Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post Title: Assistant Education Officer – Blashford Lakes Department: Responsible to: Education Officer Responsible Volunteers for: Budgetary Responsibility:

Aim: This post is involved in helping to deliver all aspects of the work of the Education function of the Trust. This will include working with the Education Officer to teach and lead environmental activities with a wide variety of groups, ranging from pre-schools to A level, youth groups to adult special interest groups and general public. The role includes working with schools or groups on their sites. In addition the postholder will carry out wardening duties, particularly at weekends. All work will involve supervising volunteers and assisting in the day-to-day management of the site and centre.

The Blashford Lakes Project is a partnership between Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, New Forest District Council, Sembcorp Bournemouth Water and Wessex Water.

Key Responsibilities:

Education  To work with the Education Officer to deliver the formal education programme at the Centre  To be responsible for organising and leading school day visits as agreed with the Education Officer  To work with the Education Officer to deliver the informal education programme, including working with community groups, children’s holiday activities, guided walks and the public events programme.  To plan, prepare, promote and deliver events at the Centre both individually and in conjunction with the Education Officer  To represent the Trust at external events and community initiatives  To supervise contractors and volunteers working in the Centre or on site in the absence of the Education Officer  To assist in the administration of the Centre, including taking bookings, and dealing with a range of education and other professionals  To be responsible for the health and safety of groups on site, take due regard of risk assessments and health and safety guidance and undertake First Aid training and any other essential training, as required.  To be responsible for the management of all aspects of the Centre and its work in the absence of the Education Officer  To be responsible for individual projects and initiatives as agreed with the Education Officer

080411 JD Asst Ed officer  Talk to visitors to promote awareness and understanding of the Wildlife Trust, the reserve and adjoining areas including the sites’ management, history and conservation status

Reserve Management  To provide site wardening on a daily basis and particularly at weekends (normally Sunday).

 To assist the Reserves Officer in delivering the annual reserve work plan and maintain/improve educational access to the reserve as necessary

General

 To provide effective supervision for volunteers

 To abide by all Trust procedures and policies.

 To promote the Trust wherever possible, in particular recruiting new members

 To undertake additional duties commensurate with the post as may reasonably be requested from time to time

Special Considerations:

An enhanced DBS check is required for this post. This post does require postholders to work unsociable hours, including regular evening and weekend work

March 2014

080411 JD Asst Ed officer