Education Officer

An exciting opportunity has arisen for someone to join the Education Team as a Full Time Education Officer

Australia Zoo is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community - be it on the basis of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We provide specific workplace programs to support diversity and equal employment opportunities for women, people with disabilities and all cultural backgrounds.

Under the direction of the Head of Department, this role entails assisting with the production and delivery of innovative and unique educational experiences with the enthusiasm and passion of the zoo’s culture.

The primary focus of this role incorporates the development, promotion and delivery of Australia Zoos educational experiences for school groups (i.e pre-school, primary and secondary), universities and TAFEs, as well as community-based education groups and public education. This role also supports the delivery of our school holiday program, Zoo Keeper for a Day.

**Duties Include**:

- Follow all Australia Zoo and Education department policies, procedures, processes and guidelines.
- Facilitate and co-contribute to the on-going review and development of curriculum-based education programs for schools, universities, TAFE, day/OSHC care facilities and other community education groups.
- Facilitate and co-contribute to the review and development of public programs, including but not limited to Zoo Keeper for a Day.
- Develop and maintain open, positive and professional relationships and communication with all Australia Zoo employees, including but not limited to zoo management, AZWH and AZWW staff as well as keeping, education and other department staff.
- Work collaboratively with all education/volunteer team members in the achievement of departmental objectives and priorities.
- Liaise with keeping and other departments in the creation and implementation of animal-based activities which support education programs.
- Assist as required with maintaining, managing and preparing necessary education resources and supplies for all education programs and initiatives as required.
- Assist as required with research and updates to ensure all relevant Education sections on the Australia Zoo website and associated forums are correct and current and consistent across all mediums.
- Maintain relevant education databases, spreadsheets, information and booking systems etc. as required.
- Collate and provide information and data as required for inclusion in business related reports.
- Use relevant data bases and booking systems to follow up with bookings from schools, universities, TAFEs and the general public.
- Demonstrate a strong and comprehensive understanding of all education programs to ensure effective consultation with schools, universities, TAFE, other community education groups and the general public where program selection is concerned.
- Promote and recommend education programs and relevant Australia Zoo offerings and products to schools, universities, TAFE, day care/OSHC facilities, other community education groups and the general public.
- Undertake animal handling training to support education program activities and general zoo activities (as required).

**Essential Criteria**:

- Hold current driver’s licence.
- Available to work weekends, public holidays, and school holiday periods.
- Current blue card or exemption (valid for employment).
- Current knowledge of and experience with curriculum-based learning.
- Demonstrated ability to engage a range of ages and abilities through innovative and authentic education programs.
- Demonstrated capacity to manage groups using a positive behaviour approach.
- Computer literacy, especially MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and the ability to learn job specific computer programs.
- A high level of interpersonal skills and the ability to engage, negotiate and communicate effectively with all levels of staff and guests to ensure professional ongoing relationships and program development.
- Formal education qualifications (e.g. Bachelor of Education) or equivalent experience and a knowledge base of Primary level Biology.