Visitor Experience Ambassador - Arrival (Fall 2026)

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; Full time

Job description

Thank you for your interest in Zoo employment and career opportunities. We value core Diversity and Inclusion principles and invite applicants who share these values to explore the Zoo and the opportunities we offer. Search jobs and careers at the Zoo below.

About Diversity and Inclusion at the Cincinnati Zoo

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

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.

Available Positions: Food and Retail; Available Positions: Intern Program

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Intern Program provides participants with early career experience in a specific department. Interns gain valuable skills through hands-on training with staff, lectures and continuing education courses presented by staff from various departments, and networking opportunities to develop professional contacts throughout the Zoo community.

Qualifications – Intern Program

• Be 18 or over and interested in pursuing a career in the zoological or botanical field;
• Hard-working, highly motivated, professional, and committed to following detailed instructions;
• Positively approach team-based, collaborative working environments and engaging with visitors;
• Comfortable working with and/or handling many different species encompassing all taxa of animals; and
• Full availability to work the entire intern session and days required.

Working Conditions, Schedule & Commitment

Roles within the zoological/botanical field are often physical in nature and require outdoor time and certain health conditions to be met:

• Regular standing for long periods, walking, climbing, balancing, and grasping tools or objects
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions (heat, humidity, rain, snow, cold)
• Must be able to lift and move 50 lbs without mechanical assistance
• Internship is conditional upon passing a pre-start drug & nicotine screen
• Must provide a negative TB test result before beginning internship
• Applicants must provide proof of current medical insurance and maintain insurance for the duration of the internship
• COVID vaccination may be required if applicable to your department

If an internship listed does not have an “Apply Here” link, the internship is unavailable for the current session; please check back during the next application period.

Thank you for your interest. If you have additional questions, please email [emailprotected].

Virtual/Regional Experiences and Locations

Africa

Aviculture

Education

Elephant Department

Global Conservation Impact

Horticulture: Native Plant Program & Wetland

Night Hunters

North America

Primate Center

Wings of Wonder

Veterinary Experiences at Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Veterinary Technician Internship

Need to be a registered veterinary technician or actively enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program to be accepted for internship.

Veterinary Shadow Days

This can be a several-day experience that may or may not coincide with school requirements. Must be enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary program (student in 1st–3rd year).

Veterinary Externship

4–8-week externship. Must be enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary program. These are often scheduled 1–2 years in advance of the externship. Please inquire if you are in your 2nd or 3rd year of an AVMA-accredited program.

High School Students

We do not offer opportunities currently for high school students. Please reach out once you meet one of the requirements above.

If you meet the above qualifications and are interested in participating in the VETERINARY SHADOW DAYS or VETERINARY EXTERNSHIP, please fill out the form and you will be contacted by our veterinary staff to schedule if there is availability.

Veterinary Internship – review session availability and the application process for internships below. If the “apply” link is not listed, the Veterinary Technician internship is filled. Please check back in the next application period for internships.

Veterinary Technician Internship

Objective

Qualifications

Working Conditions & Other Requirements

Limited housing is available and is located across the street, providing easy access to the zoo