AmeriCorps - Sustainability Bowyer Farm Member

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati, OH

14h

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.

Requirements

• 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
• 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.

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

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level