Senior Learning and Community Officer

Who we are

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Our 2030 strategy includes three ambitious pledges: to reverse the decline of 50 species; to create deeper connections with nature for more than one million people; and to enable more than 100 communities to better connect with nature.

Who are Discovery and Learning

We spark curiosity, create connection and inspire action. Through learning, experiences, community partnerships, interpretation, volunteering and engagement, we bring people closer to nature, science and the incredible work happening across RZSS.

We believe a great experience can do more than teach someone something new. It can make them stop, wonder, care and see the natural world differently. That is what drives us.

We are a creative, ambitious and passionate team, always looking for new ways to reach people, open doors and help more people feel that nature is for them.

The senior community and learning role

Love people, learning and nature? This could be the role for you.

You’ll help shape and deliver the Discovery and Learning programme at Highland Wildlife Park, connecting schools, communities and volunteers with the amazing world of wildlife and conservation. You’ll lead a small, passionate team, build strong partnerships and create experiences that spark curiosity, inspire connection and leave people wanting to know more.

It’s a hands-on role with real scope to bring your ideas to life and help shape the future of learning and engagement at the Park.

The role

To act as first point of contact for audiences and stakeholders joining the park community and learning programmes

To contribute to, develop and deliver the activity and evaluation plan for Discovery, Community and Learning programmes

To line manage the Discovery and Learning officers and discovery rangers at the park and their day-to-day operations ensuring the programmes and engagement provides first-class visitor experience

Some of the things you'll be doing

• First point of contact for the community and learning programmes
• Support, develop and deliver the HWP volunteer programme
• Collaborate in the development of the discovery and learning programme
• Work with the Discovery and Learning Programme Manager to liaise with appropriate education bodies to ensure the primary and secondary school delivery continues to meet the needs of the school curriculum and conditions of any funding received
• Line manage the Discovery and Learning Officer and discovery rangers based at Highland Wildlife Park (x4)
• Research, input into the development of and deliver content for activity plan programmes including the creation of resource materials
• Ensure that developed programmes are accessible, inclusive and representational to the communities we’re supporting, working with the Accessibility and Inclusion Manager where necessary.

What we are looking for

• Proven, extensive, relevant experience gained through professional and or educational development
• Significant experience of delivery or working in a teaching-related environment with particular emphasis upon out-of-school learning and working as part of a team.
• Experience of developing, working with and delivering community programmes
• Ability to tailor often complex messages to a wide range of audiences
• Knowledge and understanding the relevant scientific and conservation elements, in primary, secondary and tertiary education, outside of formal learning centres

Please see the role profile for further information on what the role involves and essential/desirable criteria.