Evaluation Volunteers

Currently not recruiting

ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are part of the Zoological Society of London, an international scientific, conservation and education charity whose mission is the conservation of animals and their habitats. In addition, the Society employs over 70 scientists to carry out research in conservation science and manages conservation programmes in 80 countries world-wide, including Britain.

ZSL receives no government funding to run the two zoos and income is generated almost entirely through visitors to Whipsnade and London Zoo. Over 1.5 million people visit the zoos each year and it is our aim to give them a unique and memorable experience.

The role of Visitor Studies and Evaluation

Visitor research allows organisations such as ZSL to gain further understanding of their visitors, which informs strategic thinking and enables ZSL to offer the best possible visitor experience. Evaluation has proven to be effective in enabling ZSL to produce and deliver high quality animal enclosures, events and programmes. Evaluation volunteers play a key part in striving for this goal; with added help, ZSL will be able to conduct more visitor research studies, collect more robust data samples and make a positive impact on the Society’s work.

Role description

We are looking to recruit five Evaluation Volunteers.

This volunteer opportunity would suit enthusiastic individuals who can carry out the task independently and who wish to gain experience of evaluation and visitor research within the zoo environment.

The Evaluation volunteer role crosses over many different departments throughout ZSL: -

Interpretation
Discovery and Learning
Conservation Projects
Events

Current and upcoming projects that Evaluation Volunteers may be involved in:-

Evaluation of Tiger Territory
Evaluation of Seahorses
Monitoring and evaluation of education sessions.
General visitor feedback

Core activities

Data collection via questionnaires, interviews, surveys, polls, observations, etc.
Testing interpretation for zoo exhibits and animal enclosures.
Compiling and analysing of the data collected.

People we are looking for will have:

A friendly and confident manner with the public, with the ability to approach visitors.
Excellent listening skills and communication in English, and recording skills.
Physically fitness, with an ability to stand for extended periods of time, often outside.
Computer literacy, with experience of using Microsoft Word and Excel.

and, if possible;

Experience of, or an interest in, evaluation/visitor research
An interest in animals and/or conservation
Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data
A strong background in social sciences (sociology, psychology) and/or market research

What do volunteers get out of it?

Provided with training in evaluation
Opportunity to gain practical experience of visitor studies
Opportunity to gain practical experience within a zoo environment
Opportunity to develop communication skills
Opportunity to develop data analysis skills

Time Commitment requested

We hope for a minimum commitment of one full day ( usually 10am – 5pm) per week for three months, but may be willing to consider a lesser commitment if circumstances allow; applications from those wanting to volunteer more are welcomed. Opportunities at the weekend may also be available.

Reporting to: Evaluation Coordinator

Expenses

Travel expenses can be reimbursed up to a limit of £10 per return journey; paid retrospectively against used tickets, receipts or Oyster printout. Lunch can be purchased at a subsidised price.

Next steps

If you are interested, please complete the registration form and send it as a word document attachment to joy.jolly@zsl.org . to reach us by Sunday 07 April.

The closing date for this opportunity is strictly 07th April and short listed candidates will be required to attend a recruitment event on Saturday 13th April If you do not hear from us by Friday 12th April .then we regret you have not been shortlisted.

Successful applicants will be asked to attend an induction and training day on Wednesday 17th April 2013

Currently not recruiting