LESSON ASSISTANT VOLUNTEER SPECIFICATION OUR LESSON ASSISTANT VOLUNTEERS: The Discovery & Learning department are looking for enthusiastic and willing volunteers to assist with the successful delivery of our education lessons in Edinburgh Zoo from the beginning of May to the end of June The Discovery & Learning teaching team use live animals during many of their education lessons. This is a fantastic way to engage our education groups with nature and the animals enhance the education lessons greatly. The main tasks will be to collect various small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates that are used during the lessons and bring them to the relevant classrooms as and when they are required. We are looking for a small team of people who are able to commit one weekday (or more) per week throughout May and June. Following basic training, our Lesson Assistant Volunteers will be able to carry out the following tasks as detailed below: Collect education animals: Following animal husbandry guidelines, volunteers will collect animals from their enclosures and properly secure them using appropriate tanks/carriers. They will record what animals are being used and the times they are removed from their enclosures. Transport education animals to classrooms: Volunteers will transport animals to the appropriate classrooms within the Education Centre and deliver them to the appropriate education officer at the correct times. Retrieve education animals: When necessary, volunteers will retrieve animals from classrooms and transport them back to their enclosures. They will record when the animals return to their enclosures. Other activities: When not collecting or retrieving animals, volunteers may be asked to assist with other elements of education lesson set-up and other tasks as and when required. LESSON ASSISTANT VOLUNTEER SPECIFICATION: We are looking for volunteers with the following skills and attributes, in order for them to complete their duties effectively: Excellent time-keeping Reliability and regular attendance (we are asking for a minimum of one weekday per week in May and June) Aged 18 or over Excellent understanding of working together, and taking/acting on instructions A basic understanding of animal care and welfare Some experience of keeping small mammals/reptiles is desirable, but not essential Keen interest in animals and conservation Keen to learn and stay informed Volunteers will need to be confident and able to handle small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates so this post will not be suitable for those with any serious phobias IN RETURN, VOLUNTEERS GAIN THE FOLLOWING: Opportunity to be involved in an international conservation charity Chance to contribute to a team of like-minded people Training from our Presentations Team which will include how to properly handle and transport small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates. Benefits including discounts in the restaurants and shops when on duty Opportunity to assist with the delivery of our educational programme and therefore helping us achieve one of our charitable objectives. THIS VOLUNTEER ROLE: Lesson Assistant volunteers will report to the Discovery & Learning teaching team when on duty Volunteers will be on duty from 9.30am until 3pm on most days – this may vary slightly depending on the number of lessons being taught This is a temporary role and will last from the beginning of May to the end of June 2015 There may be scope to continue this role into the next academic year but this will be discussed at the end of June Please note: All our volunteers are required to complete a disclosure check if accepted onto the programme. Volunteers are entitled to claim travel expenses if they wish for travel to and from duty days and training sessions. ** Whilst we do welcome volunteers of all abilities and needs, please let us know if you do have special needs that we need to account for. Edinburgh Zoo is owned by the conservation charity The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. Charity No. SC004064