Job opportunities

Conservation Education Officer

Department: Conservation Education

Location: Onsite – The Big Cat Sanctuary, Smarden, Kent

Reports to: Conservation Education Lead, Curator & Senior Curator

Contract: Part-time (including some weekends and event days).

There is potential for this part-time role to develop into a full-time position for the right person.

 

The Role

The Conservation Education Officer plays a key role in delivering inspiring conservation education programmes at The Big Cat Sanctuary. This role focuses on engaging a wide range of audiences through high‑quality educational sessions and visitor experiences that deepen understanding of wildlife and motivate positive conservation action.

Working as part of the Conservation Education team and under the guidance of the Conservation Education Lead, the post holder will support the delivery of education programmes including school visits, SEND groups, home education sessions, adult‑led tours and public engagement events.

This role contributes to creating positive, memorable learning experiences for visitors, while upholding the Sanctuary’s conservation messaging, educational standards and professional values.

 

Key Responsibilities

Education Programme Delivery

·       Deliver engaging education sessions to school groups, home education learners and other visiting groups.

·       Support the delivery of adult-led tours and educational visitor experiences.

·       Adapt communication and engagement approaches to suit different audiences and learning needs.

Event Support

·       Support the delivery of educational events including Home Education Days, Open Days and other visitor engagement activities.

·       Assist with the preparation, setup and delivery of education activities during events.

Visitor Engagement

·       Engage visitors in conversations about wildlife and conservation in an approachable and informative way.

·       Help create welcoming, engaging and memorable learning experiences for visitors.

Department Administration

·       Assist with the preparation of education materials and resources.

·       Support general administrative tasks that help ensure the Conservation Education department runs smoothly.

·       Maintain education equipment and resources to a high standard.

Team Support

·       Work collaboratively with the wider Conservation Education team and other departments across site.

·       Demonstrate initiative in supporting education delivery and identifying opportunities to improve visitor engagement.

 

Person Specification

Essential

·       Degree in a conservation‑related subject or education/teaching.

·       Demonstrable experience bridging conservation and education disciplines:

o   Candidates from a conservation background may have experience delivering talks, volunteering in education roles, or working with youth or community groups.

o   Candidates from an education background should demonstrate a strong interest in wildlife and conservation.

·       Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

·       Confidence speaking to groups of varying ages and backgrounds.

·       A genuine passion for wildlife conservation and environmental education.

·       Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

·       Proactive, adaptable and enthusiastic approach to education delivery.

·       Ability to follow guidance, training and established education procedures.

·       Full, clean driving licence and access to a vehicle (the Sanctuary is not accessible by public transport).

·       In line with the Asylum & Immigration Act 1996, applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Desirable

·       Experience delivering talks, workshops or educational sessions.

·       Experience working with children, young people or community groups.

·       Experience within a zoo, wildlife attraction or environmental organisation.

 

What to Expect in the Role

·    24 hours per week, 3 over 7 days; generally worked Mon-Fri between 08.00–17.00, although some evening/weekend work may be required to cover special events and deadlines

·    Starting salary £16,272 per annum (£13.04 per hour) (FTE £27,122)

·    28 days paid holiday (FTE), plus Christmas Day off as standard

 

Why Work Here

·     Be part of a passionate, supportive team dedicated to the care and conservation of big cats

·     Play a meaningful role in educating and inspiring a broad and diverse audience about wildlife and conservation

·     Access to a Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme

·     Staff discounts and additional benefits, including free access to UK and European zoos and collections

·     Opportunity to take part in our Conservation Award, allowing team members to visit one of our supported global conservation partners

·     Regular team events and celebrations

·     Full uniform provided