Job Description
onservation Impact Member
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 work closely with Zoo managers and program participants in two Conservation Impact Department programs- Adult Volunteers and ZooTeens . The member will help 1) expand capacity through operational support of programs, projects and events at the Zoo and in the community, and 2) help develop efficient, effective training and evaluation materials and methods to increase program participants' and visitors' awareness and participation in our conservation programs and initiatives.
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 11-month term of service (October 5, 2026 to September 24, 2027). They will report directly to and be supervised by the Volunteer Program Manager. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed Example: Monday-Friday. There may be a need for after-hours or weekend availability on occasion.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Assists with training volunteers to increase their communication, confidence, and leadership skills
Attend Volunteer roll calls and meetings
Serve as additional contact for volunteers, answering questions regarding activities
Schedules, supervises and leads on and off grounds activities for volunteers and ZooTeens
Collaborate with Zoo staff to review, revise, and update interpretive messaging and resources to effectively incorporate and reflect current conservation messaging
Collaborate across multiple departments, including but not limited to Graphics, Horticulture, Animals, and Facilities to plan and create interpretive content for habitats and interpreters
Regularly review the Interpretive Guides in order to maintain accuracy and integrate conservation partnerships and projects that reflect the Zoo's comprehensive in-site and ex-situ initiatives.
Assists with recruitment and onboarding volunteers and ZooTeens
Coordinates logistics and communications related to participation in community conservation
Collaborate with Zoo staff to promote the Zoo's conservation efforts internally and externally using online platforms (including blog postings)
Evaluate, assess and report program goals and outcomes
Participate in a mid-year and end of year performance review process with supervisor
Complete bi-weekly timesheets to accurately report hours served
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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 need and to serve effectively in collaboration and independent capacities
Attention to detail
Strong writing skills
Willingness to seek and use available resources to support problem solving efforts
Ability to independently problem solve and think strategically
Ability to serve with and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
Commitment to Service
Ability to commit to and fulfill an eleven-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
High school diploma or equivalent
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 serve evenings and weekends as needed
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 with reasonable accommodations
Appointment is conditional upon passing a pre-start drug screen, providing a negative TB test, and providing information to establish eligibility and complete a National Criminal History Check.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
$30,000 Bi-Weekly living stipend over the course of 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
SNAP 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
