Volunteer Education Assistant

Volunteer Education Assistant Ashford Kent Volunteer Centre The Big Cat Sanctuary

We're currently looking for a Volunteer Education Assistant to support the Big Cat Sanctuary Education and Sustainability Officer with the efficient running of education events, ensuring a high-quality and engaging education experience. Experience of, or willingness to, work with children of all ages and abilities, and on occasion adults, is essential, as is enthusiasm, a positive attitude and an ability to work well with people from a variety of backgrounds.

Detailed Description

Volunteer Education Assistant Opportunity

Location: The Big Cat Sanctuary, Smarden, Kent

Reports to: Education and Sustainability Officer

Commitment: At least 1-2 days per week, Mon Fri

Role Purpose: To support the Education and Sustainability Officer with the efficient running of education events ensuring a high-quality and engaging education experience.

Background detail: Through workshops, tours and sensory experiences, the BCS helps young people learn all about the cats at the Sanctuary and the threats they face in the wild. Exploring issues such as climate change, deforestation and illegal wildlife trade, we aim to educate and inspire students on both the negative impacts we are having on our planet and the animals that reside here, as well as positive initiatives that have been introduced to protect Earth and its inhabitants.

See here for further info: thebigcatsanctuary.org/education

Role Description and Key Activities

• Shadow and support the Education and Sustainability Officer to deliver activities for children.
• Assist with preparations for sessions including setting up rooms and preparing materials.
• Welcome children and teachers/parents to sessions, chat to people as they arrive and help familiarise them with the site and activities and answer any questions they might have. This may also include taking a register as people arrive.
• Assist the Education and Sustainability Officer with running sessions; this will include helping to supervise children, directing them in the activities and ensuring they are safe and happy.
• Always follow the Big Cat Sanctuary Safeguarding and Health and Safety guidance for working with children.
• Always uphold the values of the Sanctuary and actively promote the aims of the BCS with visitors.
• Work as part of a close knit team, closely following instructions and guidance.
• Please note that specific sessions are usually aimed at specific age groups, if you prefer to work with a specific age group or on a particular activity, please let us know.

Specialist Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of, or willingness to, work with children of all ages and abilities, and on occasion adults.
• Must undertake internal safeguarding training.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of or interest in conservation/wildlife and an interest in working for a charity which is determined to protect wildlife for the future.
• Enthusiasm, a positive attitude and an ability to work well with people from a variety of backgrounds is essential.

Why Volunteer and Why This Opportunity?

As well as the opportunity to make a significant contribution to a worthwhile organisation, this role provides opportunities to develop skills and knowledge. It is also an opportunity to become part of a thriving community of committed volunteers. This opportunity will allow you to get experience working with children in a conservation charity.

Time Commitment

Ideally volunteering for at least one two days a week, generally Mon Fri, although education sessions may be arranged at different times and on different days of the week, so some flexibility would be helpful.

Conditions

Our roles will require a good level of physical fitness to support children in an outdoor environment, on uneven ground. Please let us know if you have accessibility requirements.

Some of our roles require an enhanced barred DBS check; we can only accept checks from other organisations if you are on the updates service.

Activities You Will Be Doing

• Youth Work
• Environmental
• Events & Stewarding
• Outdoors
• Conservation
• Education

What Skills Are Required for This Role

• Talking To Others
• Conservation
• Listening
• Basic IT skills - internet & email

Postcode

TN27 8PJ

Role Address

The Big Cat Sanctuary, Headcorn Road, Smarden, Ashford TN27 8PJ

Directions

Due to the rural location of the Sanctuary and the fact that it is not accessible by public transport, full driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

Number of Volunteers Required

3

Application Process

• Application Form
• ID Check
• References
• Informal Discussion (may include an interview)

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