Engagement Ranger Paignton, England
Job description
Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in southwest England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.
Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Almost 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. There are over 230 species of animal that call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we’re also a botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Ranger to join our Engagement team on a fixed term contract up to 31 October 2023. This is a part time role working 18-24 hours over a 7 day rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
What will this role involve?
Key Duties:
To engage with our visitors, in order to improve their experience and communicate our conservation messages:
- Deliver a daily programme of talks, to audiences of varying sizes
- Pro-actively engage with visitors at enclosures, helping them to appreciate and understand the animals and plants exhibited.
- Short performances in educational shows – this may be in a costume, linked to a new mascot show with a conservation message aimed at younger visitors.
- Run activities for visitors – such as a make-and-take table or education game
- Assist with school groups – particularly meeting groups on arrival and helping with topic talks at enclosures.
This role is primarily out on site, interacting with visitors, with very limited time in the office.
What skills and experience are required?
This role is subject to a DBS check.
Experience:
Essential:
Demonstrable enthusiasm for communicating conservation and biodiversity issues.
Engaging face-to-face with children and adults of all ages and levels of interest.
Desirable:
Working in a conservation or education environment.
Giving presentations and running educational activities.
Working with children.
Working at a visitor attraction.
Qualifications:
Essential: GCSE Science and/or Geography
Desirable: A-level or equivalent in a relevant discipline
Desirable: Degree in a relevant discipline
Benefits of joining our team include:
- 33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays) Company sick pay
- Branded uniform provided (as required)
- Relevant internal and external training provided
- Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family
- Complimentary tickets
- Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)
- Free staff parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Headspace Premium App
- Employee Discounts Platform
We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
Please include a covering letter and CV when applying for this role
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary contract, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 months
Part-time hours: 18 per week
Salary: £9.70 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Wellness programme
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Weekend availability
Work Location: One location
Application deadline: 30/01/2023
Expected start date: 20/03/2023
