Seasonal Keeper – Children’s Zoo

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a passionate team at an iconic institution as a Seasonal Keeper in the Children's Zoo. This role is perfect for individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment and are eager to contribute to animal care and guest engagement. You'll assist with daily husbandry tasks, including cleaning, feeding, and enrichment activities, while also interacting with visitors of all ages. This position not only offers a chance to work closely with animals but also to foster a love for wildlife conservation among the public. If you possess strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and a commitment to teamwork, this opportunity is for you. Be part of a family that values collaboration and progressive thinking while celebrating the diversity of our community.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and a positive attitude are essential.
• Experience in animal husbandry and public engagement is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily husbandry and maintenance of animals.
• Engage with visitors and support educational programs.

Skills

Animal Husbandry

Public Speaking

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

Degree in Biological Sciences

Job description

This year, we’re celebrating the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s 150th anniversary!

Thank you for your interest in Zoo employment opportunities, including AmeriCorps! If you share these Core Values, we want to hear from you. By checking this site often, you can learn more about the Zoo and what we have to offer.

About Diversity and Inclusion at the Cincinnati Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden CELEBRATES the diversity of our plants & animals, staff, visitors, and community. We believe the Zoo should be a place where everyone can be themselves. We strive for the Zoo to be a place where differences are recognized, welcomed, and celebrated through our culture, processes, programs, and very presence in the community.

We ACKNOWLEDGE that inequity is an issue we must confront and address. We recognize that some communities face barriers that limit engagement with the Zoo and our mission. We are working to understand these barriers and take actions that will support systemic change to benefit everyone.

We COMMIT to openness and transparency. We will seek out and listen to diverse voices to help us shape our role in the community and as an advocate for social and environmental justice. Recognizing that we cannot achieve our mission without a central focus on equity, we commit to an intentional path forward.

Join the Team

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and accepts employment applications and/or resumes for current open positions only.

Position: Seasonal Keeper – Children’s Zoo

Location: Cincinnati, OH

Job Id: 1196

# of Openings: 1

Children's Zoo Seasonal Keeper

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 the team!
We are looking for dynamic individuals to join our team as a Seasonal Keeper with the Children’s Zoo. This position would begin on March 15th and run through the end of October, 2025.

Position Summary: Alongside the Children’s Zoo keeper staff, the seasonal keeper will assist with the daily husbandry and maintenance of the animals in the collection. This includes, but is not limited to, cleaning, feeding, enrichment, and area maintenance. This position will be working in behind-the-scenes animal areas, as well as be a part of visitor-facing opportunities, with people of all ages. Duties may include related tasks and/or unrelated duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess and demonstrate the following attributes: strong communication skills (both oral and written); a positive attitude in the work environment and support a strong team environment; demonstrated initiative and a strong work & conservation ethic; appropriate professional appearance, attitude and personality to work effectively with Zoo staff members, donors, guests, and the public.

Employment Details:
Hours per Week: Part-time hours
Work Shift: 35 hours per week; weekends will be Tuesday and Wednesday; Time of shift: 7:00 am to 2:30 pm
Duration: This position will run from March 15 through the end of October 2025

MINIMUM DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Equivalent combinations of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will be considered.

Education & Experience:

• Preferred candidates have, or be working towards, a degree in the biological sciences or related field
• Demonstrated knowledge and a minimum one (1) year successful experience in animal husbandry and experience using operant & classical conditioning & animal handling techniques
• Prior experience with public speaking and/or guest engagement activities

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Successful applicants must demonstrate excellent communication and problem-solving skills, while applying good judgment, to deliver animal care and guest experiences that meet the highest standards
• The ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with co-workers (including staff, interns, students, and volunteers) and the public in a professional and courteous manner
• Candidate must be comfortable with guest interactions and in delivering public presentations
• Self-starter with demonstrated initiative and excellent follow-through
• The ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening and weekend hours
• Be timely and reliable in attendance and performance

Working Conditions: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a post-offer, pre-employment drug & nicotine screen & background check. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance and grasp objects. In addition, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions; Must be able to lift & move 50 pounds without mechanical assistance; possess a valid driver’s license (and insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle).

Pay: $15.00/hour
To apply for this position: A Cover letter and resume are required for a complete application. Job posting will close on 2/23/25.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with the intent of filling the position as soon as possible with the best candidate.