Wild Encounters Team - Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden : Job Details

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:

• Pay rate: $14/hour
• Start date: February 2/24/2025, with mandatory training from February 24 to March 7th.
• Programming runs from March 8 through October 26, with additional shifts during Festival of Lights (November/December) and Wild Winters (January/February 2026).
• Shifts vary 7 days a week, totaling 25-40 hours per week (not exceeding an annual average of 30 hours). Some evening hours may be required.
• Employment is part-time and non-benefited.

• Qualifications:

• A passion for education, conservation, and wildlife is required.
• Prior experience in animal handling or public interpretation is desirable. A willingness to work with a variety of animal taxa (including reptiles and insects) is essential.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences of all ages.
• Educational background in fields such as education, zoology, biology, or animal science is preferred (or equivalent experience).
• A proactive and energetic attitude, with a commitment to making a difference for wildlife.

The Perks:

• Performance-based pay increases.
• PTO, complimentary zoo tickets, and employee discounts.
• Incentive programs and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive, fun, and engaging work environment.
• Free Metro bus pass for the duration of employment.

How to Apply:

Submit an online application with a cover letter and resume.

Create and upload a video of yourself presenting an educational program. Videos should showcase clear communication, public speaking skills, and your ability to engage and inspire. Include a description of the setting and audience (if applicable) and provide a YouTube link within your cover letter.

Important Considerations:

• Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screen, background check, and providing proof of COVID vaccination.
• Employees must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

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.