Twycross Zoo
Closing date for applications is: 21st Apr 2023
Contact:
HR (jobs@twycrosszoo.org)
Part Time Conservation Education Ranger x2 - working either 8 hours or 25 hours per week.
Are you able to work BOTH weekend days each week as part of a rota – as this is essential?
Are you an enthusiastic and confident speaker with a passion for conservation and zoology? Do you like the sound of playing a key role in igniting the passion for conservation in all our visitors and students? If so, read on…
Our Organisation
Twycross Zoo is an award-winning conservation and science-led zoo in the heart of England. This year we are celebrating our 60th birthday! We are rapidly growing and welcoming over 600,000 people every year to our 100-acre rural site near Atherstone.
We are home to 400 animals, including one of the largest chimpanzee families in the UK, and our primate collection is up there with the best in the world! We’re the only zoo in the UK to house all four great apes and we care for many other endangered species to the highest welfare standards, including Eastern black rhino, Sumatran tigers, Amur leopards and snow leopards.
Twycross Zoo is at the forefront of conservation, education and research. We have a strong commitment to our award-winning education programme, aiming to increase the level of awareness, knowledge and understanding of visitors about our animals. We aim to inspire visitors to support biodiversity conservation in any way they can.
This is an exciting time to join Twycross Zoo as we have recently been awarded £19m grant funding to develop the National Science and Conservation Centre (NSCC) on the Twycross Zoo site. The NSCC will support vital work around species conservation. It will bring together experts in conservation science and train the next generation of conservationists, whilst offering researchers from around the world the opportunity to study the four great apes and other endangered species, in naturalistic complex environments. The facilities will include a lecture theatre, classrooms, and laboratories, all planned to open in 2024.
The Role – Conservation Education Ranger
Reporting to the Conservation Education Team Leader, as a Conservation Education Ranger you will spark the interest in the topic of conservation, delivering key messages in line with the zoo’s objectives to visitors and students. You will achieve this by:
- Delivering effective and innovative conservation education through informal activities such as animal talks, clubs, experiences, and workshops such as the Junior Keeper scheme or Conservation Club
- Creating a schedule and resources for conservation education activities
- Engaging with visitors and answering enquiries from the public in a helpful and polite manner
- Aiding in the recording and upkeep of the nature reserve through regular monitoring
- Keeping conservation education buildings clean and tidy
The Package
- Pay rate in line with National Minimum Wage / National Living Wage, which is set to increase in April 2023
- 31 days annual leave pro rata
- Staff membership card giving you free entry to the Zoo on your days off
- Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family
- 25% discount in the Twycross Zoo gift shop
- 20% discount in Twycross Zoo food and beverage outlets
- Star of the month award scheme
- Access to work counselling services
We have two temporary contracts available:
- Contract one is a 5 month contract starting on the 1st May 2023, working 25 hours per week
on a rota between the hours 9am to 6pm. You must be able to work both weekend days each
week.
- Contract two is a 3 month contract starting on the 1st June 2023, working 8 hours per week
over the two weekend days from 9am to 1pm.
Our Requirements – Conservation Education Ranger
- Flexibility towards working hours and duties with an ability to work both weekend days
- Outgoing and confident with the ability to speak with a wide variety of ages and abilities in an
approachable manner
- Level 3 qualifications such as an A Level, BTEC or similar in a relevant subject such as
Zoology, Biology, and/or Science etc.
- An interest the zoo’s conservation aims and research
- Excellent presentation, time management and organisational skills
- IT literate, with good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
- Excellent customer service skills and willingness to provide operational support to other
departments as required
Although not essential, experience with public speaking and presenting to large audiences is
desirable, as would a valid DBS.