Welcome Dear Applicant Thank you for your interest in our exciting new position of the part-time OPAL NATIONAL SCHOOLS OFFICER (Northern Ireland) with the Field Studies Council (FSC). This new position is being offered on a fixed term basis for 2 years and 6 months in the first instance. Please find enclosed the following information: 1. Job Description and Person Specification 2. Summary of the main terms and conditions for the post 3. Information about the FSC (Please also visit: www.field-studies-council.org) You can download a word version of the application form from our website: www.field-studiescouncil.org/vacancies For this post you will need the application form for Education posts. If you wish to apply for this position please: 1. Complete the application form as fully as possible 2. Write a short covering letter explaining why you are applying for the position and how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role Completed forms and covering letter should be returned for the attention of: Human Resources, FSC Head Office, Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 1HW Alternatively you can email your application to: hr@field-studies-council.org The closing date for receipt of your completed application form and covering letter is: 12 noon on Tuesday 14 th January 2014. Interviews will be held on Thursday 23 rd January 2014 in Belfast. Ideally, the successful applicant will be able to take up the appointment from March 2014. If you have any queries regarding this vacancy please call Human Resources on 01743 852119. We look forward to receiving your application in due course. Noel Elliott Head of FSC Northern Ireland Field Studies Council is a limited company No. 412621 and a Charity, registered in England and Wales No. 313364 and registered in Scotland, No. SC039870. Registered Office: Preston Montford, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 1HW.
JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Based at: Reports to: OPAL NATIONAL SCHOOLS OFFICER: Northern Ireland (Part time) FSC Belfast (Titanic Quarter) FSC Regional Manager, Northern Ireland This post currently holds no line management responsibility Background to Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) OPAL is a community-focused education and research programme about the environment. The basic concept is to go out into the community to engage members of the public in environmental research and outdoor learning, and together, explore and better understand the places where people live and work. The objectives are to give people a purpose to spend more time outdoors; to educate; to inspire a new generation of environmentalists; to encourage collaboration between statutory, voluntary and community sectors; and to gain a greater understanding of the state of the environment, thus contributing to research and policy. Over the first 5 years of the OPAL project, the FSC was one of the leading partners in delivering its successes. We led the OPAL schools programme, publishing and distributing over 235,000 survey packs to schools. FSC delivered outdoor science sessions to over 13,500 pupils, 46% of which were in deprived areas or with hard-to-reach groups. Over 500 teachers, and group leaders, attended training sessions that covered how to use the survey packs and the practicalities of managing groups outdoors. This project will build upon previous work done in the OPAL project by expanding into new areas in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. People most-in-need, who have not previously taken part in environmental science activities, will be given the opportunity to participate in recording, monitoring and educational activities. Planned beneficiaries will be of all ages, but particular attention under the new programme will be given to those aged 0-24 years, who will be provided with training, practical experience, tools and the support needed to get out into nature and record plants, animals and fungi. Participants will gain a better understanding of environmental issues affecting their area, through active involvement in monitoring, observation and assessment. They will have a better sense of ownership of their local environment and be able to take pride in their area, while at the same time having a positive impact on their local natural environment. They will experience increased confidence and self-esteem, develop new environmental skills and, as a new element to OPAL-UK, will be given the opportunity to gain an accredited qualification. The project will strengthen collaboration between statutory, voluntary and community sectors to break down barriers in communities and increase social cohesion. Overall Job purpose: This role involves working with teaching staff and students from secondary schools to deliver an ambitious programme of outdoor learning in economically deprived areas of Northern Ireland, with a focus on Belfast. This includes providing engaging OPAL outdoor learning experiences for over 4500 secondary school students and training over 110 teachers over the lifetime of the project. These activities will predominantly be delivered in Parks and open spaces in Belfast, on school premises and other urban areas. Each session with young people will include an OPAL investigation (there are already 7 packs produced to use with young people). The successful candidate will ensure these sessions are closely linked to the Revised Curriculum at KS3 and engaging and relevant to all participating learners. The post holder will also work with FSC Northern Ireland staff to develop their involvement in OPAL, and also to develop linked extension activities to be used throughout Northern Ireland and at other FSC learning locations. The post holder will develop, plan and deliver out-of-classroom learning activities primarily to a secondary school audience; engaging and enthusing students of science and assisting FSC to achieve their goal of Inspiring Environmental Understanding through first-hand experience. The post holder will be expected to lead groups of all abilities in the natural environment, with the ability to provide an appropriate standard of care for our learners and make a wide-ranging contribution to the work of FSC Northern Ireland. The Core Values that we regard as essential for every member of staff include: a passion to deliver the highest standards of customer care; honesty and openness; an ability to work safely; a desire to show pride in all aspects of
their work; a flexible approach with a willingness to adapt to changes within the learning location; and a commitment to inspiring environmental understanding through first-hand experience. This is essentially an active role and will require the post holder to be able to carry out duties associated with effectively managing groups in outdoor learning locations, which may be remote, whilst ensuring the health and safety of the group at all times, including carrying safety sacks.
Key Responsibilities Learning and teaching Deliver engaging and imaginative outdoor learning sessions, based on OPAL pack investigations, tailored to secondary school learners, and including teacher training sessions Actively promote OPAL through networking, social media, web resources and direct marketing to schools; ensuring we attract the number of learners required to meet our funders targets Deliver activities in a safe, effective and engaging manner, responding to the needs of the group by changing the pace and style of delivery as appropriate Ensure that learning sessions have relevance to the Northern Ireland Curriculum and awarding body Specifications Provide training to deliverers supporting community events to ensure active use of the packs and support follow up projects by community groups Resource & Project Development Ensure all OPAL resources are prepared and available for activities, producing plans for activities and identifying appropriate learning outcomes linked to the Northern Ireland Curriculum Work under the direction of the Head of FSC Northern Ireland to develop resources to support out-ofclassroom learning experiences to a wide-ranging audience of formal and informal educational groups Management and administration Deliver and fulfil the FSC s role within the OPAL project, meeting and reporting on targets set by our funders. Maintain regular contact and liaison with the OPAL Project management team, project partners and FSC staff as appropriate Work closely with the FSC Northern Ireland administration team to ensure the bookings and administration process for OPAL sessions is efficient and effective, ensuring the OPAL learner targets are met Deal effectively and efficiently with enquiries, outlining the different learning opportunities that can be offered across FSC Northern Ireland at both FSC Belfast and FSC Derrygonnelly Liaise with accompanying staff to ensure programmes meet their requirements Finance, monitoring and reporting General Manage the project budget; complete quarterly budget returns ensuring they are submitted accurately and on time to the OPAL management team Maintain a database of OPAL learners, track outcomes and report on these as required, including the timely production of an annual project report Review the success of FSC Northern Ireland OPAL work and share best practice with FSC staff Comply with all relevant legislation / FSC Operating Codes of Practice Maintain a high standard of customer service and ensure the highest standards of quality are achieved in all duties carried out Have a full driving licence with access to your own transport Work closely with other learning location staff to ensure that appropriate levels of service are maintained during absences and periods of high workload Attend staff meetings as well as FSC internal and external training as required, in order to share best practice and improve team and learning location performance, and participate fully in staff development activities (sometimes this may involve travel to other learning locations with the occasional overnight stay) Fulfil your obligations under the FSC Behaviour Partnership Contribute to the positive environmental performance of FSC Northern Ireland Any other duties that may reasonably be required by the Head of FSC Northern Ireland to ensure the smooth and efficient running of FSC Northern Ireland Issued December 2013: This job description should be seen as enabling rather than restrictive, and will be subject to regular review.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Post Title: OPAL Education Officer Location: FSC Northern Ireland ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE FACTORS FOR THE POST 1. EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS E D How is this identified? Degree in Science / Environmental Science or closely allied discipline Application Form/Interview PGCE or equivalent Application/Interview 2. EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 2 years+ experience of working with groups in either an informal or formal setting to include an outdoor learning focus Previous experience of delivering training sessions/workshops for teachers and/or adults Previous experience of the production and preparation of teaching resources A creative approach and obvious enthusiasm for the subject you are teaching, the outdoors, and helping others learn about the environment. Application Form/Interview Application Form/Interview Application/Interview/ Presentation Application/Interview/ Presentation Knowledge of the Northern Ireland Curriculum Application Form/Interview Have excellent administrative skills, including good IT literacy Application Form/Interview Organised, with good time management & able to meet to tight deadlines Application Form/Interview Experience of undertaking risk assessments Application/Interview Previous experience of working with non-formal education groups e.g. youth groups or family learning groups Experience of delivering at a wide range of levels including AS/A2, Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 Application/Interview Application/Interview Experience of fieldwork teaching in urban or suburban areas Application/Interview Proven track record in project management Application Form/Interview Database skills and experience Application Form/Interview Budget management experience Application Form/Interview 3. PERSONAL QUALITIES Trustworthy and reliable Application Form/Interview Good networking skills Application Form/Interview Enthusiasm and passion to develop this new project and drive it forward Application Form/Interview 4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS Ability to use own initiative: self starter, self driven and hard working Application/Interview Excellent communication skills, sensitive to the needs of others Application/Interview 5. OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES Ability and willingness to travel throughout the project geographical area Application Form/Interview Full Driving Licence
SUMMARY OF MAIN TERMS AND CONDITIONS Contract Term: This is a fixed term post for 2 years and 6 months in the first instance. Remuneration: FSC Grade: Senior Team Member FSC Salary Range scale points 16 19; part-time equivalent salary is in the range of 11,455-13,073 per annum (full time equivalent salary: 22,911-26,147 per annum) The point of entry for the post is normally the 1 st point in the range therefore subject to satisfactory performance and an individual review, the post-holder will have the opportunity to access up to 3 further incremental points within the grade. It is however assessed on qualifications and experience and for exceptional candidates only consideration may be given for appointment on the 2 nd point. The salary is paid monthly in arrears by BACS transfer. The salary scale is reviewed annually. Hours of work: This is an annualised hours contract which is based on a notional average of 20 hours of work per week (1040 working hours over a full year); this means that the weekly hours may be variable each week to meet the business demands. The post holder would be given a work schedule in advance and any amendments that are necessary to meet the business needs will be agreed in advance with the Line Manager. Weekend and evening work will be required. Evening activities and duties form an integral part of the post. Annual & Bank Holidays: The holiday year runs from 1 January to 31 December each year. You will accrue an entitlement to paid annual holidays equivalent to 5.6 working weeks during a complete holiday year. This entitlement includes the Public/Bank holidays or substitute days (as defined in FSC s Employee Handbook) when they fall on a contractual or scheduled day of work. Part time workers will receive a pro-rata of the entitlement. For anyone who joins part way through the year they will receive a pro-rata entitlement of the 28 days. In addition to the above, we recognise and reward staff loyalty by awarding additional paid leave days, based on length of service, up to a maximum cumulative total of 5 additional days paid leave (pro rata for part time). Pension: The post-holder will be eligible to join one of FSC s Pension schemes. Sickness: During periods of certified sickness the post-holder will be eligible to receive sick pay in accordance with FSC s sickness absence procedures. The payment of sick pay is subject to compliance with FSC s rules for the notification and verification of sickness absence, details of which will be provided to the successful applicant upon commencement of employment. Additional Employee Benefits: These include an Employee Assistance Programme, Life Assurance* and Health Cash Plan with Westfield Health* (*exclusions apply). Further details are given on appointment, as applicable, or are available by contacting Human Resources at FSC Head Office on 01743 852119. Probationary Period: This post has a 6-month probationary period, during which your suitability for the post will be assessed. Level of Disclosure Check Required: All teaching posts in Northern Ireland are subject to an Enhanced plus Children s Barred list check through Access NI. FIELD STUDIES COUNCIL (FSC)
BACKGROUND INFORMATION For 70 years Field Studies Council (FSC) has been providing fieldwork and first-hand learning in the environment for people of all ages. We aim to provide inspiring environmental understanding through first-hand experience to a growing number of learners with as few barriers as possible. The Charity has an extensive network of established learning locations sited throughout the UK and an increasing number of outreach locations. We provide residential and non-residential field based courses supported by distance learning resources through our busy publications unit and on the Charity s website. FSC s main area of activity is working with schools, providing Geography, Science and other courses to complement all stages of the Curriculum. University courses at all levels are also a major part of the Charity s work. In addition, FSC provides a wide range of special interest courses for adults ranging from painting and photography to the study of habitats and taxonomic groups and professional training courses for teachers and those involved in the environment. Eco-Adventures (a mix of environmental and outdoor adventurous activities) and family activity holidays are also offered. FSC believes in the benefits of working in partnerships and these exist at all levels from strategic to local. This includes all areas of our work and extends to a range of international partners as well as those based in the UK. The Charity s values are about focusing on the needs of the learners; delivering safely what we say we will do; being committed to continuous improvement and having an FSC wide perspective. These are achievable because FSC staff have a real passion for the work of the Charity and a pride in their role within it. Every role in the Charity is vital to delivering its mission and vision if this inspires you and you meet the requirements of the post we would love to hear from you. For further information visit our website www.field-studies-council.org FSC Belfast The Titanic Quarter (a waterfront regeneration project), provides a unique learning environment within which to develop and build an inspiring and distinctive educational offering in an area which is continually evolving. The dynamic, changing location and regeneration of the Titanic Quarter makes it an ideal site for both visiting and studying. A large proportion of the on-site courses offered will use the wide range of formerly brown-field sites available in the Titanic Quarter and the surrounding area for urban based geography, biology and history fieldwork aimed at inspiring environmental understanding through first-hand experience. Outreach orientated education will use sites, spaces and communities throughout the city for fieldwork. The office is located at the Arc Development within the Titanic Quarter, close to both train and bus links. The centre is currently staffed by a Teaching Officer, supported by a Regional Manager. There will be one classroom and an office space. It will be an important hub for developing innovative teaching approaches and resources most suited for teaching in an urban environment at all levels.