AmeriCorps - Animal Conservation & Research - CREW Rhino AIRS Signature Project

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden • Cincinnati, OH

5d • $30,000

About The Position

The incumbent is a full-time AmeriCorps position serving 1,700 hours (40 hours per week) over an 12-month term of service (October 5, 2026 to September 24, 2027).They will report directly to and be supervised by Elizabeth Donelan at CREW. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days, Monday-Friday.

Requirements

• Eager to learn with an outstanding work ethic
• Extremely detail-oriented and organized
• Able to multi-task and anticipate needs
• Comfortable working with biological (fecal, serum, saliva, semen etc) samples
• Prompt and reliable in the areas of attendance and performance
• Able to work well with CREW scientists, zoo staff, volunteers, and the general public.
• Commitment to Service
• Ability to fulfil a yearlong, full-time AmeriCorps service commitment
• Dedication to CZBG and AmeriCorps’ missions
• Enthusiastic and positive attitude toward helping others
• Professionalism
• Dedication to CZBG mission, Core Values, and program areas
• Willingness to represent the CZBG to outside groups
• Maturity and good judgment in relating to CZBG peers, partners, and visitors
• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in biology/ecology/zoology or related field required
• A sincere love of wildlife and nature, and desire to have a career in a related field
• Knowledge of/education in wildlife ecology, environmental science, biology, zoology or a related natural science
• Ability to use basic and some advanced functions of Windows operating systems, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Publisher) the internet and web-based forms
• Valid Driver’s License
• Ability to travel locally when needed
• 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 50 pounds without mechanical assistance
• 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

• Lab experience is preferable, but not required

Responsibilities

• General laboratory upkeep, including, but not limited to: Washing dishware Maintaining and sterilizing equipment Preparing media
• Processing fecal samples from a variety of species
• Coordinate, train and manage volunteers.
• Train and manage quarterly zoo academy student.
• Evaluate sperm sample slides.
• There may be some work with other species as well (felids and polar bears), but the internship will focus on CREW’s AIRS research.
• Assist in sample management and handling
• Evaluate, assess, and report program goals and outcomes.
• Measure impact of and goals for the program year.
• Participate in a mid-year and end-of-year performance review process with supervisors.
• Complete bi-weekly timesheets to accurately report hours served.
• Participate in professional development workshops through AmeriCorps in-service days, service projects and training opportunities.

Benefits

• $30,000 Living Stipend to be paid bi-weekly over the 12-month service term.
• Eligible to receive an education award upon successful completion of 1,700-hour service term.
• Value dependent on Pell Grant each year.
• Health care and childcare benefit eligible
• SNAP benefits 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, 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