AmeriCorps - Conservation Impact Member

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati, OH

21h

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.

Requirements

• 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
• 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.

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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED