IQA Wildlife & Marine Biology Role - Grow in EdTech in Columbus
Career & Market Insight
This is a niche specialist IQA (Internal Quality Assurer) role within the UK's vocational education sector, offered on a self-employed basis by learndirect, the UK's largest online learning provider. It suits professionals with existing wildlife, marine biology, or conservation credentials who want to transition into or expand their education and assessment career.
Career development highlights:
- Builds formal IQA credentials (Level 4 Award) — highly transferable across UK vocational and further education sectors
- Develops expertise in e-portfolio assessment and online learning platforms — growing areas in EdTech
- Exposure to awarding body compliance and quality frameworks strengthens your CV for senior academic or regulatory roles
Green flags: Flexible, autonomous working; direct line to Head of Faculty for support; CPD is actively encouraged and expected.
Red flags / things to probe: Pay rates are not disclosed and are discussed at interview — unusual even for contractor roles. The self-employed structure means no employee benefits (holiday pay, sick pay, pension contributions). This suits a portfolio career or a supplementary income stream rather than a primary full-time position.
Market context: IQA contractors in the UK typically earn £15–£30/hour depending on specialism and awarding body. Wildlife/marine biology is a niche area, which may support higher rates. If you're building toward a full-time education career, this role offers strong credentials but limited financial security on its own.
Through education, people can transform their lives and reach career goals. learndirect has been empowering individuals to reach the height of their potential for many years, with a forward-thinking digital approach.
As the UK's leading online learning provider, we have helped millions of learners gain qualifications that have led to exciting careers. Our work is to empower, inspire, and transform lives through flexible education made accessible to all.
From Access to Higher Education Diplomas and GCSEs to animal courses and accredited dental nursing qualifications, we offer education to individuals from all backgrounds and at any stage of their life and career.
Job Purpose:
To work within the online learning platform(s) and internally quality assure learner portfolios across wildlife, marine biology, and conservation specialisms in line with qualification specifications and awarding body requirements, to maximise opportunities for learners. To support the subject lead IQA and IQAs to achieve the required targets and contribute to the academic and operational effectiveness of the college. You will play a vital part in our learner journey and success.
Key Requirements:
- Degree in Zoology, Ecology and Conservation, Conservation Biology/Ecology, Wildlife Conservation, or Marine Biology (or related disciplines)
- Holds a Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices, or its equivalent
- Holds an assessing/teaching qualification
- Has substantial experience of working in or assessing qualifications in the animal care subject sector area
- Is familiar with the assessment requirements of the qualification for which they are the Internal Quality Assurer
Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:
- Internal quality assurance of learner e-portfolios
- Actively contribute to standardisation meetings as requested by Head of Faculty
- Uphold the organisation's Internal Quality Assurance processes, working with awarding bodies
- Provide support to individual assessors and relevant assessment team(s) in relation to course requirements, delivery methodology, and assessment
- Report on monthly IQA reports
- Maintain appropriate subject/expert knowledge (CPD) in the agreed subject areas
- Assist in tracking and reporting progress of learners as required
- Actively uphold all of the organisation's policies and procedures, including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, and GDPR
- Maintain robust and accurate IQA records and provide feedback to tutors and Head of Faculty
We operate a completely flexible remote working model. Working on a self-employed Contract for Services basis, the role involves tutoring students and assessing their work remotely via our online training portal.
Fees and payment rates will be discussed during interview.
You will be responsible for organising and managing your own workload whilst maintaining the highest level of standards. Each of our subject areas is faculty driven, and as an Associate member of the team you will have direct contact with a Head of Faculty to support you with caseload management, learner queries, and assessment processes.
What we are looking for in you:
- Subject specialist educated to degree level (see Key Requirements above)
- Holds or is working towards a Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment
- Has experience of internal quality assurance in a vocational setting
- Extensive subject knowledge
- Experience using a CRM would be preferred
- Experience of quality assurance processes and awareness of awarding body requirements
- RQF Qualification in teaching and assessing
- Substantial evidence of CPD
- IQA qualification or studying towards one would be an advantage
- Natural problem solver, able to reassure learners with queries
- Ability to work without close supervision
- Exceptional organisation skills
- Ability to give constructive feedback — verbally and in writing
Frequently Asked Questions
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