Education and Events Officer

Working within the Visitor Services team, you will play key role in developing our education and events programme. Based at Deen City Farm, working within a beautiful setting, the role will be working to expand opportunities for children and adults within the local community. You will be a strong communicator, able to manage your time and priorities effectively, and will want to deliver impactful and inspiring programmes.

BACKGROUND

Deen City Farm is a successful community resource comprising a city farm, riding school and garden project based in the London Borough of Merton. Our mission is to be an oasis providing urban communities with the opportunity to connect with animals and nature. Our founding charitable objectives include promoting education in agriculture, horticulture, home-crafts, country life and animal care and providing facilities for members of our local communities, in particular those considered the most vulnerable.

JOB PURPOSE

To work within the Visitor Services team to support the running and development of the education and events programme at Deen City Farm.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Full time 40 hours per week, permanent, usually Monday to Friday. Some evening, weekend and bank holiday work will be required.

• Develop and maintain professional links with schools, colleges and community groups.
• Develop an educational programme in line with the current curriculum. Creating an offering which covers appropriate themes in line with our charitable objectives.
• Ensure appropriate Safeguarding procedures are in place and followed.
• Lead on informal education opportunities including creating educational family trails and running school holiday activities.
• Coordinate school and community group visits onsite, ensuring that they are adequately staffed.
• Coordinate and run farm tours for school and community groups.
• Update and maintain the information panels around the farm, creating engaging and educational content.
• To work with the Farm s management team in order to engage the local community with a diverse mix of events and activities, promoting year-round attendance to the farm.
• To provide educational advice and support to colleagues as and when required.
• Work with senior staff members to identify new sources of funding including grants, individual and corporate donors.
• Help plan and coordinate site-wide events in conjunction with the Visitor Services Manager, ensuring that our activity programme is engaging and educational.
• Comply and input into relevant Health & Safety Procedures and Risk Assessments.
• To ensure that the classroom and areas used for educational purposes areas are kept tidy, with equipment and materials safely stored and regular safety checks carried out.
• Attend regular team meetings to promote and encourage the on-going effective delivery of educational opportunities.
• Visit schools and educational events with our mobile farm.
• Oversee the administration or the education programme including preparing activity budgets.
• To collaborate with the Visitor Services Manger on reports to the General Manager and Board of Trustees as required.
• Work closely with other managers to maximise visitor enjoyment and increase awareness of the Farm s charitable objectives.
• Any other duties that may arise which are appropriate to the role.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Educated to degree level or relevant experience.
• Relevant teaching/ coaching experience.
• Experience of working with young people.
• Experience of working with adults and children with physical and/or learning disabilities.
• Experience of delivering arts & crafts education.
• Experience with Health and Safety procedures, including risk assessments.
• Excellent literacy, numeracy and IT skills, with the ability to keep accurate records.
• Experience managing and motivating staff and volunteers.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities legislation.
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about animal welfare and husbandry.
• Excellent communication
• A positive team player
• A creative, open and innovative approach to working with people, particularly those who experience disadvantage and inequality.
• Able to identify imaginative and productive ways of utilising assets with limited resources.
• Organised and efficient
• Comfortable working with and handling animals.
• Consent to an enhanced DBS

Desirable

• Teaching qualification.
• Additional practical/academic qualifications in a related subject
• Experience of working in a community farm.
• Experience working in a charity or community-based environment.
• Budget Management
• Experience of graphic design work.
• Knowledge of fundraising and income generation.
• Horticultural/food growing knowledge or experience.
• Qualified First aider
• Fire Marshall
• Full clean driving license