AmeriCorps - Zoo Program Education Member

Ameri Corps - Zoo Program Education Member

Number of positions: 6

The ZOO UNTO OTHERS Ameri Corps Program brings together the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) and Ameri Corps to serve Human, Wildlife and Ecological Communities. This partnership creates conservation‑based service opportunities that impact youth, zoo visitors, animals, and the local environment.

• Providing quality STEM education to economically disadvantaged PreK‑12th grade students.
• Engaging Zoo visitors, volunteers, Zooteens, and community members in conservation practices.
• Creating and maintaining Zoo and community garden spaces that generate wildlife habitat and green space.
• Maximizing the wellbeing of the animals in our care.
• Creating conservation partnerships that amplify our impact.
• Supporting sustainability initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint.

This full‑time position requires 1,700 hours (40 hours per week) over an 11‑month term of service (October 5 2026 to September 24 2027). Members report to the Education Program Managers and may work Monday‑Saturday, 5 days a week, 8‑hour days.

• Train on and handle live education animal ambassadors, employing the highest care and presentation standards.
• Provide STEM education to economically disadvantaged PreK‑12th grade students to improve science literacy.
• Recruit, prepare, instruct, develop, and evaluate curriculum for the Living Classroom Education Access Fund (LCEAF).
• Teach programs with children with varying developmental and physical disabilities.
• Assist with teacher professional development, program instruction, and evaluation.
• Collaborate with a local public school to offer urban learning garden programs in‑school and after‑school.
• Support community‑based conservation service opportunities at the Zoo and partner sites.
• Develop and promote inclusive practices and resources across all Zoo Education programming.
• Mentor high school students (Zoo Academy students and Zoo Teens) in conservation and environmental education.
• Collect and analyze data from program participants.

Skills

• Strong writing, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks independently.
• Willingness to seek and use available resources to support problem‑solving.
• 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, demonstrating good time management.

Commitment to Service

• Commit to and fulfill a 12‑month, full‑time Ameri Corps service commitment.
• Dedication to CZBG and Ameri Corps missions.
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude toward helping others.
• Contribute to the LCEAF program and seek new challenges to grow during the service year.

Professionalism

• Dedication to CZBG mission, Core Values, and program areas.
• Display maturity and good judgement through appropriate behavior in all service settings.

Additional Qualifications

• Commitment to wildlife and nature conservation.
• Knowledge of informal or formal science education, wildlife ecology, environmental science, conservation education, biology, zoology, or a related field.
• Knowledge of outdoor education and/or urban gardens preferred but not required.
• Experience handling birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates or willingness to learn.
• Patience and rapport with underserved audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
• Basic to advanced Windows and Microsoft Office skills, and experience with virtual learning platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
• Ability to serve evenings and weekends.

Required

• Valid driver’s license.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to travel locally when needed.
• American citizenship, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, climb, and grasp objects.
• Ability to lift & move 25 pounds without mechanical assistance.
• Pass a pre‑start drug screen, negative TB test, proof of full vaccination status (CDC), and a National Criminal History Check.

• $30,000 living stipend paid bi‑weekly over the 12‑month term.
• Eligibility for an education award upon 1,700‑hour completion; value depends on Pell Grant.
• Health care and childcare benefits.
• Ameri Corps status may qualify for forbearance and interest payments on qualified student loans.
• Extensive training and access to Zoo & Botanical Garden resources, including seasonal tickets and discounts.
• Opportunity to make a difference in the community with a dedicated service team.

Equal opportunity employer, including disability, protected veterans, veterans and individuals with disabilities.

PI