Job Description
Global Conservation Member
Number of Position(s): 2
The ZOO UNTO OTHERS AmeriCorps Program
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) and AmeriCorps have partnered to serve three communities in our region (Human, Wildlife and Ecological Communities) to further our mission and create a world where both people and wildlife can thrive and prosper. To this end, we have created service positions that bring a variety of fun, impactful, and conservation-based service opportunities that positively impact youth, zoo visitors, the animals in our care and our local environment. Examples of the impactful service the program provides are:
Providing quality STEM education to economically disadvantaged PreK-12th grade students
Engaging Zoo visitors, volunteers, Zooteens, and community members in conservation practices and behaviors.
Creating and maintain Zoo and community garden spaces that create wildlife habitat and greenspace for residents.
Maximizing the wellbeing of the animals in our care
Creating conservation partnerships that amplify our impact.
Supporting a variety of sustainability initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint.
This position will focus specifically on wildlife conservation impact research and communications testing for zoo visitors and target communities to achieve our vision of facilitating a brighter future for wildlife and people through coexistence research. The goals are to innovate, evaluate, and improve our effectiveness in supporting both wildlife and people by focusing on increasing our 1) impact toward the threats to wildlife and causes for conflict with humans, 2) mobilization of our Zoo staff, audiences, and target communities through social science and behavior change research, and 3) elevation of our leadership in conservation and the zoo and aquarium field. An AmeriCorps service member's support to develop innovative projects with our field conservation partners and evaluate their effectiveness by developing strong scientific skills will enhance our ability to reach these goals.
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
The incumbent is a full-time AmeriCorps position serving 1,700 hours (40 hours per week) over an 12-month term of service (October 1, 2025, to September 25, 2026). They will report directly to and be supervised by the Global Conservation Impact Team. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed Example: Monday-Friday.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Complete at least one round of wildlife conservation impact research from design to implementation and evaluation:
Select 1 focal project from our signature conservation impact project list
Conduct research into literature and current threats to the species and its habitat
Design coexistence theory of change and evaluation framework
Design project methods for implementation and monitoring data collection
Data entry and statistical analysis
Write a research manuscript with the Conservation Impact team for scientific publication
Write report for CZBG and our partners about findings, best practices, and future research
Research best practices in effectively creating and delivering conservation messaging to inspire behavior change and mobilize action
Create storytelling material in collaboration with other teams across CZBG and coexistence partners to share with a variety of audiences
Develop & evaluate novel approaches, strategies, and outlets for communicating conservation messages to Zoo visitors, staff, and target communities with our global conservation field partners
Work with Zoo staff to review, revise, and update conservation impact talking points in the CZBG website, messages for all CZBG staff, interpretation plans, signage, and stories to more effectively incorporate conservation messaging
Create inclusive community engagement events with collaborators and partners to support and mobilize audiences to take conservation action
Work with field conservation partners and Zoo staff to collect reactions to and monitor target audience behavior to assess message effectiveness and conservation impact
Support the Conservation Impact team's achievement of the CZBG's 4-part mission by:
Creating adventure: Participate in data collection and communication about conservation projects led by CZBG and global partners.
Conveying knowledge: Inspire Zoo visitors and community members with wildlife stories to mobilize conservation action.
Conserving nature: Implement and evaluate methods to promote conservation actions to promote impact and coexistence.
Serving the community: Conduct social science to support community needs and promote wildlife coexistence in healthy landscapes.
Evaluate, assess, and report program goals and outcomes.
Measure impact of and goals for the program year.
Participate in a mid-year and end of year performance review process with supervisors.
Complete bi-weekly timesheets to accurately report hours served.
Participate in professional development workshops through AmeriCorps in-service days, service projects and training opportunities.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Skills
Strong writing skills
Strong data collection 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
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 different backgrounds
Attention to detail
Commitment to teamwork
Commitment to Service
Ability to fulfill an 12-month, full-time AmeriCorps service commitment
Dedication to CZBG and AmeriCorps' missions
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/ education in wildlife ecology, environmental science, biology, zoology or a related natural science
Knowledge of/ education in/ experience in formal education, or environmental education, conservation education, or a related non-formal education field
Interest in impact research and social 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
Ability to travel locally when needed, when the Zoo provides access to transportation
To serve as an AmeriCorps member, individuals must be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
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
$30,000 Living Stipend to be paid bi-weekly over the 12-month service term.
Eligible to receive an education award upon successful completion of 1,700-hour service term. *Value dependent on Pell Grant each year.
Health care and childcare benefit eligible
AmeriCorps status could qualify you for forbearance and interest payments on qualified student loans during service.
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.
Making a difference in the community while being part of a dedicated service team.
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer
