Head Ranger

Why Work at Conkers?

Conkers Discovery Centre is an award winning, millennium project in the Heart of the National Forest. Encompassing 120 acres of woodland with ponds, lakes, classroom facilities and interactive exhibits, Conkers offers an excellent environment for learning. Awarded the LOTC (Learning Outside the Classroom) Quality Badge Conkers offers a host of environment themed sessions for predominantly KS1 and KS2 students.

Purpose of Post

The main purpose of this post is to develop and train staff to deliver a range of outdoor education learning programme's, promoting environmental awareness and understanding at Conkers Discovery Centre under the guidance of the General Manager.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To prepare and deliver formal education sessions, with national curriculum linked learning outcomes, for visiting schools, colleges and groups. As part of this process, lead in the design, development and implementation of new sessions, suggest innovative and fresh ideas, stay current with changes related to the educational sector and national curriculum, and assist with the monitoring and promotion of the programmes.
• To prepare and deliver learning sessions for schools. A key aspect of this role is to communicate effectively and engage with various audiences comprising different levels of knowledge, skills, interests and backgrounds, using appropriate language and content.
• To ensure the smooth running of the Education Centre including administrative tasks, cleaning duties, and resource control. Ensuring that the Education Centre is cleaned after school group use; and pro-actively informing the Area Manager/Operations Manager when resources are required.
• To supervise existing volunteers and/or work placement students based at the Education Centre including ensuring a welcoming, safe and accessible work environment. To develop the volunteer team and lead them through a range of work tasks.
• To produce interpretation materials including displays and props for education sessions.
• To have a detailed Grounds maintenance plan in place to complete during the year and have the capacity to change when needed.
• To lead from the front and have a proactive we can do attitude.
• To ensure that departmental health and safety guidelines including risk assessments and safe systems of work are read, understood, kept concurrent and implemented for all tasks and activities. To take an active responsibility for the visitor health and report near misses to the Area Manager/Operations Manager where appropriate.
• To provide excellent standards of visitor service. Ensuring the site is maintained to the highest of standards. To ensure that the site is kept free of litter, proactively identifying and reporting potential risks to members of the public and/or Conkers staff to the Area manager/Operations Manager.
• To develop and run a range of existing seasonal activities such as; Winter Wonderland and Halloween.
• To support and host large group sleepover events.
• Personal Specification

Essential:

· Excellent communication skills to a wide range of audiences.

· Passion for the natural environment.

· Enthusiastic and hard working.

· Ability to work outside in all weathers.

· A great eye for detail.

. To work 5 days out of 7, with weekend availability.

· Able to work to tight deadlines.

Desirable:

· Qualifications in environmental science or related disciplines.

· Good working knowledge of the National Curriculum and needs of schools.

· Experience in the delivery and development of educational programmes.

· Experience of working in a customer service environment.

· Ability to work with volunteers.

· Ability to identify common trees, plants, invertebrates and birds.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract, Permanent

Salary: £12.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 08/04/2024