Education Officer

Background

The Royal Meteorological Society (RMetS) is the UK’s Professional and Learned Society for weather and climate. It is an independent charity and membership organisation, with over 3,000 members. RMetS membership is open to anyone with an interest in weather and climate, from enthusiasts through to academics and professionals, and is well respected internationally as an independent voice of authority on weather and climate, and for its work to highlight how important weather and climate is. Our aim is to advance the understanding of weather and climate and its applications for the benefit of all, of which weather and climate education is an important aspect.

RMetS programmes of work include:

• Advocating for increased education about weather and climate through developing resources and skills for educators.
• Engaging the public on the science of weather and climate including through our internationally recognised Weather Photographer of the Year competition.
• Publishing eight international scientific publications, to showcase leading research and developments in weather, climate, and associated disciplines.
• Engaging with and giving advice to governments and policy makers.
• Delivering training, events and professional accreditation to support our membership and wider audiences with learning and continued professional development.

Summary of Role

The Royal Meteorological Society is looking for an Education Officer to support the Society’s formal education programme. The Education Officer role offers a unique opportunity to join a small team in a dynamic and varied role, that will enhance your knowledge and significantly grow your network within the weather and climate education community. The role reflects the Society’s desire to conduct an active programme of engagement and communication activities to improve the weather and climate literacy of school leavers in the UK.

The Education Officer will report to the Head of Education and will be an active member of the Education Committee and Science Engagement Committee.

Main Responsibilities

The following outlines the main areas of work that this role will be involved in:

• Teaching resource development across a broad range of school subjects and levels;
• Quality Control of resources and assessment of materials submitted to the Society;
• Managing and promoting the Society’s Instrument Loan programme;
• Managing and promoting the Society’s communications with schools and teachers;
• Where appropriate, delivering weather and climate training;
• Supporting RMetS career activities, which could include producing career guidance, booklets, or running workshops;
• Provide scientific support in the development of content for our informal education initiatives, where needed.
• A good understanding of weather and/or climate science, through an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in meteorology or climatology, or a degree in a related subject (such as physics or environmental science), and at least 3 years’ experience of working in meteorology;
• Extensive knowledge across weather and climate, and evidence of involvement in activities to ensure ongoing current knowledge across diverse areas;

From time-to-time, in common with other Society staff, this person will also be expected to help with any task that is necessary to ensure that the Society and its events run efficiently and achieve the objectives set by the Council.

Required Knowledge and Skills

The Society is looking for an individual to take on this role who has:

• A levels or Highers in physics and maths;
• A good understanding of the education system of at least one Nation of the UK;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Manages their own working schedule without supervision, delivering to tight deadlines and balancing competing priorities with excellent attention to detail;
• Ability to work efficiently in a team environment;
• Ability to think creatively, be innovative and embrace new ideas, applications of knowledge and ways of working.
• Competent in working with basic IT systems and software packages;

In addition, it would be desirable, although not essential, if the individual has:

• A Level or Higher in geography;
• A demonstrable interest in wanting to improve weather and climate literacy in the UK;
• Experience of web content management;
• Experience of software packages such as LaTeX and R;
• Experience of teaching or supporting teachers in a UK formal education setting.

What you can expect when you work for the Royal Meteorological Society 

• Hybrid working, combining days at home and at the Society’s Headquarters in Reading with options to consider flexible working.
• Full-time role (37.5 hours per week), with options to consider part-time working (minimum 22.5 hours per week).
• 25 days holiday per year in addition to public holidays.
• 10% employer pension contributions.
• On occasion, travel within the UK will be required.
• Salary: £32-34,000 per annum

Recruitment timetable 

• The deadline for applications is 28th March 2024, however strong candidates will be interviewed as their applications are received.
• To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter through the RMetS JobsBoard.
• If you require adjustments to allow you to apply for the role (for example wheelchair access for interviews etc), please contact the Society to discuss ([email protected] / 0118 2080 142).
• The Royal Meteorological Society values diversity of background and perspective and is committed to treating all people equally and with respect irrespective of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.