Job Description
Sustainability Internship or Co-op Position (paid)
This position will focus on advancing CZBG's sustainability goals to be net-zero energy, water, and waste by 2025. The Sustainability Team is developing a roadmap to meet these goals and developing goals of regenerative environmental impact that go beyond our campus borders. The tasks and responsibilities of this position are varied but mostly relate to the Zoo's sustainable agriculture program, composting and recycling efforts, and our sustainability communications.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for many things - our conservation efforts, our green initiatives, our friendly staff... but did you know that we have a strong set of core values that make us the best team around, and a Top Workplace in Cincinnati? We're more than coworkers... we're family. By building Collaborative Relationships, displaying Positivity & Energy, having Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership, supporting Accountability, Mutual Trust & Respect, and embracing Progressive Thinking, we have built a team of dedicated staff that focuses on our visitors, our community, & our future.
This is what we believe and how we act. If this gets you fired up, we look forward to having you join our team!
ABOUT THE POSITION
Hours per week are pre-determined and can range between 25-40, based on the candidate's and the Sustainability Team's schedules. This will be a summer 2024 position (May-August), with flexibility in the start and end dates. Weekly hours and start/end dates of the position will be discussed and agreed upon by the candidate and the Sustainability Team before the position's start date.
They will report directly to and be supervised by the Sustainability Team. Schedules will serve 3-5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed Example: Monday-Friday. Some weekends and holidays may be required due to and rotating harvest schedules within the Cincinnati Zoo's hydroponics container farming program.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist the Zoo's hydroponics technician with the daily operations and maintenance of our on-site hydroponics container farming program, including the seeding, transplanting, and harvesting of produce.
Analyze, evaluate, and monitor data related to costs, yields, and savings associated with the sustainable agriculture program.
Create, update, and deliver sustainability content for our internal and external communications streams. This includes working on Vine posts, Instagram highlight reels, newsletter updates, website content, press releases, etc. and regularly collaborating with our communications department on media and output.
Assist with the writing and editing of internal sustainability project proposals.
Assist with research and grant writing.
Assist in the installation and coordination of community solar installation projects within the Zoo's Community Solar Resiliency Program (CSRP).
Work with sustainability coordinators and project managers in achieving our zero-waste goals, including assisting with the composting and on-site biodigester program, daily.
Help expand and manage a specialty recycling plan and program, researching end-markets, coordinating zoo-wide communication, and scheduling pick-ups.
Evaluate, assess, and report various project goals and outcomes.
Represent the Cincinnati Zoo and the Zoo's Sustainability team in a positive light, especially while attending zero-waste events, community events, meetings, and on-campus sustainability tours.
Give presentations and/or speak to the public about our programs and sustainability initiatives.
Assist with the development and management of projects at the Zoo's Bowyer Farm property in Warren County, Ohio.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Skills:
Strong writing skills
Strong data collection and analysis skills
Strong Communication and public speaking skills
Excellent organizational skills with ability to meet deadlines and independently manage multiple tasks and timely follow-through, with flexibility to adapt to changing needs and to work effectively with minimal supervision
Ability and desire to work collaboratively
Willingness to seek and use available resources to support problem solving efforts
Ability to independently problem solve and think strategically
Ability to work and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
Commitment to Service:
Ability to fulfill at minimum a 3-month commitment. Term length is flexible and there is room for the term to be set or extended beyond the minimum requirement.
Enthusiastic and positive attitude toward helping others
Professionalism:
Dedication to CZBG mission, Core Values, and program areas
Willingness to represent the CZBG to outside groups
Maturity and good judgment in relating to CZBG peers, partners, and visitors
Additional Qualifications:
A sincere love of wildlife and nature, and desire to share that interest with others
Knowledge of engineering, environmental science, biology, zoology, or a related natural science
Desire and interest in working with people of all ages and backgrounds; demonstrated patience, rapport with, and understanding of underserved audiences
Ability to use basic and some advanced functions of Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Publisher) the internet and web-based forms
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
Required:
Valid Driver's License
Ability to travel locally when needed
Ability to stand, walk, climb, and grasp objects
Must be able to lift & move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance
Appointment is conditional upon passing a pre-start drug screen, providing a negative TB test, providing proof of full vaccination status as defined by the CDC, and providing information to establish eligibility and complete a National Criminal History Check.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Starting pay rate: $15/hour
Extensive training, practice, and skill building in the fields of environmental and informal education, conservation communication, research, and horticulture for all audiences, as well as seasonal tickets and discounts provided within the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
Hands-on experience working with and operating high tech systems (i.e. the hydroponic container farms and the aerobic biodigester).
Making a difference in the community while being part of a dedicated team that is motivated to serve our neighbors.
We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization's diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity. We are a Ellequate Certified Leader in Workplace Equity. Non-traditional candidates of diverse backgrounds are not only welcomed, but highly encouraged to apply.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer
