AmeriCorps - Zoo Academy Lab and Program Evaluation Impact Member

Cincinnati Zoo; Cincinnati, Denver (OH, CO); On-site; USD 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team at a renowned institution committed to conservation and education. This full-time AmeriCorps position offers a unique opportunity to engage with communities, provide STEM education, and support wildlife initiatives. As part of this impactful program, you'll work closely with schools, manage grant processes, and help create urban learning gardens. With a focus on collaboration and progressive thinking, you'll contribute to meaningful projects that benefit both people and wildlife. If you're passionate about making a difference and ready to embrace a year of service, this role is perfect for you!

Benefits

Living allowance

Education award

Health benefits

Childcare benefits

Training opportunities

Zoo discounts

Student loan forbearance

Qualifications

• Experience in data collection and evaluation is essential.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills are required.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects independently.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage the Zoo Academy calendar and lab placements.
• Evaluate program impact and collect data for reports.
• Assist with program evaluation and attend related meetings.

Skills

Data collection and evaluation

Strong communication

Customer service

Organization and time management

Flexibility and resourcefulness

Problem-solving

Relationship building

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma/GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Windows

SharePoint

Job description

Education, Zoo Academy Lab, and Program Impact Member

The ZOO UNTO OTHERS AmeriCorps Program

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) and AmeriCorps 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. We offer service positions with impactful, conservation-based opportunities that benefit youth, visitors, animals, and the environment. Examples include:

• Providing quality STEM education to underserved PreK-12 students
• Engaging visitors, volunteers, Zooteens, and community members in conservation practices
• Creating and maintaining zoo and community gardens that support wildlife habitat and greenspace
• Supporting animal wellbeing
• Building conservation partnerships to amplify impact
• Supporting sustainability initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is renowned for conservation, green initiatives, and a friendly staff. We uphold core values such as Collaboration, Positivity, Pride, Accountability, and Progressive Thinking, which foster a dedicated team focused on visitors, community, and future. If this inspires you, we invite you to join us!

ABOUT THE EDUCATION AMERICORPS MEMBER POSITION

This full-time AmeriCorps position involves serving 1,700 hours over 12 months (October 1, 2025 – September 25, 2026). The member will work closely with schools and teachers utilizing the Zoo's Living Classroom Education Access Fund (LCEAF), managing grant processes, guiding teachers, and collaborating on urban learning garden programs. The role reports to the Education Programs Team, with a schedule of 40 hours/week, Monday-Saturday, including some evenings and weekends.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Zoo Academy (ZA) Program

• Create a school year calendar for Zoo lab staff, indicating school quarters, lab cycles, PD days, holidays, and breaks.
• Communicate bi-weekly with the Zoo about student schedules, holidays, photos, and student highlights.
• Visit lab sites regularly to collect photos and stories of students.
• Coordinate lab placements with the ZA liaison and Zoo staff prior to lab start.
• Organize celebrations for students and staff at beginning, mid-year, and end of year.
• Manage student uniform distribution at the start of the school year.
• Write quarterly reports on program insights, highlights, and improvement ideas.
• Create content for external and internal communications about Zoo Academy.

Program Impact Evaluation

• Review program goals against learning outcomes.
• Assess and evaluate program impact and outcomes.
• Collect data, analyze results, and prepare reports.

General

• Attend meetings and trainings related to the role.
• Assist with program evaluation and assessment tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Skills

• Data collection and evaluation skills
• Strong communication and public speaking abilities
• Customer service skills
• Excellent organization and time management
• Flexibility and resourcefulness
• Problem-solving and strategic thinking
• Ability to build relationships with diverse groups
• Team collaboration skills

Commitment to Service

• Willingness to complete 11 months of full-time service
• Dedication to CZBG and AmeriCorps missions
• Positive attitude and desire to serve
• Drive to learn and grow through the experience

Professionalism

• Alignment with CZBG mission and values
• Willingness to represent the organization externally
• Mature judgment and professional conduct

Project Management

• Ability to work independently on projects
• Organizational skills for managing multiple tasks
• Attention to detail and prioritization
• Effective time management

Additional Qualifications

• High school diploma/GED and related experience
• Passion for wildlife and conservation education
• Knowledge of science and natural sciences preferred
• Experience with handling animals or willingness to learn
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Proficiency with Windows, SharePoint, Microsoft Office, and virtual platforms

Required

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Legal eligibility for AmeriCorps service in the U.S.
• Ability to perform physical tasks and lift 25 pounds
• Completion of background checks, health screenings, and vaccination requirements

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Living allowance of up to $30,000 over the service year
• Education award of $6,895 upon completion
• Health and childcare benefits (if eligible)
• Student loan forbearance options
• Training in environmental education, animal handling, conservation communication, and horticulture, plus zoo discounts
• Opportunity to make a community impact as part of a dedicated team