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.
ABOUT THE ACCESSIBILITY AMERICORPS MEMBER 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 5, 2026, to September 24, 2027). They will report directly to and be supervised by the Education Program Managers. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed Monday-Saturday. Members serving in this role will serve in the Education Department assisting with special needs
within Zoo Troop, camps, school programs, Nature Club, in addition to programs designed for participants with developmental disabilities
This position will focus specifically on providing STEM education to children with varying developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to encourage awareness and connection to the natural world around us through the lens of special needs and trauma-informed care.
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!
Coursework and/or hands-on experience with youth through the lens of accessible learning, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed care
Strong writing, communication, and public speaking skills
Strong customer service 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 serve 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 serve and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
Ability to serve collaboratively with Education team members
Ability to prioritize time and responsibilities, including demonstrating good time management both in the office and during programs
A sincere commitment to inclusive conservation education and desire to share that value with others
Knowledgeable about behavior management strategies and best practices for creating an inclusive learning environment
Experience working inclusive informal, educational, nature, or recreational programs a plus.
Knowledge of informal or formal science education, wildlife ecology, environmental science, conservation education, biology, zoology and/or a related field
Knowledge of/education in outdoor education and/or urban gardens is preferred but not required.
Experience handling birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates or a strong desire and willingness to learn.
Desire and interest in servinging 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, Teams), web-based forms, and virtual learning platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
Ability to serve evenings and weekends
