Behind-the-Scenes Experiences Tour Guide (Part-time)
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for many things—our conservation efforts, green
initiatives, and 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? By building collaborative relationships, displaying
positivity and energy, having pride, passion, and a sense of ownership, supporting accountability, mutual
trust and respect, and embracing progressive thinking, we have built a team of dedicated staff that
focuses on our visitors, our community, and our future.
This is what we believe and how we act. If this excites you, maybe you belong in our Zoo!
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is looking for a dynamic individual to join our team as a
Behind-the-Scenes Experiences Tour Guide.
The successful candidate will possess and demonstrate the following attributes: You model the example
for others to follow; you inspire others to work toward an exciting future and shared vision; you challenge
yourself and others to look for innovative ways to improve the organization; you foster collaboration and
trust and build spirited teams; you recognize contributions and celebrate accomplishments.
Position Summary:
This position promotes the mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden through the support of the
Behind-the-Scenes program.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Scheduling and leading Behind-the-Scenes (BTS) tours and virtual animal encounters. This also includes taking, editing, and emailing photographs to tour participants.
- Screening BTS inquiries from tour participants and the general public, responding in a timely, professional, and friendly manner.
- Helping collaborate in zoo-wide data collection and analysis as it pertains to tour sales.
- Other related duties as assigned to ensure the overall well-being of the Behind-the-Scenes program and to advance the mission of the Zoo.
Qualifications & Desired Skills:
A positive attitude and proactive, collaborative approach are required to join our team! You should
demonstrate an affinity with the overall mission of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and our core
values and behaviors.
An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the
job successfully will be considered. A bachelor's degree in Education, Biology, Communication, or a
related field is preferred. The applicant should have strong administrative skills, experience working with
diverse groups, and the ability to communicate effectively with both internal and external partners.
Exceptional customer service, strong organizational and project management skills to oversee multiple
demanding projects simultaneously, and command of Microsoft-based software and applications are
required. Comfort using a DSLR camera is preferred.
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both oral and written) skills are essential.
Attention to detail, strong planning and creative problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage multiple
complex responsibilities simultaneously are required. The applicant must present a professional
appearance, be timely and reliable in attendance and performance, and be able to work well with staff,
volunteers, Zoo donors and prospects, as well as the general public.
We hold experiences every day of the week, so we ask that applicants have availability for a 5-day
schedule spanning any days of the week.
Position Details:
This is a part-time year-round position. It offers 30 hours per week, with a maximum of 1,500 hours per
year. Starting pay is $14 an hour.
Working Conditions/Other Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screen and satisfactory background investigation. While
performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand and walk for long periods
while leading tours and must have the manual dexterity to use a computer mouse and keyboard. The
incumbent will be exposed to outside weather conditions and must be able to lift, move, or carry up to 25
pounds without assistance. A valid driver's license, insurability to drive a Zoo vehicle, and reliable
transportation are required. The ability to work a schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and
holidays is necessary.
To apply for this position:
Please provide a cover letter and resume. A request for three references may be made as the interview
process advances. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with the intent of filling the position
as soon as possible with the best candidate.
