Wild Encounters Lead

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden•Cincinnati, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is seeking a Wild Encounters Lead to join their team. This part-time permanent role is designed for experienced animal handlers and educators who are ready to take on additional responsibility in delivering high-quality, mission-driven guest experiences year-round. The goal of this department is to create genuine and memorable experiences for our visitors by bringing them "close enough to care" through animal stations, interactions, and chats. The Wild Encounters team aims to inspire visitors with wildlife through facilitating interactive experiences throughout the zoo. Off-season responsibilities include updating and refining interpretive chats, supporting animal appearances and seasonal programming, and keeping animal ambassadors “program ready” through regular animal handling. Off-season responsibilities may also include data collection and evaluation, as needed. Assisting with training support and trainee shadowing throughout the year. Team members are expected to fulfill the above responsibilities while consistently pursuing and providing excellent visitor experiences.

Requirements

Demonstrated experience within Wild Encounters or similar guest-facing animal or nature program required.
Past animal handling experience is required.
Public speaking experience required, with strong ability to engage and inspire visitors of all ages.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and model professionalism and accountability.
Have or working towards a degree in education or a life science (Zoology, Biology, Animal Science, etc.) required, or an equivalent combination of training and work experience.
A passion for conservation, education, wildlife, and an eagerness to make a difference in our natural world is required.
Candidates must be at least 18 years of age or older.

Nice To Haves

Advanced interpretive skills with a focus on communication, storytelling, and conservation messaging preferred.
Experience mentoring or supporting peers preferred.

Responsibilities

Operating giraffe feedings, goat contact yard, Roo Valley, and other habitat areas.
Enthusiastically sharing facts and conservation messaging with visitors in inspiring, impactful, and audience-centered ways.
Hosting engaging chats and presentations throughout the zoo, including the use of microphones to relay animal information and conservation messaging.
Monitoring World of the Insect building and Butterfly Aviary.
Handling ambassador animals, including reptiles and arthropods, for public programming, private events, and other appearances.
Working collaboratively within a blended department of staff, volunteers, and ZooTeens, while modeling best practices and professionalism.
Upholding safety measures in animal contact stations and during animal encounters, as needed.
Supporting consistency and excellence in guest experience, teamwork, and animal handling across the team through leadership, initiative, and accountability.
Updating and refining interpretive chats, supporting animal appearances and seasonal programming, and keeping animal ambassadors “program ready” through regular animal handling during off-season (January–March).
Assisting with training support and trainee shadowing throughout the year.