JOB DESCRIPTION

This job description has been designed to give a clear definition of the role but it is hoped that the employee will seek to develop the role to the best of his/her ability and that the role can and will be developed to make full use of his/her potential.

Job Title: / Learning & Discovery Assistant
Location: / Knowsley Safari Park
Report to: / Learning and Discovery Manager
Contract Type: / Fixed Term / Seasonal - annualised
Hours of Work: / 2 annualised positions available:
30 January to 05 November: 1280 hours (based on 32 hours p/w)
30 January to 03 September: 775 hours (based on 25 hours p/w)
Main Tasks & Duties
  • To deliver interesting, educational and engaging presentations to a range of audiences including school groups and the general public. This requires the use of a microphone and delivering animal feed.
  • To run “discovery stations” such as touch tables
  • To deliver guided coach tours to schools and private groups
  • To drive the “baboon bus” – a mini bus for guests providing a guided tour and commentary suitable for a range of audiences.
  • Deliver animal encounters (meerkat and giraffe)
  • Deliver a range of workshops to school groups
  • Be a point of contact for visitors as an exhibit host – providing information to enhance their understand of animals and provide practical information to aid their visit
  • Assist with the delivery of our Intrepid Explorer summer club.
  • Ensure that Knowsley Safari Park is seen as an Educational Resource.
  • Work with Learning Manager to modify existing programs/resources and develop new ones.
  • Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of current programs.
  • Support the delivery of community education projects
  • Contribute to and complete tasks relating to Visitor Services, Animal Division and Research & Conservation Departments.
  • Work with the Marketing team to plan and deliver campaigns, log data to record impact and evaluate success.
  • Administrative duties including taking bookings and answering email enquiries.
  • Contribute to supervision of departmental interns and volunteers.
  • Understand financial targets and departmental budgeting and contribute to running Learning and Discovery as a profitable division with KSP, ensuring targets and KPI’s are delivered.
  • Flexible working hours to meet the needs of the business working including weekends and bank holidays.
  • Embrace and positively promote the company’s Mission, Vision and Values and deliver the education strategic objectives through the development of departmental and personal objectives.
  • Attend regular meetings to receive tasks from Learning and Discovery Manager, exchange information and discuss development plus discuss new ideas and review practices.
  • To ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of the Discovery Centre, its equipment and all department resources; as well as Company vehicles and areas where external teaching may be held.
  • Ensure all items of value are secured effectively including artefacts, petty cash and AV equipment.
  • Ensure the welfare of animals used or kept are of the highest welfare standards.
  • To ensure that all Health & Safety procedures are understood and adhered to.
  • To perform any other reasonable task or duty as directed by his or her supervisor.

Person Specification
Background & Experience
ESSENTIAL
  • Educated to degree level in biological sciences (e.g. zoology, biology, conservation biology) or Hold PGCE qualification
  • Experience working with children (this can be in either a formal or informal setting)
  • Experience of teaching, delivering presentations & demonstrations and/or tour guide

DESIREABLE
  • Knowledge and understanding of the zoological community.
  • Previous zoo or conservation education experience
  • Experience working within a visitor attraction
  • Experience working with reptiles and invertebrates
  • Knowledge and understanding of the national curriculum

Skills & Competencies
ESSENTIAL
  • Able to work flexibly.
  • Excellent communication skills; verbal, written and presentations.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships.
  • Energetic, proactive, highly motivated with a passion for excellence.
  • Honest, reliable, supportive, personal integrity and confidentiality.
  • Full UK driving license
  • Able to interact and engage with visitors of all ages

Version: October 2016Page 1 of 3