AmeriCorps - Accessibility Program Member

Education, Accessibility Zoo Program Education Member

Number of Position(s): 1

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) and Ameri Corps 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 green space 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.

The incumbent is a full-time Ameri Corps 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!

• Training on and handling live Education animal ambassadors, employing the highest care and presentation standards.
• Facilitate direct instruction for our Education programming that serves accessible audiences.
• Supporting community-based conservation service opportunities at the Zoo and at surrounding partner sites.
• Increasing our capacity to better serve our community by providing increased and direct support to children with developmental disabilities and behavior needs.
• Developing and promoting inclusive practices and resources across all Zoo Education programming.
• Resource for high school students (Zoo Academy students and Zoo Teens) in conservation and environmental education and accessibility.
• Collecting and analyzing data collected from program participants.
• Review and develop curriculum for proven accessibility practice/universal design; adapt activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies to guide quality participation by all participants.
• Provide direct support to program participants with all abilities as needed during program activities and while moving around the zoo or in classrooms. This includes coordinating accommodations, so the instructors and supervisors are aware of how to best support the campers.
• Preparing materials & supplies for accessibility programming including creation of social narratives for our Education programs
• Develop and facilitate activities for family-centered Zoo Troop Celebrations programs containing Education for All families.
• Support facilitation of inclusion training for instructors as well as serving as a resource for all Ameri Corps positions that serve community members to provide access to trauma informed care, developmental and accessibility knowledge and practices
• Provide suggestions and adaptations to instructors and staff that will ensure individuals with disabilities are integrated and able to fully participate in programs.
• Provides direct support during camp activities, as necessary.
• Maintains open and effective communication with parents, participants, and staff about children's experience and needs.
• Research and stay updated on best practices for accessibility and inclusion for programs
• Serve as a liaison between the camp team and 1:1…