Education Officer

Who we are

Australia's natural and cultural heritage is unique. Our land and seascapes are distinctive, home to plants and animals found nowhere else in the world, and to some of the oldest living cultures on earth. These environments and cultures are an essential part of our national identity, and visitors travel from across the country and the world to experience them. The Director of National Parks (the Director) is responsible for six national parks, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, 58 Australian Marine Parks and the Heard Island and McDonald Islands Marine Reserve established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Parks Australia is the federal park agency that supports the Director, and they are a division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (the Department). We work to showcase these natural and cultural wonders to the world, demonstrating to all why these places are so special, and inspiring communities to become more invested in their care and future.

The Science and Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) Branch leads science and conservation planning and policy for Parks Australia and conducts research in conservation and biodiversity management through a range of programs. We engage in and coordinate diverse research partnerships and ensure First Nations knowledge and innovative solutions are core to our work, enabling us to enhance engagement and embed science into decision-making at all levels. Our work includes:

• Strategic science planning, prioritisation and shaping research partnerships for Parks Australia.
• Leading cross-cutting research to support Parks Australia – in areas such as climate change adaptation, nature positive and knowledge weaving.
• Providing scientific support for Protected Areas policy and Park Management Plans.
• Managing the Australian National Botanic Gardens, home to our Branch and the nation's largest living collection of native plants.
• Innovation in the cross-cutting application of new technologies and data analytics to meet science and application outcomes.
• Facilitating research and science capacity building and education.
• Curating national collections of biological data and conserving and protecting plants through systematics research, seed banking and ex situ conservation.

The ANBG is an award-winning tourism destination, where locals and visitors to Canberra come to explore, learn, relax and enjoy time in nature. Our public events and education programs aim to tell stories through our unique collection of Australian flora. We recognise the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people play in our workplace. We aim to attract, recruit, and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees. Our priority is to ensure a safe workplace where we celebrate all cultures.

The job/s

The Education Officer is a public facing role that is crucial in delivering a positive experience to education audiences. We are looking for great communicators who provides excellent customer service, organisational skills and has experience engaging diverse audiences. In the role you will be responsible for:

• preparing and delivering curriculum-linked, hands-on education programs to students and families in both outdoor and indoor environments,
• delivering scientific content and key messages using ANBG educational approaches – storytelling, enquiry-based learning, experiential/tactile learning experiences and flow learning techniques,
• effectively and safely managing and engaging a diverse range of students,
• maintaining equipment used by learning programs,
• assisting with the development of on-site and digital educational resources,
• administering school bookings including liaison with users, processing of bookings and related administrative tasks,
• applying WHS policies and conducting first aid when required,
• other duties as requested.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.

What you'll gain from the experience

You will work as part of a motivated team that contributes to facilitating nature positive experiences for education audiences from all over Australia. Learn and use the Gardens' unique stories of conservation and Australian plants to actively engage students from pre-school to tertiary level in the Gardens outdoor classroom.

What we are looking for

We are seeking candidates who can demonstrate the following:

Knowledge and experience

• An awareness of different learning styles and educational approaches such as storytelling, enquiry-based learning, experiential/tactile learning experiences and flow learning techniques. This will be an advantage although training will be provided.
• Knowledge of Australian plants and ecosystems and the role of a botanic gardens. This is highly desirable although training will be provided.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Skills and capabilities

• The ability to plan, deliver and evaluate learning programs relevant to a botanic garden or national institution.
• A demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with a variety of clients, staff and volunteers.
• The ability to think creatively and independently to deliver the right solution for the challenge and respond to changing priorities within a fast-paced team.
• A demonstrated ability to complete administrative tasks such as processing bookings.
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Willingness to wear a uniform.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a First Aid Certificate and Working with Vulnerable People Card.

Additional requirements

• Hold a current Apply First Aid Certificate or have the ability to obtain this qualification.
• Have the ability to obtain and maintain a working with children and vulnerable people check.

Eligibility and other requirements

Citizenship - to be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Pre-employment checks - your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period.