AmeriCorps - Accessibility Program Member

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati, OH

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent is a full-time AmeriCorps 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 the Education Program Managers. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed Monday-Saturday. Members serving in this role will serve in the Education Department assisting with special needs within Zoo Troop, camps, school programs, Nature Club, in addition to programs designed for participants with developmental disabilities This position will focus specifically on providing STEM education to children with varying developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges to encourage awareness and connection to the natural world around us through the lens of special needs and trauma-informed care. 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 our team!

Requirements

• Coursework and/or hands-on experience with youth through the lens of accessible learning, social-emotional learning, and trauma-informed care
• Strong writing, communication, and public speaking skills
• Strong customer service skills
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to meet deadlines and independently manage multiple tasks and timely follow-through, with flexibility to adapt to changing needs and to serve effectively with minimal supervision
• Willingness to seek and use available resources to support problem-solving efforts
• Ability to independently problem solve and think strategically
• Ability to serve and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to serve collaboratively with Education team members
• Ability to prioritize time and responsibilities, including demonstrating good time management both in the office and during programs
• Commitment to Service
• Ability to fulfill an 12 month long, full-time AmeriCorps service commitment
• Dedication to CZBG and AmeriCorps’ missions
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude that demonstrates a desire to serve and help others
• Contribute to the overall success of the Zoo’s LCEAF program but also seek out new challenges and learn and grow while in this position over the course of the service year.
• Professionalism
• Dedication to CZBG mission, Core Values, and program areas
• Ability to display maturity and good judgement through appropriate behavior in all service-related settings on and off Zoo grounds with peers, partners, program participants, and visitors
• A sincere commitment to inclusive conservation education and desire to share that value with others
• Knowledgeable about behavior management strategies and best practices for creating an inclusive learning environment
• Ability to use basic and some advanced functions of Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Publisher, Teams), web-based forms, and virtual learning platforms (Zoom, Google Meet, etc.).
• Ability to serve evenings and weekends
• Valid Driver’s License
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Ability to travel locally when needed & access to reliable transportation
• To serve as an AmeriCorps member, individuals must be a citizen, national, or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States
• Ability to stand, walk, climb and grasp objects
• Must be able to lift & move 25 pounds with reasonable accommodations
• Appointment is conditional upon passing a pre-start drug screen, providing a negative TB test, providing proof of full vaccination status as defined by the CDC, and providing information to establish eligibility and complete a National Criminal History Check

Nice To Haves

• Experience working inclusive informal, educational, nature, or recreational programs a plus.
• Knowledge of informal or formal science education, wildlife ecology, environmental science, conservation education, biology, zoology and/or a related field
• Knowledge of/education in outdoor education and/or urban gardens is preferred but not required.
• Experience handling birds, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates or a strong desire and willingness to learn.
• Desire and interest in servinging with people of all ages and backgrounds; demonstrated patience, rapport with, and understanding of underserved audiences.

Responsibilities

• Training on and handling live Education animal ambassadors, employing the highest care and presentation standards.
• Faciltate direct instruction for our Education programming that serves accessible audiences.
• Supporting community-based conservation service opportunities at the Zoo and at surrounding partner sites.
• Increasing our capacity to better serve our community by providing increased and direct support to children with developmental disabilities and behavior needs.
• Developing and promoting inclusive practices and resources across all Zoo Education programming.
• Resource for high school students (Zoo Academy students and ZooTeens) in conservation and environmental education and accessibility.
• Collecting and analyzing data collected from program participants.
• Review and develop curriculum for proven accessibility practice/universal design; adapt activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies to guide quality participation by all participants.
• Provide direct support to program participants with all abilities as needed during program activities and while moving around the zoo or in classrooms. This includes coordinating accommodations, so the instructors and supervisors are aware of how to best support the campers.
• Preparing materials & supplies for accessibility programming including creation of social narratives for our Education programs
• Develop and facilitate activities for family-centered Zoo Troop Celebrations programs containing Education for All families.
• Support facilitation of inclusion training for instructors as well as serving as a resource for all AmeriCorps positions that serve community members to provide access to trauma informed care, developmental and accessibility knowledge and practices
• Provide suggestions and adaptations to instructors and staff that will ensure individuals with disabilities are integrated and able to fully participate in programs.
• Provides direct support during camp activities, as necessary.
• Maintains open and effective communication with parents, participants, and staff about children’s experience and needs.
• Research and stay updated on best practices for accessibility and inclusion for programs
• Serve as a liaison between the camp team and 1:1 aides provided by participants’ caregivers, as needed
• Attend meetings and professional development trainings pertaining to service position.
• Assist with other program evaluation and assessment as needed.

Benefits

• Total living allowance of up to $30,000 to be paid bi-weekly over the 12-month service term.
• Eligible to receive an education award upon successful completion of a 1,700-hour service term.
• Value dependent on Pell Grant each year.
• Health care and childcare benefit eligible
• SNAP benefit eligible
• AmeriCorps status could qualify you for forbearance and interest payments on qualified student loans during service.
• Extensive training, practice, and skill building in the fields of environmental and informal education, animal handling skills, conservation communication, research, and horticulture for all audiences, as well as seasonal tickets and discounts provided within the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
• Making a difference in the community while being part of a dedicated service team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED