Engagement Officer

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in southwest England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Almost 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also a botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Engagement Officer to join our Schools, Groups and Visitor Engagement team on a permanent. This is a part time role working 30 hours per week, which may involve occasional weekend hours and evening work

What will this role involve?

You will support the Engagement Manager with the design of education sessions for all Key Stages of the National Curriculum, Post-16 courses and SEND and then deliver these education sessions.

You will also design and deliver/ produce:

• Engagement events and activities.

• Engagement opportunities for groups from a non-school or college setting.

• Resource material and written information.

You will provide informal engagement sessions and presentations for visitors to Trust sites and evaluate and modify presentations and activities. You will select and create appropriate resources for delivery to a wide age and ability range and assist with care of artefacts and resources that may be housed within the education department.

What skills and experience are required?

This role is subject to a DBS check.

The ideal candidate will have experience on designing and delivering public presentations and activities as well as writing and creating resource materials. They will demonstrate enthusiasm for communicating conservation and biodiversity issues and is able to communicate to a high standard to a wide range of audiences. They should have a relevant science communication/education qualification or equivalent experience. Previous experience of working in a conservation environment and/ or a visitor attraction would be beneficial.

Benefits of joining our team include:

• 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays) Company sick pay

• Branded uniform provided (as required)

• Relevant internal and external training provided

• Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family

• Complimentary tickets

• Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)

• Free staff parking

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Access to Headspace Premium App

• Employee Discounts Platform

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.