AmeriCorps - Animal Excellence Research Member

Animal Excellence Research Member
Number of Position(s): 1 The ZOO UNTO OTHERS Ameri Corps Program 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 maintain 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 specifically on
supporting a
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 Ameri Corps position serving 1,700 hours (40 hours per week) over an 12-month term of service (October 5, 2026 to September 24, 2027).

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 Zoo Monitor
• 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 Ameri Corps 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 collaborate 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 serve with and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
• Attention to detail

Commitment to Service

• Ability to fulfill a yearlong, full-time Ameri Corps service commitment
• Dedication to CZBG and Ameri Corps' 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
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude toward helping others

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 serve evenings and weekends as needed

Required

• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to travel locally when needed
• To serve as an Ameri Corps member,…