Job opportunities

Senior Education Officer

Reports to: Discovery & Learning Manager

Management:  Supervising seasonal Education Officers, Tour Guides and Discovery & Learning staff in the delivery of taught modules, zoo tours and zoo experiences as required by Discovery & Learning Manager. 

Financial Dimensions: Support the Education Manager in budget planning and execution of approved budget. Contribute to fundraising efforts as required for CER Department. 

As a Senior Education Officer, you will be responsible for the planning and delivery of all aspects of our education and visitor engagement programs. You will be integral in the development of materials and implementation of processes to realise the Emerald Park conservation education strategy.

Role Purpose:
•    Contribute to the design, implementation and review of the full range of formal and informal education programmes.
•    Undertake specific tasks in support of education programmes, such as support the department Manager in the administration of the department as well as selling the programme and increasing our client base in Primary, Secondary, QQI/FETAC and third level education. 
•    Contribute to education, media and marketing initiatives to encourage public understanding and promote Emerald Park’s conservation mission. 
•    Contribute to ongoing analysis of department output to increase development and keep up to date with current requirements in accordance with the national curriculum and industry Standards.
•    Lead and support a team of up to 25 seasonal staff members to carry out all aspects of the department activities. 

Key Internal Contacts: Discovery & Learning Manager, CER Dept., Park and Animal Managers.

Key Accountabilities:
•    To support the Discovery & Learning Manager across all activities to ensure programme requirements and educational strategy are met.
•    Deliver full range of educational sessions and informal engagement activities, ensuring the highest degree of professionalism and customer service.
•    Responsible for maintaining the Discovery and Learning Facilities and apparatus.
•    Support in recruitment, selection, and ongoing training of seasonal staff members.
•    Support in office administration and customer relationship management.
•    Research conservation and contemporary issues related to sessions and activities.
•    Plan and carry out projects or ad-hoc tasks identified by line manager.
•    Undertake and evaluate special projects as required.
•    Produce educational materials.
•    Produce reports as required.
•    Adhere to health and safety policy and procedures, identify hazards and undertake appropriate risk assessments for all education activities and programmes.
•    Prepare for & attend as requested regular section or departmental meetings / undertake agreed actions.
•    Attend formal & informal training as required Health & safety.
•    Learn & maintain understanding of emergency procedures - practice and enact as required.
•    Participate in informal education, media and marketing initiatives as required.
•    Engage guests informally during course of duties.
•    Participate in Zoo Licence inspections, and other audits as required and directed by Head of CER and Animal Management.
•    Identify with and contribute to Emerald Park Brand Values, Mission, and Conservation Partner charitable objectives.
•    Successful applicant must pass Garda vetting.

Requirements:
•    Academic qualifications: Third level qualification in a suitable environmental science, teaching OR equivalent experience in environmental and STEM education and facilitating.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work with audiences of differing ages and backgrounds.
•    A high level of IT proficiency, strong administration skills, organisation, and excellent attention to detail.
•    Knowledge of wildlife ecology as well as an enthusiastic interest in conservation and sustainability.
•    A flexible approach, with the ability to work independently as part of a team and in co-operation with other teams.

Desirable:
•    Experience or knowledge of zoo conservation.
•    Experience in the delivery and design of environmental & STEM education.
•    Familiarity with the national curriculum.
•    Experience of leadership.