Coexistence Scientist

Overview: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) is a leader in animal care, wildlife conservation, sustainability, education, and community engagement. Our mission is to create adventure, convey knowledge, conserve nature, and serve our community. We are committed to growing our active leadership in wildlife conservation, focusing on wildlife coexistence to facilitate a brighter future for wildlife and people.

Position Summary:

• The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) is seeking a full-time Coexistence Scientist to join our Conservation Impact team.
• This role will co-manage the Coexistence Impact Fellowship program, lead research on coexistence interventions, and facilitate storytelling to scale programs and connect with collaborators.

Key Responsibilities:

• Co-manage the Coexistence Impact Fellowship program, including professional development, storytelling, logistics, and funding.
• Lead research on coexistence interventions with global partners, Fellows, and Zoo teammates.
• Facilitate coexistence storytelling to enable program scaling and collaboration.
• Contribute to CZBG's conservation goals: wildlife conservation impact, community mobilization, leadership, and environmental justice.

Specific Duties:

• Collaborate with global partners on science-based solutions for coexistence, assisting with impact evaluation efforts, research design, data collection, and analysis.
• Supervise and mentor Coexistence Fellows, providing support in research design, data collection, and analysis.
• Support coexistence research on topics such as alternative livelihood programs, human-wildlife coexistence interventions, and campaigns to mobilize people to address wildlife threats.
• Contribute to the broader Coexistence Program by co-designing indicators of success aligned with the Zoo’s Areas of Impact.
• Co-design campaigns and coordinate events for Coexistence Action and specific community science or habitat improvement initiatives.
• Write research manuscripts for scientific publication and progress reports for CZBG, partners, and funders.
• Lead efforts in communications and storytelling by empowering Fellows to share their conservation stories through various formats.
• Develop strategic partnerships and collaborations with international conservation organizations and universities.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, maintain strong relationships with existing funders, and deliver required grant reports.
• Work closely with the Zoo’s Conservation Impact Team and Marketing team to design and implement campaigns that engage various audiences.
• Manage the selection and onboarding of new Fellows, overseeing logistics such as US visa processing and funding disbursement.
• Support program administration, including coordinating and promoting professional development opportunities.
• Facilitate connections between Fellows within their cohorts, foster relationships between current and alumni fellows, and create structured mentorship opportunities with Zoo staff.

Qualifications:

• Doctoral degree in conservation science or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in wildlife conservation, with at least 2 years in conservation research or impact evaluation.
• Equivalent experience in conservation program management, community-based conservation, or human-wildlife coexistence will also be considered.
• Demonstrated, strong understanding of impact evaluation, research design, and conservation science principles.
• Experience in managing conservation programs, fellowships, or capacity-building initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and data management tools.

Work Environment:

• Substantial contact with staff, volunteers, and other departments.
• Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, outside weather conditions, fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, and zoonosis. Moderate noise level.

Position Details & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Full-time, overtime-exempt position with comprehensive benefits package.

To Apply:

• Please refer to the full job description at https://cincinnatizoo.org/about-us/job-opportunities for even more details about this exciting opportunity.
• Please attach a cover letter and resume to your online application.
• Deadline to apply is Monday, March 31, 2025.
• The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is an equal opportunity employer and does not and will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, and/or any other characteristic or protected status.

Perks

• Full Benefits

Salary

• DOE