XAEO

Thank you for your interest in our Education Officer Post.

Education Officer, Nature in Art, Gloucester

Nature in Art

Nature in Art is the world’s first museum dedicated exclusively to art inspired by nature. Twice specially commended in the National Heritage Museum of the Year Awards, it celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2023. Open all year, the museum is housed in a fine Georgian mansion on the outskirts of Gloucester, and has a growing collection that is international in scope, appeal and stature. A purpose built education centre was opened in the museum grounds in 1994 so that we can effectively deliver hands-on experiences for all ages throughout the year.

The museum has a website: www.natureinart.org.uk

Our education programmes were specially commended in the National Heritage Museum of the Year Awards, The Times Educational Supplement and, as a result of the departments’ activities, Nature in Art was shortlisted for the Telegraph Family Friendly Museum the Year.

Nature in Art is owned and managed by a registered charity, Nature in Art Trust, established in 1982.

Art Education Officer

Nature in Art is committed to making the museum accessible to all ages and to provide worthwhile hand-on opportunities for all ages. Our work with schools and young people is a key part of this. The Education Officer has responsibility for Nature in Art’s work with schools, planning and delivering appropriate programmes for students, primarily from the primary and secondary sector, but also for students with special needs and other specialist educational institutions, home-school groups etc. They also plan and deliver a programme of holiday activity days for children and ‘dare to dabble’ sessions for adults. The Education Officer annually updates our education pack and, more regularly, the education sections of our website. In association with the marketing officer, they arrange dedicated marketing of the schools programme. They oversee the volunteers who assist with the education programme, and those that help in the museum and garden.

Running alongside the work with schools and young people’s work is a programme of adult art courses, also held in the Education Centre.  This is currently organised by museum staff, but close collaboration between the Education Officer and museum staff is required to manage the diary effectively. There may be times when the Education Officer will be involved in arranging and overseeing adult art courses.

Essential skills

  • Practical and varied art skills.
  • Effective communicator, good with people.
  • Ability to work with any age/ability groups.
  • Flexible work pattern including some evenings and weekends.
  • Good organisational skills.
  • Enthusiasm and self-motivation.

Desirable skills

  • Interest in nature inspired art.
  • Interest in gardens.
  • General art knowledge.
  • Natural history knowledge.
  • Experience of teaching in formal and/or informal education environments.
  • Driving license and own transport.

Responsibilities (Education)

Responsibilities (Education)

  • Delivery of programme for schools, children’s holiday activities, children’s groups (eg Wildlife Explorers/ play schemes etc).
  • Bookings and liaison with teachers, preliminary visits, preparation and planning.  Awareness of National Curriculum and education strategies.
  • Management of education and museum volunteers.
  • Overseeing garden volunteers in association with the director.
  • Assist with running Wallsworth Art Group.
  • Assist with exhibitions programme held in the Wallsworth Centre – eg. hanging, labelling, return of work when required. (Exhibitions organised by museum staff but displayed in Centre).
  • The Education Officer may be required to help deliver lunchtime talks to visitors, intro talks to groups, stewards’ events etc. and assist at events like the Christmas Fair.
  • Organising Education Centre mini craft markets.
  • Undertake some cleaning after school visits (with support from other staff).
  • Represent Nature in Art at various county based museum and education groups.

Occasional cover for other museum roles.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Oversee updating of Nature in Art website activity day and education pages.
  • Assist with planning Wallsworth Art Group activity programme.
  • Assist other museum staff with exhibitions/collection work/adult art courses when required.
  • Occasional cover for other museum roles.

Package

  • This is a permanent post, 208 days per year.
  • Post holder must be available throughout summer term and holiday period.
  • Unfurnished 2 bedroom flat provided free of charge including all services paid for by Nature in Art Trust in return for sharing museum unlocking/ locking/ security duties with another staff member resident in a separate flat.
  • £19000 per annum

The Education Officer is able to use the museum facilities and collections for their own research, art practice etc. when available, without any charge, daytime or evening.

This post is subject to appropriate DBS enhanced clearance.

 

Start date: The successful applicant will need to be in post as soon as they are able during May 2024 (if at all possible by the end of April 2024).

Application form available from:           Simon Trapnell, director@natureinart.org.uk

Application closing date:                          17.03.24. Interviews before the end of March.