Job offered: Learning Technology Officer

Type: Contract
Location: Edinburgh

Learning Technology Officer

Location: Edinburgh Zoo 

About Us

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) owns and manages Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park in Kingussie.  Both parks are premier visitor attractions of Scotland that provide an amazing animal experience as well as an excellent day out!  RZSS has a worldwide reputation for its conservation and education programmes, and the very heart of our mission is to connect people with nature and safeguard species from extinction.  We’ve been a charity since our founding in 1909 and maintain a keen commercial edge to ensure a sustainable, bright and exciting future.

As well as our wonderful animals we have a highly professional, diverse and friendly staff community too.  So, in working for RZSS you've not only got a great job in a very interesting organisation - you're also part of an amazing cause too!

The role

As part of our Discovery & Learning Team you will be engaged with our formal education programmes supporting education officers in the delivery of online resources for use in face to face and distance learning. 

This post presents an excellent opportunity for a creative, supportive individual with proven ability to take the initiative and work in partnership with others to take the use of learning technology across the society to a new level. This is an exciting time to join the team as we increase the use of our virtual learning environment (Moodle), consider the use of e-portfolios and more generally consider the role of learning technology at Edinburgh Zoo and the Highland Wildlife Park. 

The role will involve performing all duties associated with the smooth running of the discovery and learning VLE to support the RZSS formal education programme. This will include the development of pre-and post-visit activities for all age ranges from nursery to research students and on many different subjects from bears to evolution and adaptation to genetics. We are looking for an experienced Learning Technologist who has worked collaboratively to produce a variety of media, is happy to take on new challenges and will constantly keep up to date with new innovations in learning technology. We are particularly interested in the use of augmented reality, open badges, skype virtual fieldtrips, immersive teaching spaces and introducing more digital interactives across both sites as part of our interpretation programme for public engagement.

This role involves working closely with the entire team including outreach programmes and delivering training to the team as required.

About You

The successful candidate will demonstrate an enthusiasm and passion for wildlife and conservation and engaging people in this topic. Although a good knowledge and understanding of wildlife and the environment is desirable it is more important to demonstrate an ability to take any information and turn it into an engaging learning experience through the effective use of technology. Experience of working with different learner needs (ages, abilities) both in formal and informal education and an awareness of accessibility and usability issues is an advantage. Previous experience of coordinating an online learning environment, supporting the use of learning technology in the classroom (and outdoors) and working with IT and education providers is desirable. Ability to problem-solve, to work independently and in a team on desired outcomes to agreed timescales, essential. A degree in a related subject or relevant experience is desirable.  The successful candidate will possess good communication and project management skills – specifically the ability to manage priorities and deliver within budget.

This is a 3-year fixed term contract and a full-time position.  The working hours are 37.5 hours per week. This post involves occasional work away from Edinburgh throughout the year, mainly at Highland Wildlife Park.

This post is subject to a PVG check

Closing date:      Sunday 16 April 2017

For full information on how to apply, please visit the RZSS vacancy page and follow the instructions.

Our mission is Connecting people with nature. Safeguarding species from extinction.

The RZSS strives to be an equal opportunities employer.

Registered Charity SC004064



Entry added by Sharon Ancell - 27 Mar 2017
Last updated - 27 Mar 2017