AmeriCorps - Sustainability Impact Member

Position Overview

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 maintaining 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.

This position will focus on advancing CZBG’s sustainability goals to be net‑zero energy, water, and waste by 2026 and into 2027. The Sustainability team is working to develop the roadmap to meet these goals, as well as developing goals of regenerative environmental impact that go beyond our campus borders.

We build Collaborative Relationships
, display Positivity & Energy
, have Pride, Passion & a Sense of Ownership
, support Accountability, Mutual Trust & Respect
, and embrace Progressive Thinking
. These values guide our team of dedicated staff who focus on visitors, community, and the future.

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 August 24, 2027). They will report directly to and be supervised by the Sustainability Impact Team. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8‑hour days and assigned as needed (e.g., Monday‑Friday with some evening and weekend shifts required and scheduled in advance).

• Create and distribute communications content for various audiences and platforms about the sustainability department’s projects
• Serve as a liaison between the education and sustainability departments, participating in the Ameri Corps Sustainability Group
• Assist with greenhouse gas data collection, analysis, and reporting, including learning how to track purchasing and utility data
• Schedule Sustainability Tours, help give tours, and direct schools or organizations to the proper channels
• Utilize GIS to track, plan, and streamline sustainability projects
• Provide regular assistance to projects that expand the sustainability and regenerative landscape at the Zoo’s Bowyer Farm, including horticulture plantings, syrup production, agrivoltaics, stream and ecological restoration work, soil testing, composting, and organizing ongoing research opportunities
• Assist in the coordination of projects within the Zoo’s Community Solar Resiliency Program
• Help facilitate holiday drives for local schools and community partners
• Assist with other positive impact and community projects such as green space installations and neighborhood tree plantings
• Attend community‑related meetings and networking events
• Evaluate, assess, and report various project goals and outcomes
• Measure impact of and goals for the program year
• 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 Ameri Corps in‑service days, service projects and training opportunities

• Strong writing skills
• Strong data collection and analysis 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
• Ability and desire to serve collaboratively
• Willingnes…