Wild Encounters Team

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is known for many things: our conservation efforts, our green initiatives, and 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 the team!
• Applications for our 2025 Wild Encounters Team are now being accepted! Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted with a goal to have all positions filled by Early February. Apply today!!
• About the Wild Encounters Program: The Wild Encounters team specializes in delivering meaningful educational experiences that connect visitors to wildlife. Through hands-on activities, animal presentations, and interactive chats, we aim to inspire a love of nature, foster curiosity, and encourage conservation action. This department plays a vital role in creating genuine moments that bring visitors "close enough to care," leaving them empowered to make a difference for wildlife.
• Primary Responsibilities: As a Wild Encounters Interpreter, your primary goal is to educate and inspire visitors through engaging, conservation-focused experiences, including:
• Facilitating interactive experiences such as giraffe feedings, goat contact yard interactions, and guided exploration of Roo Valley and other habitats.
• Delivering conservation-focused messaging that motivates visitors to care about and act for wildlife.
• Hosting animal chats using storytelling techniques and public speaking to captivate audiences and emphasize wildlife conservation.
• Facilitating smooth visitor movement to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere across the zoo.
• Handling ambassador animals (e.g., reptiles, arthropods) for educational programming, both on zoo grounds
• and at private events.
• Guiding and enriching visitor experiences in immersive spaces like the World of the Insect building and Butterfly Aviary.
• Working collaboratively with a diverse team of staff, volunteers and ZooTeens to deliver seamless guest experiences.
• Maintaining safety protocols in all animal interactions and visitor engagement activities.
• Throughout these responsibilities, you’ll serve as a conservation ambassador, empowering visitors to take meaningful steps to protect wildlife and their habitats.

Position Details:

• Pay rate: $14/hour with performance based pay increases

Start date:

• February 2/24/2025, with mandatory training from February 24 to March 7th.
• Programming runs from March 8 through October 26, with additional shifts during Festival of Lights (November/December) and Wild Winters (January/February 2026).
• Shifts vary 7 days a week, totaling 25-40 hours per week (not exceeding an annual average of 30 hours). Some evening hours may be required.
• Employment is part-time and non-benefited.

Qualifications:

• A passion for education, conservation, and wildlife is required.
• Prior experience in animal handling or public interpretation is desirable.
• A willingness to work with a variety of animal taxa (including reptiles and insects) is essential.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences of all ages.
• Educational background in fields such as education, zoology, biology, or animal science is preferred (or equivalent experience).
• A proactive and energetic attitude, with a commitment to making a difference for wildlife. 

How to Apply:

• Submit an online application with a cover letter and resume.
• Create and upload a video of yourself presenting an educational program.
• Videos should showcase clear communication, public speaking skills, and your ability to engage and inspire. Include a description of the setting and audience (if applicable) and provide a YouTube link within your cover letter.
• Important Considerations:
• Employment is contingent upon passing a drug screen, background check, and providing proof of COVID vaccination.
• Employees must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Experience Required

Qualifications:

• A passion for education, conservation, and wildlife is required. Prior experience in animal handling or public interpretation is desirable.
• A willingness to work with a variety of animal taxa (including reptiles and insects) is essential.
• Strong public speaking skills and the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences of all ages.
• Educational background in fields such as education, zoology, biology, or animal science is preferred (or equivalent experience).
• A proactive and energetic attitude, with a commitment to making a difference for wildlife.

Further Comments

• Join us in creating unforgettable experiences that connect people with wildlife and inspire them to make a difference.
• Be a part of something bigger—help us shape the future of conservation, one visitor at a time! 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.

Perks

• The Perks: Performance-based pay increases.
• PTO, complimentary zoo tickets, and employee discounts.
• Incentive programs and professional development opportunities.
• A supportive, fun, and engaging work environment.
• Free Metro bus pass for the duration of employment.

Salary

• $14/Hour