OUR PLACEMENTS

Placement summary

Tobermory Harbour Association recently opened The Mull Aquarium www.mullaquarium.co.uk, Europe's first catch and release aquarium, and they are now looking for a Marine Education Graduate to deliver a seven month project. 

The successful candidate will be required to create a working education strategy and marine education programme which will be integrated into the day to day running of the aquarium, with all staff being trained to run the programme.

Job description

Project Description

The Mull Aquarium www.mullaquarium.co.uk opened in 2015 and so far has attracted a footfall of 14,500 people who enjoyed a fresh new aquarium with a unique sustainable approach. Providing an interactive hands-on approach is at the heart of our day to day running, whilst we aim to foster curiosity and promote sustainability for our marine environment. 

We have been able to offer a range of volunteer opportunities to engage our community in marine science and have gained strong community support for the work we do. We now require a formal education strategy which will allow us to accommodate schools and visiting groups. The Marine Education Graduate will be responsible for the development of an education strategy and to coordinate and run an inspiring education programme for all ages and backgrounds. 

The project will directly contribute to the growth of our business through the promotion of a professional and up to date education programme which will attract new clientele. It will also benefit our community by providing an outlet for science education for local schools as well as contributing towards the growth of tourism in our area. 

The project will promote respect for the oceans on which we all depend and actions towards safeguarding it for future generations. 

Specific tasks of the placement will include:

Task/Activity to be achieved	Expected result of task/activity	Date task/activity will be achieved
To write an education strategy for the aquarium.	Key outcomes in learning for both formal and informal education will be established.	End of June
Develop a structured formal education programme, linking to the curriculum of excellence for visiting schools.	Produce an education programme manual with detailed lesson plans, links to the curriculum, resources needed and risk assessments. This should be easy to use so other staff can refer to it.	End of September
Design a structured education programme for people of all abilities and ages not in formal education, from long life learners, to toddlers and youth groups.	Supplement the education programme manual with detailed session plans for a variety of ages and abilities.	Mid July
Promotion of programme. To include liaising with schools, youth groups, nursery groups, U3A groups etc.	Gain bookings and establish new clients.	End of placement
Run the programme and train other staff members.	Income generation.	End of placement
Gain feedback from participants.	Evaluation of the project. Report to be written.	End of placement

 

The preferred start date for this role is 1^st June 2016. However, the successful candidate could start sooner if available. 

If you are eligible, you can apply up to six months before you graduate.

This position is part funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the European Regional Development Fund.

Qualifications

Preferably a degree in Education or Science. Other candidates may be considered provided they have the required skills.

Skills / Experience

Essential Skills

• A caring and proactive ‘people person’ keen to pass on knowledge.
• Excellent communications skills both written and verbal.
• Experience working in a learning environment particularly with children.
• Enthusiastic team player with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Working knowledge of the curriculum.
• Knowledge of the marine environment.

Desirable Skills

• Experience developing education programmes
• Experience writing risk assessments
• Proficient at word processing and ability to use computers effectively
• Full driving license
• Experience running outdoor educational events and confident handling marine life

Benefits

Company benefits

• Customer Service Training
• Development of presentation skills
• Knowledge development of the marine environment
• Attending additional external training when available

Placement benefits

This placement will provide an excellent opportunity for a graduate to learn valuable skills in the marine tourism and education sector and produce meaningful work that they can relate to in their future profession, as well as give them the stepping stone to progress with a career in this sector. 

As part of this ScotGrad Graduate Placement Programme, the candidate will also benefit from support from a team within Highlands and Islands Enterprise and access a four day residential course focused on business skills.

Additional information

Location: Tobermory, Isle of Mull

Preferred start date: 01/06/2016

Company information

Tobermory Harbour Association is a community not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The core business is provision of harbour and onshore facilities for marine visitors. In 2015, we opened Mull Aquarium www.mullaquarium.co.uk, Europe’s first catch and release aquarium, where the creatures are returned to the sea every few weeks. The aquarium is an educational facility to inform visitors about life on, under and beside our wonderful marine environment and promote sustainability for the future.

Tobermory Harbour Association has been in existence for over 30 years and is continually striving to fulfil its objectives.

‘To promote and develop improvements within Tobermory Bay whilst preserving the integrity of the Bay and its environs for the benefit of all stakeholders and the general public, by managing the assets of the Association to this effect, and to undertake any other appropriate activity in support of these objectives.’

Company sector: Tourism

Company website: www.tobermoryharbour.co.uk

Placement contact details: Lyndsey Bird
01688 302876