Expressions of Interest – Conservation Education Coordination
Tarapuruhi Bushy Park Forest Sanctuary, Kai Iwi, Whanganui
Would you like to contribute to an exciting conservation education project at a nationally recognized predator fenced forest sanctuary?
Forest & Bird, in partnership with the Bushy Park Trust, are seeking a part-time skilled and enthusiastic Education Coordinator to oversee our on-site education programme. Tasks will include promoting the programme locally, communicating with, and making bookings for schools and visiting groups, coordinating volunteers to help with the education programme delivery, facilitate volunteer educator trainings, maintain, and develop relevant educational resources, and reporting monthly to F&B, Bushy Park Trust, and other relevant funding bodies.
This is being offered as a one-year Contract for Services running from January – December 2024, focusing on school terms. The location is at Tarapuruhi Bushy Park Forest Sanctuary (25km north of Whanganui).
The Sanctuary is a community-led conservation project protecting and restoring a mature lowland rainforest and wetlands. The 91-hectare sanctuary is protected by a 4.7km Predator fence, has an Historic Homestead, Visitor Centre, several large outdoor educational shelters, volunteer nursery, workshop and meeting space, plus shared office space.
The Forest Sanctuary Manager, together with the support of an enthusiastic group of volunteers who give around 500 hours/month, manage the Sanctuary. The intact forest is home to Ratanui, a 1000-year-old northern rātā, and several successfully re-introduced bird species, including toutouwai, tīeke, hihi, pōpokotea and titipounamu.
The current education programme typically includes a welcome and orientation, then dividing into smaller groups for a four-way rotation which can include wetlands, predator control, birds, and habitats. Mātauranga māori, with an action for the environment, such as potting up in the plant nursery are also options.
Climate change response action and freshwater education will be a strong emphasis for 2024. An experienced team of volunteers support the delivery of the programme. Collaboration with other environmental education organisations both locally and regionally, adds value to the success of the programme. For more information refer to the website https://bushypark.nz/education/
The main deliverables of the Contract for Services will include:
Promotion and outreach
- Promote the education programme to local schools, including preparing a quarterly newsletter.
- Support media related activities in co-ordination with the sanctuary management team.
- Support networking with other local or national education outside the classroom programmes or events where possible and beneficial for the growth & profiling of the Bushy Park programme.
Programme co-ordination
- Take bookings and liaise with schools around logistics.
- Co-ordinate education volunteers to facilitate education activities for schools and groups.
- Manage logistics around programme delivery (before, during & after each educational event).
Education programme delivery
- Provide education programme facilitation support when schools or groups are on-site.
- Build the capacity of the Education Group to improve programme facilitation & delivery.
- Support the implementation of themed learning of visiting schools (before or after their visit).
Reporting
- Submit a monthly report covering statistics, H&S, success & challenges.
- Submit an annual education summary report & fulfil any funders reporting requirements.
Resource development
- Update and/or develop education resource material (including website input) in collaboration with the volunteer education team.
To be successful, you will need the following:
- Experience in and a passion for conservation and environmental education.
- Positive interpersonal skills and the ability to work with students and adults.
- Experience working with volunteers & understanding of the needs of volunteers.
- Knowledge of Mātauranga Māori, tikanga & te reo Māori.
- Understanding of conservation education, familiar with the NZ Curriculum up to Year 13, ideally.
- Ability to be creative and develop amazing programmes.
- Good written and spoken communication and IT skills.
- Positive ‘can do’ attitude and energetic, with a good level of fitness.
- Ability to work flexible hours to meet the needs of the education groups.
- Full driver’s license & reliable vehicle to get to Tarapuruhi to meet on-site deliverable requirements.
If this work excites you, please send through an Expression of Interest with your CV to m.brooke@forestandbird.org.nz. All Expressions of Interest will be acknowledged.
If you have any questions about the role, contact Mandy Brooke on m.brooke@forestandbird.org.nz or Mandy Noffke m.noffke@forestandbird.org.nz.
Please note: We will only consider EOI’s from people who have a current legal right to work in New Zealand.
Closing Date: 11 pm on Sunday 19th November 2023.
Face-to-Face Fundraiser
Fundamental Worldwide are looking for inspirational ambassadors who have a love for New Zealand’s wildlife and environment to join our Forest & Bird face to face fundraising teams.
Operating throughout Auckland, Wellington and nationwide on permanent travel teams opportunities are available to represent this amazing cause.
As a Forest & Bird charity ambassador, you will educate, inspire and motivate members of the public to support Aotearoa’s vast and beautiful environment and native species, recruiting regular supporters to join a nationwide movement of environmental heroes.
To represent New Zealand's leading independent conservation organisation, you should be:
- Over 18
- Available full-time
- Passionate about the conservation of New Zealand’s wildlife
- A New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or holder of a valid working visa
- An engaging and inspirational speaker
Our charity ambassadors receive:
- An hourly living wage
- Career progression opportunities into leadership positions
- A friendly and supportive team environment
- And an opportunity to make a real difference for the future of New Zealand
For more information of becoming part of the Fundamental Forest & Bird charity fundraising team send us an email today to nzrecruitment@fundamentalworldwide.com.au with your resume and contact details.
Be a voice for nature.
Join Fundamental today.
Please note Fundamental is contracted to supply services to Forest & Bird and the Society is not involved in any aspect of the recruitment process or employment relationship Fundamental has with its employees.
We update his page regularly, so check back later for other vacancies.