workshops, resources and a wide range of activities for different audiences. This will be supported by a masters level qualification in education, science communication or similar.
• Demonstrable experience of developing learning programmes and projects in a zoo, aquarium, museum or similar environment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of experts, freelancers, artists, festivals or other practitioners and of commissioning learning activity.
• Attention to detail, and the ability to think critically about new programmes alongside excellent communication and presentation skills, demonstrated through a wide range of experience presenting to different audiences, teaching and delivering learning in different formats (workshops, presentations, talks, tours etc.).
• Substantial experience of leading and managing projects, supervising teams and managing the work of others, with demonstrable project management skills and knowledge, budget management skills and excellent diplomacy and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under own initiative and as part of a team, to work under pressure with positive attitude and also to enthuse and engage others. The role requires the post holder to work extensively across different departments and with external colleagues.
The salary for this role is £36,733.78 per annum based on 40 hours per week, worked predominantly Monday-Friday, with regular need to work early mornings, evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the programme.
In addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at http://www.chesterzoo.org/footer/careers/working-at-chester-zoo.
To apply for this position, please go to http://www.chesterzoo.org/careers and click apply now to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Learning Manager role.
Closing date for applications is 21 February 2019
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