What are the responsibilities and job description for the AmeriCorps - Conservation Impact Member position at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden?
Conservation Impact Member
ABOUT THE CINCINNATI ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDEN AND AMERICORPS
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers opportunities for everyone! CZBG and AmeriCorps have partnered to bring a variety of fun, engaging, and conservation-based opportunities to audiences including youth, visitors, animal ambassadors, and more! Together, CZBG and AmeriCorps will provide quality STEM education to economically disadvantaged PreK-12th grade students, will engage Zoo visitors, volunteers, Zooteens, and community members in environmentally conscious practices and behaviors, grow and maintain Zoo and community garden spaces, facilitate data coordination for animal welfare excellence and conservation research, and support a variety of sustainability initiatives.
This position will work closely with Zoo managers and program participants in three Conservation Impact Department programs- Adult Volunteers, ZooTeens and Group Volunteers. The member will help 1) expand capacity through operational support of programs, projects and events at the Zoo and in the community, and 2) help develop efficient, effective training and evaluation materials and methods to increase program participants’ and visitors’ awareness and participation in our conservation programs and initiatives.
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!
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 1, 2025 to September 25, 2026). 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.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assists with training volunteers to increase their communication, confidence, and leadership skills
- Schedules, supervises and leads on and off grounds activities for volunteers and ZooTeens
- Assists with recruitment and onboarding volunteers and ZooTeens
- Coordinates logistics and communications related to participation in community conservation
- Create and distribute volunteer Newsletters
- Attend Volunteer roll calls and meetings
- Serve as additional contact for volunteers, answering questions regarding activities
- Collaborate with Zoo staff to review, revise, and update interpretive messaging on Zoo signage/exhibits and website 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
- Collaborate with Zoo staff to promote the Zoo’s conservation efforts internally and externally using online platforms (including blog postings)
- 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.
- 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
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Skills
- Strong writing 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
- Willingness to seek and use available resources to support problem solving efforts
- Ability to independently problem solve and think strategically
- Ability to work and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
- Attention to detail
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 work evenings and weekends as needed
Required
- 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.
COMPENSATION AND 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
- 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.
Salary : $30,000
