The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden offers learning opportunities for everyone!  From camps to overnights, there are countless ways to get inspired by wildlife while having fun. Over 155,000 children, families and adults have a "Wild" time in our programs in each year!
 
Position Summary: We are seeking a creative and enthusiastic individual who has a passion for connecting children and families with nature and wildlife! This position helps us create and pull- off our fantastic education programs by focusing on logistical preparations, staff hiring, training, scheduling and evaluation of public programs and other events.  This position reports to the Senior Program Manager. 
 
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Recruiting, training, inspiring, supervising, scheduling, and evaluating part-time employees, instructors, and interns involved in Public Programs.
• Coordinating, organizing, and evaluating Public Programs including evening and weekend efforts.
• Leading by example and enabling every member of the team to act.
• Staying current and informed in trends and best practices in informal learning (Environmental Education, Natural History Interpretation, Participatory Education – specifically Inquiry Based Learning, etc.)
• Implement strategies designed to accomplish yearly budgetary and strategic goals for Public Programs.
• Working directly with children and families attending Public Programs with a specific focus on providing inclusive program opportunities for children with varying developmental disabilities.
• Working regularly with the animal collection to maintain the highest level of proficiency, maintains their status as an animal handling trainer, to offer high quality, innovative and fun programming that considers the needs of our guests, animal ambassadors, and takes full advantage of our animal resources. 
• Staying in touch with participant, employee, and intern needs and is prepared to review and update curriculum for various Public Programs accordingly.
• Other related duties as assigned to ensure the overall well being of the Education Department and its programs and advance the mission of the Zoo.

 
Desired Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education or one of the Biological Sciences.
• Strong knowledge and experience working with children with varying developmental disabilities.
• Experience working in environmental education or interpretive programs designed particularly for children.
• Strong knowledge of animal and plant natural history and an even stronger desire to convey knowledge to others.
• Aptitude for using operant conditioning methods when working with program animals.
• A strong conservation ethic and enthusiasm for wildlife.
• Embrace and actively demonstrate the Zoo’s Core Values
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both oral and written) skills
• Attention to detail along with strong planning skills, including ability to manage multiple and complex responsibilities at the same time
• Must be timely and reliable in attendance and performance
• Ability to work well with staff, volunteers, Zoo donors and prospects, as well as the general public. A positive attitude is a must!
• Ability to effectively use Windows-based software and applications is required.

Working Conditions/Other Requirements: 

• Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screen and satisfactory background investigation.
• Must be able to work a schedule that may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
• While performing the duties of the job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand, walk, and have the manual dexterity to use computer mouse and keyboard.
• Ability to lift and carry 25lbs and spend time outdoors on varied terrain, in all weather conditions.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable to drive a Zoo vehicle.
• Must follow current Zoo Covid-19 policies. Employees must provide proof of full vaccination status.

Position Details: This position is full-time, overtime-exempt, and is eligible for the Zoo’s benefit programs for non-union employees.  We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental & vision coverage, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, life insurance, park discounts and free passes.
 
To apply for this position: Cover letter and resume should be attached to your online application.
 
We strive to be an organization that is diverse and reflects the fullness of society. With a strongly held value for an organizational culture characterized by inclusion and belonging, we are committed to equity in all we do. We are especially interested in candidates who can contribute to our organization’s diversity and who want to walk alongside us in our commitment to inclusion and equity.  We are a Queen City Certified Leader in Workplace Equity.