Animal Conservation & Research - CREW Bear Research
Number of Position(s) : 1
The ZOO UNTO OTHERS AmeriCorps Program
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (CZBG) and AmeriCorps have partnered to serve three communities in our region (Human, Wildlife and Ecological Communities) to further our mission and create a world where both people and wildlife can thrive and prosper. To this end, we have created service positions that bring a variety of fun, impactful, and conservation-based service opportunities that positively impact youth, zoo visitors, the animals in our care and our local environment. Examples of the impactful service the program provides are :
- Providing quality STEM education to poor PreK-12th grade students
- Engaging Zoo visitors, volunteers, Zooteens, and community members in conservation practices and behaviors.
- Creating and maintain Zoo and community garden spaces that create wildlife habitat and greenspace for residents.
- Maximizing the wellbeing of the animals in our care
- Creating conservation partnerships that amplify our impact.
- Supporting a variety of sustainability initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint.
This position will focus specifically on understanding, researching, and communicating activities and results of the Polar Bear Signature Conservation Project at the Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.
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!
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 1, 2025 to September 25, 2026). They will report directly to and be supervised by the CREW Director of The Polar Bear Signature Project. The selected candidate will work alongside other CREW scientists to achieve the Project's goals, which focus on developing methods with zoo bears that allow us to better understand and conserve wild bear species. Schedules will serve 5 days a week, 8-hour days and assigned as needed, Monday-Friday. Please note that this position does not involve direct work with animals.
RESPONSIBILITIES
General laboratory upkeep, including, but not limited to : Washing dishware, Maintaining and sterilizing equipment, Preparing mediaProcess samples (fecal, blood, saliva) from a variety of species, with a focus on bearsLearn techniques utilized in wildlife research, which may include (but not limited to) : hormone extraction, hormone quantification, biomarker analyses, semen collection / evaluation / cryopreservation, fertility analyses, experimental design, scientific writingData input and analysesTrain, mentor, and assist volunteers, students, scholars, and internsConvey scientific information to visitors and the publicEvaluate, assess and report program goals and outcomesMeasure impact of and goals for program yearParticipate in mid-year and end-of year performance processParticipate in professional development workshops through in-service days, service projects and training opportunities.QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Skills
Strong written and verbal communication skillsExcellent organizational skillsAbility to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and manage time effectivelyFlexibility to adapt to changing needsComfortable working with biological samples, such as feces, urine, saliva, and blood, on a regular basisWillingness to seek and use available resources to support problem solving effortsAbility to independently problem solve and think strategically and criticallySelf-motivated and results-drivenAbility to work and build relationships with people from diverse backgroundsAttention to detailCommitment to teamworkCommitment to Service
Ability to fulfill a yearlong, full-time AmeriCorps service commitmentDedication to CZBG, CREW, and AmeriCorps' missionsEnthusiastic and positive attitude toward helping othersProfessionalism
Dedication to CZBG mission, Core Values, and program areasWillingness to represent the CZBG to outside groupsMaturity and good judgment in relating to CZBG peers, partners, and visitorsAdditional Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree is required, preferably in animal science, biology, zoology, or a related fieldResearch experience (outside of coursework) and a demonstrated understanding of the scientific methodDesire and interest in working with people of all ages and backgrounds; demonstrated patience, rapport with, and understanding of underserved audiences.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 formsAbility to work evenings and weekends as neededRequired
Valid Driver's LicenseAbility to travel locally when neededTo 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 objectsMust be able to lift & move 50 pounds without mechanical assistanceAppointment is conditional upon passing a pre-start drug, providing a negative TB test, and providing information to establish eligibility and complete a National Criminal History Check.COMPENSATION AND 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 eligibleAmeriCorps 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.