Job Description
Sustainability Bowyer Farm Member
Sustainability Impact Member
Number of position(s): 1
ABOUT THE CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN AND AMERICORPS
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 on advancing CZBG's sustainability goals to be net-zero energy, water, and waste by 2026 and into 2027. The Sustainability team is working to develop the roadmap to meet these goals, as well as developing goals of regenerative environmental impact that go beyond our campus borders.
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 5, 2026 to August 24, 2027). They will report directly to and be supervised by the Sustainability Impact Team. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed Example: Monday-Friday with some evening and weekend shifts required and scheduled in advance.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Individually or collectively with other departments, generate internal communications surrounding the sustainability team's projects
Facilitate the management of projects located at CZBG's Bowyer Farm location that expands regenerative agriculture and sustainable land management. These may include:
horticulture planting, syrup production, agrivoltaics, regenerative farming, composting, stream and ecological restoration work, soil testing, and organizing ongoing research
Maintain proper documentation of projects at Bowyer Farm using GIS mapping software and other standard systems
Utilize GIS to track, plan, and streamline sustainability projects and help promote the use of GIS throughout the Zoo
Schedule Sustainability Tours, help give tours, and direct schools, or organizations to the proper channels
Coordinate with organizational partners, both at Bowyer Farm and the central Zoo location
Serve as liaison between the sustainability department and other AmeriCorps member's departments as a member of the AmeriCorps Sustainability Group
Assist with the collection of greenhouse gas data, analytics, and creation of environmental impact reports. This includes learning how to track and manage data related to procurement, utilities, etc.
Assist in the coordination of projects within the Zoo's Community Solar Resiliency Program
Help facilitate holiday drives for local schools and community partners
Assist with other positive impact and community projects such as greenspace installations and neighborhood tree plantings
Help expand and manage specialty recycling programs, coordinating zoo-wide communication, and scheduling pick-ups
Attend community related meetings and networking events
Evaluate, assess, and report various project 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 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 serve collaboratively
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 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
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required
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 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 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
$30,0000 total 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
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
