What are the responsibilities and job description for the AmeriCorps - Animal Excellence Research Member position at Cincinnati Zoo?

Animal Excellence Research Member

Number of Position(s) : 1

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 focus specifically on building a foundational zoo-wide animal behavior research program to promote an evidence-based approach to animal care and management.

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 12-month term of service (October 1, 2025 to September 25, 2026). They will report directly to and be supervised by the Animal Excellence Scientist. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed from Monday to Friday.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with standardizing processes of animal behavioral monitoring
Assist with writing and coordinating animal behavior research plans
Assist with analyzing and reporting behavioral data, through the use of Microsoft Office programs as well as ZooMonitor
Assist with onboarding and training of Animal Excellence Research Interns and volunteers
Assist with brainstorming and writing animal research content for Marketing / PR department
Provide support as needed to larger department of Animal Excellence
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

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Skills

Strong critical thinking skills, with an ability to independently problem solve and think strategically

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 fulfill a yearlong, 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

Recent college graduate with a degree in an animal-related field. Successful completion of coursework related to animal behavior is preferred.

Proven experience participating in the research process (e.g., study design, data collection, analysis), with animal behavior research is a plus.

Demonstrated professionalism, communication skills (both written and oral), critical thinking ability, and attention to detail.

Ability to use basic and preferably 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 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

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.

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