Community Outdoor Learning and Engagement Officer

CANDIDATE PACKCOMMUNITY OUTDOOR LEARNINGAND ENGAGEMENT OFFICERDYNAMICEARTH.ORG.UKScottish Charity No. SC0203632CANDIDATE PACK3CANDIDATE PACK46771011121314CONTENTSWELCOME ABOUT DYNAMIC EARTH HOW WE DELIVER OUR VALUES DIRECTORATE STRUCTURE JOB DESCRIPTION AND KEY DUTIESEXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND QUALITIESHOW TO APPLYEMPLOYEE BENEFITS4COMMUNITY OUTDOOR LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENTOFFICERHello there, Thank you so much for your interest and enthusiasm in findingout more about our vacancy for a Community OutdoorLearning and Engagement Officer. As a millennium project, Dynamic Earth first opened its doors in1999 and since then we’ve established ourselves as one of theUK’s leading science centres, offering unique learningprogrammes and exhibitions for diverse audiences, reaching>250,000 people a year.  We’re a vital part of Scotland’s cultural and educationallandscape, offering opportunities to build science identitythroughout people’s lives and deliver on national priorities. We’re the only science centre in the UK dedicated to Earth andenvironmental science and the story of planet Earth. In 2023,we launched a bold ten-year strategy – From Beginning toMend – and new mission, vision and purpose statements toground our strategic intent.  In the face of a planetary crisis, and the triple threats of theclimate, biodiversity and pollution emergency, we’re on amission to empower people with understanding and empathyfor the Earth, because we believe in a positive future for us andour planet. To deliver this aspiration, we’re shifting the dial andlevelling-up our storytelling to focus on the future of the planetwe call home, and the part we all play in creating a shared andsustainable future.  We want everyone to see themselves as a main character inwriting the next chapter of Earth’s story. That’s where youcome in.  With thanks to funding from the National Lottery HeritageFund, we are delivering an ambitious programme of work toenhance our connectivity with our surrounding environment ofArthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park.CANDIDATE PACKEmma Clark  (she/her) Learning and Engagement Manager(Community Programmes) and EDI Chair. This programme of work will see Dynamic Earth create anew free-to-access gallery exploring the science andheritage of Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park, enhance ouroutdoor interpretation and deliver an enhancedprogramme of outdoor learning for communities andunderrepresented audiences to engage with outdoorspaces.In this role, you will work closely with me and colleaguesfrom across the Learning and Engagement Team to createand deliver new opportunities for underrepresentedcommunities to engage with the science and heritage ofHolyrood Park, including the creation of an outdoorcommunity garden in the grounds of our centre.If you’re looking for an opportunity to help shape the futureof a leading science engagement charity with inclusion atits heart, you have found it! Read on, and if this sounds like the opportunity for you, Ilook forward to receiving your application. Best wishes,5CANDIDATE PACK6CANDIDATE PACKABOUT DYNAMIC EARTHDynamic Earth is an Earth science engagement charity,with a mission to empower people with understandingand empathy for the Earth.We do this by providing compellingengagement at our world-classScience Centre in Edinburgh, as well asthrough our learning and engagementprogrammes across Scotland. At Dynamic Earth, we use science and immersive, interactive storytelling to stimulate minds and ignite passions in contemporary Earth and environmental science. We aim to inspire the next generationof scientists to become the problem-solvers of tomorrow by:Increasing skills and diversity inScience, Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics (STEM) to supportcurrent and future industrydemands.Reducing inequalities in access toquality science engagement, inorder to improve life opportunitiesfor children, young people andindividuals.Improving levels of understandingabout the science behind theplanetary crisis. We recently published abold new 10-year strategy –From Beginning to Mend –along with a powerful newbrand, to help us reachmore people and to embedclimate change acrosseverything we do.7CANDIDATE PACKHOW WE DELIVERScience CentreThe Dynamic Earth experience tellsthe epic story of planet Earth frombeginning to mend – how it was created,how it continues to evolve and what ourfuture holds.CaringWe care for our people, thepeople we engage with andthe accuracy of the science inour storytelling. We also careabout the way we do businesssustainably to minimise ourimpact on the planet. InclusiveWe make sure everyone iswelcome in terms of whowe employ and engage withand seek to involve diversecommunities.PassionateA love of science, a desire toshare it in engaging ways andensure every part of the charityis driven by a common set ofambitions. Visitors to our exhibition will meet JamesHutton, the ‘Father of Modern Geology’,whose discoveries at Salisbury Cragshelped shape how the whole worldunderstands the origins and evolution ofthe planet. Travel back to the beginningof time to witness the history of ourUniverse and watch the ‘Big Bang’, beforeembarking on an interactive journey toexperience the primeval forces of natureas they shaped our planet.At Dynamic Earth, science is animmersive experience. You’ll feel theground shudder as a molten lava flowspeeds towards you and volcanoes throw clouds of ash and gas into the sky. Flyover glaciers and marvel at how ice andwater shaped the landscape of Scotland.Take a walk through millions of years ofevolution and extinction and explore thehistory of life. Dive into the depths ofthe sea and witness incredible marinehabitats. The polar ice caps are broughtwithin reach giving visitors the chanceto touch an iceberg. You can see yourbreath, smell the cold and feel yourhands turning numb as youstand beneath the AuroraBorealis. OUR VALUES8CANDIDATE PACKPlanetariumEdinburgh’s only 6K planetarium, witha 360-degree viewing screen andimmersive surround sound which offersa cosmic adventure through the solarsystem and beyond.Public LearningDynamic Earth offers a rich and vibrantpublic learning programme that providesover 60,000 science engagements eachyear for families, adults, young peopleand children in a way that’s fun andarouses curiosity. School LearnersWe bring the Curriculum for Excellenceand Learning for Sustainability alive forover 30,000 learners each year; withinspirational indoor, outdoor and onlineworkshop experiences which enrich anddeepen learning journeys for childrenaged 3 to 18. Planetarium shows offer a wide rangeof 360 degree science films, as well aslive shows presented by our residentAstronomers who will take audiencesfrom the stars to the seabed andeverything in between. From storytelling sessions, summerschool activities, temporary exhibitionsto Dino’s kids science club – it’s a greatway to bring science and sustainabilitytopics to life. We enable educators to unlockimpactful experiences across a widerange of topics that inspire a lifelongpassion and enthusiasm for STEMlearning and careers.National ReachMany schools and communities inScotland miss out on fun sciencelearning experiences because of theirgeographic location. InclusivityWe deliver targeted science engagementfor over 3,000 people each year todevelop skills, build confidence andchange lives by working directly withcommunity groups facing barriers tolearning. At Dynamic Earth we reach out beyondour walls. Our experts take our inspiringand interactive experiences on the road –engaging with up to 10,000 people eachyear by visiting science festivals, schoolsand communities in remote and ruralareas. We even have an inflatable mobileplanetarium run by our Astronomers thatoffers an out-of-this-world experience topeople in underserved areas. Online learning opportunities reachdirectly into remote schools withinteractive sessions that they wouldotherwise not experience.Working with each community partnerwe seek to understand their interestsand needs to create bespoke learningexperiences that make science learningaccessible and fun.Each year we provide 20 communitygroups and charities with our‘Community Discovery Passes’, so thepeople they support can visit DynamicEarth for free.9CANDIDATE PACK10CANDIDATE PACKDIRECTORATE STRUCTUREDynamic Earth is organised into four Directorates: Visitor Experience andEvents, Learning and Engagement, Corporate Services and Marketing,Communications and Fundraising. This role sits within the Learning andEngagement Directorate Communities team. Science Learning andEngagement DirectorScience Learningand EngagementDirectorHead of Learning andEngagementLearning andEngagement Manager (CommunityProgrammes)Learning andEngagement Manager (Schools and PublicProgrammes)Planetarium ManagerLearning andEngagement Officer(x3)Community OutdoorLearning andEngagement OfficerPlanetariumOfficer11Role PurposeTo develop, co-ordinate anddeliver outdoor learning andengagement events andexperiences which support ourstrategic priority of enhancingthe connectivity of DynamicEarth and our immediatesurroundings of Holyrood Park. L&E Manager(Schools and Public L&E Manager(CommunityProgrammes)Head of Learning and EngagementPlanetarium ManagerCANDIDATE PACKJOB DESCRIPTION AND KEY DUTIESSchools and Families - You will work withcolleagues to support the development anddelivery of events and experiences whichsupport learners in accessing theirentitlement to outdoor learning as part ofthe  Learning for Sustainability nationalpriority.Evaluation, Storytelling and Advocacy: Youwill capture and co-create powerful storiesand data which showcase the value andimpact of our outdoor activity together withcolleagues across the charity. Communities – You will work within thecommunity learning and engagement teamto develop and deliver outdoor events andexperiences which reach underserved andunderrepresented audiences.You will place evolved cocreationand values-driven practiceat the heart of our programmeswith a focus on repeat engagementmodels in an in-reach and outreachcapacity. You will play an active,regular and hands-on role indelivering our community eventsand experiences with colleagues andaudiences.Across the breadth of work within the Learning and Engagement Officer role,you will demonstrate commitment toDynamic Earth’s organisational values ofpassion, care and inclusion, always actingas a science engagement role model withcolleagues, audiences and peers. EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND QUALITIES12CANDIDATE PACKEssential:Educated to undergraduate degreelevel in a science or relateddiscipline – or lived experience as analternative to a formal qualification. Experience of developing anddelivering outdoor science learningand engagement experiences with arange of audiences, includingchildren and young people. Excellent interpersonal,communication, planning andorganisational skills with strongattention to detail.A pro-active, enthusiastic andfriendly disposition with the ability tobuild rapport with people quickly.An enabling and pro-active attitudeand commitment to a culture ofcontinuous improvement.A flexible approach which helpsdeliver results.A pro-active and enablingapproach to problem solving. A reflective practitioner with theability to reflect both on self andsituation.Experience of working effectivelyin a team with shared goals as wellas on individual projects.Desirable:Outdoor Learning PostgraduateQualification or equivalent (e.g.Outdoor Activity Instruction).Experience of working in a sciencecentre or museum setting.Awareness and experience ofimplementing sector-widecommunity best practice.Experience of working inpartnership with peers and otherorganisations.  Please note that appointment to theLearning and Engagement Team issubject to enhanced pre-employmentchecks as part of our approach toensuring Child Protection & Wellbeing,including membership of the ProtectingVulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. Dynamic Earth are committed to creatingan inclusive workplace culture where ourpeople feel a sense of belonging and canbring their authentic self to work eachday.Dynamic Earth’s Fair Work Statement isavailable on our website. To apply, please send a covering letterand accompanying CV (circa x2 pageseach) outlining why you are the rightcandidate for the position to:peopleandculture@dynamicearth.org.uk by the deadline of 23:59 on Thursday30 April 2026. thCANDIDATE PACKReports to: Learning and EngagementManager (CommunityProgrammes)HOW TO APPLY:13Hours: 3 days a week (largely betweenMonday-Friday, but flexibilityrequired for some evening andweekend sessions)Fixed term from June 2026 toMarch 2027.Salary: £27,825 - £32,550 (Team Specialist Band)[Pro-rata - 0.6 FTE]Location: Based at Dynamic Earth,EdinburghTERMS & CONDITIONSSuccessful candidates will be invited toan in-person panel interview at DynamicEarth scheduled to take place weekbeginning Monday 11 May.thThis interview will last around one hourand consist of a presentation taskelement and a series of questions fromthe panel, which will help us understandyour knowledge, skills and experience inmore depth. If you would like an informal conversationabout the role and the opportunity,please reach out to Emma Clark -Learning and Engagement Manager(Community Programmes) at:emma.clark@dynamicearth.org.ukInternal candidates should advise theirDynamic Earth line manager of theirintention to apply for the opportunity. • 34 days annual leave (which includes 9bank holidays) [pro-rata]• Matched company pension contribution of 5%• Free staff car-parking• Life assurance cover of 4 times annualsalary• Up to 3 years Critical Illness cover• Confidential EAP advice-line throughHealth Assured• Free entry to ASVA member Visitorattractions (subject to conditions)• Limited Gym Membership at MarriottHolyrood Hotel (subject to conditions)• Staff canteen (complimentary tea andcoffee)• Employee Values AwardsEMPLOYEE BENEFITS:14Subsidised meals and coffee fromthe Dynamic Earth Cafe25% discount in the Gift ShopComplimentary entry to DynamicEarth for family and friends (subjectto conditions)CANDIDATE PACK15CANDIDATE PACKDynamic Earth Charitable Trust (known as Dynamic Earth) is aregistered Scottish Charity, SC020363, regulated by the ScottishCharity Regulator (OSCR).  Company Reg No. SC138695DYNAMICEARTH.ORG.UK