Learning Officer - RSPB Scotland - Orkney (Part-Time)

Job Description

RSPB Scotland manage a suite of 13 nature reserves in Orkney, conserving a range of habitats from wetlands to uplands and priority species including seabirds, breeding waders, corncrakes and hen harriers.

We are looking for a passionate and self-motivated individual to develop and deliver a programme of classroom-based sessions and outdoor learning opportunities, to connect school children and young people to nature in a fun, engaging and inspirational way.

Please note that there is a similar fixed-term part-time role currently being advertised within the Orkney Native Wildlife Project team (Learning Officer - Orkney) that may be suitable to equate to a full-time position for the duration of the post. Recruitment for the roles will be completed separately. If this is of interest, please indicate this on your application form. Please see link for further details regarding this role

Learning Officer- Orkney Native Wildlife Project – Kirkwall Office (Part-Time) | RSPB (vacancy-filler.co.uk)

What's this role about?
Working across the Orkney islands, you will provide sessions on a range of habitats and wildlife, as well as identifying opportunities to codesign nature-based projects with schools.
A priority will be developing the education programme to increase focus on Orkney’s key species, in line with Priority Landscape Plan objectives. You will have some autonomy in education content and will deliver on a variety of natural history and conservation topics, from birds, insects, & wildflowers, to rock-pooling and outdoor skills.
You will plan events for children and families, which provide enjoyable nature-based experiences and foster an appreciation of wildlife. These should help participants develop an understanding of the importance of conservation and taking individual actions to protect nature. You will maintain accurate records and produce reports detailing school visits, learning activities and outcomes achieved. You will use a variety of evaluation methods to continually assess effectiveness.
The role will involve occasional early morning, weekend and evening working. Travel across Orkney, including areas not served by public transport, will be necessary.
You should enjoy working as part of a team, but also be able to work independently and have the confidence to proactively drive programmes forward. Ideally, you will have had some experience in organising and delivering youth events, and an awareness of potential challenges of conservation work within agricultural communities.

What we need from you

Essentials:
Good level of general ecological and natural history knowledge.
Strong organisational and planning ability to facilitate the delivery of the education programme.
Good understanding of Health & Safety and Safeguarding issues with regards to outdoor education.
Excellent communication skills and a confident educator, able to teach young people of a wide range of ages and ability.
Good knowledge of environmental education delivery methods and an understanding of different teaching and learning styles appropriate to the outdoor setting.
Confident at networking with educational stakeholders.
Experience of organising and delivering school groups activities on a nature reserve or similar.
An ability to enthuse others about the natural world.

Desirables:
Knowledge of the Curriculum for Excellence.
Degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience.
Flexibility to work in a range of settings and ability to problem-solve.
Experience in organising and delivering youth events.

Additional Information
This is a permanent part-time role for 18.75 hours per week.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from early February 2023. For further information please contact Stewart.Bain@rspb.org.uk
As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.
This role will require completion of a DBS in addition to the standard pre-employment checks.
The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.