What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wild Encounters Team position at Cincinnati Zoo?
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for many things : our conservation efforts, our green initiatives, and 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 the team!
Applications for our 2025 Wild Encounters Team are now being accepted! Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted with a goal to have all positions filled by Early February. Apply today!!
About the Wild Encounters Program : The Wild Encounters team specializes in delivering meaningful educational experiences that connect visitors to wildlife. Through hands-on activities, animal presentations, and interactive chats, we aim to inspire a love of nature, foster curiosity, and encourage conservation action. This department plays a vital role in creating genuine moments that bring visitors "close enough to care," leaving them empowered to make a difference for wildlife.
Primary Responsibilities : As a Wild Encounters Interpreter, your primary goal is to educate and inspire visitors through engaging, conservation-focused experiences, including :
- Facilitating interactive experiences such as giraffe feedings, goat contact yard interactions, and guided exploration of Roo Valley and other habitats.
- Delivering conservation-focused messaging that motivates visitors to care about and act for wildlife.
- Hosting animal chats using storytelling techniques and public speaking to captivate audiences and emphasize wildlife conservation.
- Facilitating smooth visitor movement to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere across the zoo.
- Handling ambassador animals (e.g., reptiles, arthropods) for educational programming, both on zoo grounds
- and at private events.
- Guiding and enriching visitor experiences in immersive spaces like the World of the Insect building and Butterfly Aviary.
- Working collaboratively with a diverse team of staff, volunteers and ZooTeens to deliver seamless guest experiences.
- Maintaining safety protocols in all animal interactions and visitor engagement activities.
Throughout these responsibilities, you'll serve as a conservation ambassador , empowering visitors to take meaningful steps to protect wildlife and their habitats.
Position Details :
The Perks :
How to Apply :
Important Considerations :
Join us in creating unforgettable experiences that connect people with wildlife and inspire them to make a difference. Be a part of something bigger-help us shape the future of conservation, one visitor at a time!
We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization's diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion.
Salary : $14
