Job Description

What you'll bring to the team

Education Officer

Location: Chessington, Surrey

Hours: 40 hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent, salaried

We are seeking a passionate and innovative Education Officer to deliver, develop, and grow a high-quality educational programme at Chessington World of Adventures Resort. You will inspire learners of all ages through engaging conservation education, including curriculum-linked workshops and informal learning experiences.

In this role, you will design and deliver workshops, talks, and resources, overseeing both on-site and outreach education sessions. You will support the growth of school visits, evaluate programme effectiveness, and ensure all content meets educational and conservation standards, including EAZA and BIAZA guidelines.

You will lead and support the Zoo Education team, acting as a team leader and Duty Manager when required, while working closely with schools, colleges, and internal teams to tailor and enhance educational delivery. The role also includes overseeing work experience programmes, maintaining risk assessments, and contributing to staff development, recruitment, and new strategic opportunities.

Flexibility is required to support peak periods, including occasional evenings, as well as wider resort operations to ensure an excellent guest experience.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Experience developing and delivering zoological educational programmes
• Experience working with children of all ages and varying physical/developmental needs
• Strong understanding of the national curriculum across key stages
• Knowledge of EAZA/BIAZA and Zoo Licensing educational requirements
• Good working knowledge of zoological collections, biodiversity, and conservation
• High level of creativity in engaging and educational delivery

Desirable:

• Experience in high-pressure leadership roles
• Resilience when working in challenging or sensitive situations
• Full UK driving licence
• First Aid at Work (FAW) qualification
• Enhanced DBS check
• Working knowledge of Canva

Benefits

• A competitive annual salary
• 28 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes - 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
• Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
• Company bonus
• Private pension scheme
• 40% discount online off LEGO
• 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Plus, many more…