Friday, January 10, 2020

Safari Assistant



Safari Assistant

We are Chester Zoo, and for over 80 years we’ve been a leading conservation and education charity, and an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction.

We’re also a team of passionate, talented, enthusiastic and expert people, doing everything we can to prevent extinction, from caring for animals to discovering new conservation ideas, and giving our 2 million visitors an inspirational day out.

We work hard because we love animals, we care about nature, we love Chester Zoo and we want to be the best zoo in the world! If you think you can help us to achieve that, then we’d love to hear from you.

We currently have an exciting vacancy for a Safari Assistant to join our award winning Discovery & Learning Division on a permanent, part time basis.



The role:

Safari Assistants work alongside our Safari Rangers to deliver Chester Zoo’s outreach programme for local primary, secondary and special schools, further education establishments and community groups.

The Safari Assistant is a delivery focused role, delivering educational talks, hands-on sessions, storytelling, workshops, events and projects to schools and community groups in their own settings on a daily basis. Where applicable activities should meet curriculum requirements and should always be suitable for the target audience. The outreach programme will help inspire people to love nature and take action to protect it.

Our approach to education is highly participatory so candidates will be expected to be outgoing and enthusiastic in their teaching style. You will be required to work in partnership with teachers and zoo colleagues to ensure that our work in schools meets the needs of the national curriculum, alongside our Chester Zoo learning objectives. In order to reach schools across the region, Safari Assistants are expected to travel regularly (using a zoo provided vehicle), up to an hour from the zoo.

The successful candidate will have:

  • A good knowledge of zoo based conservation and the natural world, most likely gained through a Zoo Biology/Conservation-related degree
  • Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, particularly the delivery of verbal presentations to engage with a wide range of different audiences
  • Experience delivering engaging workshops to schools and community groups
  • Excellent IT skills including Microsoft packages, interactive whiteboards, presentation software and AV equipment typical of a learning environment
  • Knowledge of the school education sector, including issues such as safeguarding and SEND
  • Excellent time management and planning skills are essential
  • A full driving licence which is valid in the UK

Due to the nature of the organisation and the role, this post is subject to a DBS check.


Working hours are 14 hours per week, worked over 2 days (7 hours per day), ideally this will be a Thursday and Friday. Occasional weekend and evening work will be required, for which time off in lieu will be given. Willingness to attend team meetings on non-working days where possible and with reasonable notice is requested (approx. 6 half days a year). Any flexibility to work additional hours during the initial period would be welcomed.

The rate of pay is £6,892.88 per annum and in addition we offer a range of amazing benefits which can be found at www.chesterzoo.org/work-with-us/staff-benefits/

To apply for this position, please click apply now to provide your current CV and complete the application form highlighting your skills and experience including why you believe you should be considered for our Safari Assistant role.

To Apply or Learn more please click HERE

Closing date for applications is Sunday 19 January 2020

Interviews are expected to take place on 4 & 5 February 2020










photo 
Peter Dickinson
Independent International Zoo Consultant

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