JOB DESCRIPTION

Learning and Discovery Officer

Job Title:

Learning and Discovery Officer

Department:

Learning and Discovery

Location:

Reports To:

Supervisory
Responsibilities:

Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, Isle of Wight

Learning and Discovery Manager

Supervision of educational groups

Functional Relationship:

Works closely with schools and other formal educational groups

General Function of the Position

The primary functions of this position are:

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to deliver guided tours in an engaging way linking with agreed learning objectives.
to, deliver educational outreach sessions for schools and other groups
to constructively feedback on sessions to assist the Learning and Discovery Manager to
continually improve the sessions.

Organisational Values

The Wildheart Trust has five values that form the core of how employees carry out their work at
the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary and across any future organisational developments it may have.
The values shape the culture of the organisation and demonstrate what is important within The
Wildheart Trust. These values focus on how we do our job and how we conduct ourselves in the
workplace, and as a Trust.

Care

We treat every being with respect and compassion and we care about
maintaining high standards in all that we do.

Integrity

We are honest, responsible and accountable so that we can be trusted.

Commitment

We work hard to honour our mission and are devoted to the people and
animals in our care.

Positivity

We need a special combination of pragmatism, passion and optimism to
tackle really tough issues that sometimes seem insurmountable.

Learning

We never stop learning and together we share our knowledge to foster love
for the natural world and for animals.

Key Tasks

1.  Education

Delivering guided tours to educational groups at the sanctuary.

Delivering educational outreach sessions, utilising appropriate species from
the sanctuary.

Assist with evaluation of taught sessions to allow continual improvements

Ensure all sessions are delivered in an exciting and engaging fashion.

Ensure all sessions meet any pre agreed learning objectives provided by
the school.

Provide input to the head of learning and discovery on the content of the
educational sessions.

2.  Conservation  Good understanding and knowledge of the conservation projects being
supported by the sanctuary, linking our work to educational objectives.

Helping people to further understand how they could participate in wildlife
conservation in their own neighbourhoods and through lifestyle choices.

3.  Health and
Safety

To comply with all health and safety requirements as per the Wildheart
Animal Sanctuary Health and Safety Manual.

To read, understand and adhere to all departmental safe working
procedures and risk assessments.

4.  Planning

Attend departmental meetings / undertake agreed actions.

5.  Human

Resources

Attend formal and informal training as required. Identify additional training
with the supervisor for professional development.

Person Specification Details

Qualifications

A background in biological sciences is desirable.

Experience

Experience teaching a diverse range of groups of students in a formal
and/or informal educational setting.

Skills and Abilities

Teaching

Be able to deliver sessions in an exciting and engaging way.

Excellent communication skills with a diverse range of groups.

Sound knowledge of how the natural world links with educational
objectives.

Positive Attitude  Positive, enthusiastic ‘can do’ attitude.

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Outside work

Willingness to work outside in all weathers

Reliability

Reliable with a strong work ethic.

Time
Management

Good time management and organisational skills.

Visitor Focused

Excellent customer service skills

Strong communication and people skills including a positive, friendly and
approachable attitude at all times towards visitors to the sanctuary.

Teamwork

Actively participates as a member of a team to move the team toward the
completion of goals. Contributes actively and fully to team projects by
working with colleagues collaboratively, working towards consensual
solutions that enhance the output of the team. Accepts share of workload.

Living the values  An understanding of the values and behaviour expected within the role

Charitable
outputs

An understanding of how this role supports the delivery of our charitable
outputs.

Signatures

Signed:

(Line Manager)

Signed:

(Employee)

Date :

Date :

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