Job Description
Animal Conservation & Research - CREW Imperiled Cat Signature Project
Number of Position(s): 1
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 understanding, researching, and communicating activities and results of the Imperiled Cat Signature Conservation Project at the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
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 a 12-month term of service (October 1, 2025, to September 25, 2026). They will report directly to and be supervised by CREW Research Associate and Cat Colony Manager, Christina Bunner. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed, Monday-Friday.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide support for domestic cat veterinary care, including restraining cats, sterilizing instruments, preparing surgical packs, administering medications, and assisting during medical procedures and surgeries
Oversee the intake, processing, and organization of fecal, blood, and saliva samples
Learn and apply operant conditioning techniques to train domestic cats for medical handling
Support ongoing research projects in cat welfare and reproduction by learning techniques such as hormone extraction, video scoring, semen collection/evaluation/cryopreservation, fertility analysis, scientific communication, experimental design, and scientific writing
Train, mentor, and assist volunteers, students, and interns
Evaluate, track, and report on the progress of program goals and outcomes
Measure impact of and goals for program year
Participate in mid-year and end-of-year performance evaluations
Participate in professional development through in-service days, service projects, and training opportunities
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Skills
Strong written and verbal communication 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 to understand and interpret animal body language in order to work safely with live animals
Comfortable handling biological samples, including fecal samples, blood, saliva, and sperm
Ability to independently problem solve and think strategically
Ability to work and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
Strong attention to detail
Commitment to Service
Ability to fulfill a yearlong, 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
Bachelor's Degree required, preferably in animal science, biology, zoology, or a related field
Possess a strong understanding of basic animal research and study design principles.
Experience handling cats or other small mammals or a strong desire and willingness to learn
Willingness to expand areas of expertise and learn new skills to meet the challenges of working in a fast-paced research environment
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
Required
Valid Driver's License
Ability to travel locally when needed
To serve as an AmeriCorps member, individuals must be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
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, providing a negative TB test, 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
