AmeriCorps - Animal Conservation & Research - CREW Rhino AIRS Signature Project

Animal Conservation and Research
- Rhino Airs Signature Project

Animal Lab Management - Animal Research Division (CREW)

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.

• 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.

Service members will be trained in general laboratory skills and will participate in and may contribute to one or more research projects (to learn more about CREW's research, visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).). The individual's training program will be tailored based on the selected candidate's skillset and aptitude, as well as current needs of staff scientists.

American Institute of Rhinoceros Science - a model for saving species with science ex situ.

AIRS is a new, big initiative, taking rhino science and collaboration to a new level while helping to save rhinos from extinction. AIRS is led by a coalition of expert rhino scientists and is founded on the partnership between CREW (with its renowned Signature Rhino Conservation Project), and The Wilds (one of the most successful rhino breeding and management facilities). This large coalition will employ a multidisciplinary strategy to overcome the four greatest scientific challenges to sustaining rhino populations within our nation’s zoos.

The team recognizes that the scientific challenges are inter‑related and studying one of them in isolation will fall short of what could be achieved by tackling all of them together. In short, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. AIRS will consist of a team with individuals in all stages of their training/careers. The project will produce science‑based, affordable and feasible management recommendations for monitoring and controlling physical condition, iron overload, and reproduction, while ensuring optimal rhino wellbeing.

This program will set a precedent for saving species with science in zoos, a model with value for all species at risk in the wild.

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.

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 September 24 2027). They will report directly to and be supervised by Elizabeth Donelan edules will serve 5 days a week, 8‑hour days, Monday‑Friday.

• General laboratory upkeep, including, but not limited to:
  • Washing dishware
  • Maintaining and sterilizing equipment
  • Preparing media
• Processing fecal samples from a variety of species
• Coordinate, train and manage…